Great Divide race record shattered

Jay Petervary of Jackson, Wyoming, set a new record while racing the fourth annual Great Divide Race in late June and early July. The 35-year-old finished in 15 days, four hours, and 18 minutes breaking the previous record set by current race organizer Mike Curiak of 16 days and 57 minutes.

The Great Divide race runs 2,490 self-supported miles over jeep roads and trails. That means racers must carry all needed food, water, and supplies and restock themselves en route. There is no entry fee and there are no prizes. The route climbs 200,000 feet runs along the spine of the Rocky Mountains. A record-setting 24 racers lined up at the start this year.

Matthew Lee (Cannondale), winner of the last two editions of the Great Divide Race, also broke a record of his own when he broke Curiak's record, too, but it wasn't enough for the overall win. As if the official route wasn't long enough, Lee added the 221 mile Canadian portion before the main race event ever started. His cumulative time was 15 days, 22 hours, and 40 minutes.

Alex Field finished third in 21 days, 3 hours, and 26 minutes. Female racer Trish Stevenson gave the Great Divide a pass this year; she was spotted at the Tour de 'Burg instead; however, she retains her women's record of 21 days, 23 hours, and 47 minutes.