Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Drink Water Rat Race 2015
My B-ball coach once told me you perform how you look. With that in mind, Jake Blauvelt must have looked pretty good finishing in 8th.

words and photos: Danny Kern

To be serious, or not to be serious? The Rat Race is one of those events where everyone seems laid back and nonchalant. The classic, “I don’t give a shit about my time or where I will end up on the scoreboard,” attitude is always present—but is that “all for fun” attitude just a front? Unless you’re Tim Eddy who took his time burning quick turns and throwing up cartwheels on the rollers. In reality, their palms are sweaty and it’s probably not because of the summer heat. It could be the bragging rights. It could be the super exclusive swag pile and Christenson Surfboards awarded to the fastest boarders on hill. Who’s to say? All that really matters are the unforgettable times that were had that day.

The 4th annual Drink Water Rat Race was a V baller event this year. Even though snow levels were scarce, spirits were exceptionally high. Austin Smith and Brian Fox along with the rest of the Drink Water family did a pristine job designing and building the course—and, not to mention, grade A event organization compared to the years past. This year, the course was located above the Palmer Lift and was only accessible by foot. It’s funny how hiking a banked slalom is more rewarding than lapping a banked slalom. As participants hiked their way back to the top, the riders were hooting, hollering, and keeping the energy levels high. At the end of the day, the generous sponsors and all the participants raised more than $20,000.00 for the non-profit, Water.org. It is amazing how such a fun event can raise a significant amount of money for the less fortunate. None of it would have been possible without the amazing people at Drink Water and all the participants.

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Drink Water Rat Race 2015
This banner may not look like much, but it says a lot about the group that hosts this event. Simple, raw, crafty AF, laid back, and much more. There’s no doubt that every person passing this sign felt something good inside.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015
Apparently things were a lil’ more organized this year.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Super serious, while not serious at all. Racing at its finest.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
The only thing bigger than Coon Head’s balls is his belt buckle.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
The men in charge. They kept it short and sweet just like any riders meeting should be.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Temple Cummins is comin’ around the mountain as he comes through the second turn of the course.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Ted Borland with proper style as he eases his way through the hardest turn of the course. Aka he’s oozing steeze.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
When on the glacier it’s key to stay hydrated by drinking water, and if the sun is still to much for you get your hands on a pair of Sidesurfers, handmade by John Murphy.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Dakine’s marketing mastermind Colleen Quigley rode her way through the nipple turn earning herself a top five finish.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Alex Yoder, pre-“Eat Shit or Die” award.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
When the team manager rips just as hard as the riders he manages. Too bad RIDE TM Tanner McCarty still lost his bet and had to take down a double of gin.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
These fine pieces of art were donated by the very talented Dawn Strout. Shouts to Dawn, I guess we’ll give Preston some credit too.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Nothing is better than having amazing awards to give out after an incredible event. Nitro Snowboards donated five of these custom Rat Race Quiver Pow boards which were given out to the top three unsponsored racers and the fastest sponsored man and woman.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
The creativity in the Rat Trap awards makes this event just a little bit better than it already is.

Drink Water Rat Race 2015 Snowboarding Austin Smith Bryan Fox
Colorado just whooped Washington’s ass. Harry Kearney is inarguably one of the fastest men in snowboarding.

Crab Grab Best Grab Award: Tim Eddy

Men’s Division Official Results

RankNameTime
1.Harry Kearney33.56
2.Blair Habenicht34.01
3.Austen Sweetin34.19
4.Curtis Ciszek34.69
5.Temple Cummins35.04
6.Josh Dirksen35.04
7.Nicolas Mueller35.07
8.Jake Blauvelt35.14
9.Alex Deibold35.19
10.Alex Horgan35.26

Ladies’ Division Official Results

RankNameTime
1.Hailey Langland39.07
2.Spencer O'Brien39.72
3.Julia Marino41.14
4.Colleen Quigley41.46
5.Stefi Luxton41.59

Non-Sponsored Division Official Results

RankNameTime
1.Alex Horgan35.40
2.Cale Meyer35.44
3.Dave Reynolds36.72