By Kate Bartlett
Saturday, July 27th, marks the third annual Good Climb Endurance Challenge at HoliMont in Ellicottville with proceeds to benefit Horizon Health Services. The event aims to foster improved mental health through physical activity, encouraging anyone and everyone to push themselves outside their comfort zones in order to build mental and emotional resilience.
With three different levels to choose from, the event is open to different ability levels, but pushes everyone to raise the bar and go for the grit. All courses scale up HoliMont Exhibition Area, and participants can take any of the three routes at any time. The goal is to do as many laps up the slope in the allotted five hours, progressing at your own pace. “When you think you’ve done as many as you can, go for one more.”
Once at the top, participants can refill their water bottles, take in the view with a few deep breaths, then hop on the chair lift down for a recovery ride. Prizes will be awarded for top finishers along with great swag for everyone. Celebrate a job well-done at the afterparty with a fully catered lunch by Market in the Square, beverages by Try-It distributing and music by DJ Tyler.
“This is such a fun event,” remarks Travis Widger, Snowsports Director at HoliMont. “The energy is amped and everyone is excited. The positive community of like-minded people in an atmosphere of support is outstanding. Everyone is here to have a great time, and push their own limits. People remember from years before, and try to do better than last year. It’s a great coming together of the community to support each other, mental health awareness, and outdoor fun.”
The event is very spectator friendly with great views from the bottom of the hill, as well as several spots along the course. The patio at the base of Exhibition Run will have Adirondack chairs and tables for spectators with food available and coolers welcome.
Throughout the course, there is over 700 feet of elevation gained. As mentioned, the courses vary in ability, with the route underneath the chairlift being the steepest but most direct. The two remaining routes are a bit less steep, but a little longer. The recovery ride on Exhibition Run chairlift is 2,400 feet long.
According to Widger, the event was inspired by the desire from John Baldwin to encourage mental strength and health through pushing your limits. The event has grown substantially since its inception 2 years ago. “The event has had great support from Horizon Health Services and Excelsior Orthopedics,” says Travis. “Every year we have more vendors and we’ve been able to support more and more mental health outreach.
For more information and to register visit https://www.thegoodclimb.com/