Mason Coppi, 27, of Colorado, winning the Cirque Series trail race at Snowbird. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke

LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON, Utah — Four out of six podium spots went to Utah athletes during Saturday’s sold-out Cirque Series trail running race at Snowbird, where 500 runners competed in the national event. Mason Coppi took first place overall, completing the nearly nine-mile course with 6,000 feet of vertical gain in 1 hour, 20 minutes.

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The event enjoyed clear skies, in contrast to 2022’s stormy race at nearby Alta, when runners faced hail. This year’s weather mirrored the sunny conditions at the 2023 Cirque stop at Brighton. The upcoming Cirque Series race at Alta is already sold out.

Competitors ranged in age from eight to their mid-70s and came from across the country. They tackled a steep ascent that included a passage through Snowbird’s ski tunnel, offering brief shade and novelty on the course.

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Women’s podium: Jane Maus (center) in 1st from Salt Lake City, Alexa Aragon (left) in 2nd from Salt Lake City, and Rachel Tomajczyk in 3rd from Arizona. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke.

Two men and two women from Northern Utah reached the podium. Jane Maus of Salt Lake City won the women’s race. Afterward, she told TownLift, “The race was really hard, there were extremely fast women out there. Also, it was very hot out, but it was so helpful to have water dumped on me at every Aid Station.” Maus plans to continue her season with Cirque Series stops in Targhee, Wyoming, and A-Basin, Colorado. “My race was was really fun, it’s absolutely gorgeous out here, and the competition is amazing.”

Men's podium: Mason Coppi from CO (center) in 1st, Hawk Call (right) from Provo, UT in 2nd, and Sam Hendry from Salt Lake City in 3rd. — Men’s podium: Mason Coppi from Colorado (center) in 1st, Hawk Call (right) from Provo in 2nd, and Sam Hendry from Salt Lake City in 3rd. Photo: TownLift // Michele Roepke.

“My race was was really fun, it’s absolutely gorgeous out here, and the competition is amazing.” Overall winner Coppi told TownLift after his race. “All of the Cirque Series stops are just beautiful, especially this time of year with all the wildflowers. I loved the energy from this huge crowd, and from the announcers, with the fun music, and these volunteers are wonderful.”

The event had a festive tone, with some participants wearing costumes, including cowboy hats, Hawaiian shirts and cut-off jorts. Runners had access to loaner shoes from La Sportiva and race-day snacks from Park City-based Kodiak Cakes.

Park City was well represented, with more than 10 athletes participating. Local runner Liam Snihurowych finished in the top 75 overall.

The Cirque Series also has races this summer in Washington, Alaska, Vermont and New Hampshire.