February 1st - 28th, 2026: Vertuary

*STRAVA VIRTUAL CHALLENGE*

28 DAYS. HOW HIGH CAN YOU CLIMB?

In January, we showed you a few of our favorite vert-grabbing routes. Now, for the month of February, it's up to you to see how high you can go. 

We will be tracking total elevation gain through the month of February to see who can climb the highest.

Awards for the top 5 highest climbers, plus folks who reach certain heights. More details below.

Instructions to participate:

  1. Join our Strava club - https://www.strava.com/clubs/798967
  2. Follow William Flanagan (Black Mountain) on Strava.
  3. Email contact@mountainrunningcompany.com and request to be part of the Vertuary challenge. 
    1. The challenge will cap at 199 participants.

Rules:

  • Participants must be members of the Mountain Running Company Strava club.
  • Only activities completed between February 1st and February 28th, 2026 will be considered.
  • All activities must be done on foot (run/hike/walk).
  • Only activities recorded on Strava will be considered. Activities must be posted within 24 hours of completion.
  • IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED FOR PRIZES/AWARDS AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, YOU MUST SEND AN EMAIL TO contact@mountainrunningcompany.com THAT INCLUDES:
    • Strava Name (if different from your name)
    • Total vertical feet climbed February 1-28th (broken down by week)
    • MRC location where you'd like to pick up your prizes

Awards:

  • TOP 5 HIGHEST CLIMBERS
  • MRC "GOAT" Award
    • All participants who climb at least the 45K feet over the course of the challenge.
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