CARRABASSETT VALLEY, Maine — Tim Whiton of Brunswick took home top honors on Sunday during the 2015 Sugarloaf Uphill Climb.
The 28-year-old Whiton completing the grueling course in a time of 29 minutes, 14 seconds. He had finished second in the race a year ago.
Olivia Amber of Lake Nebagamon Wisconsin, a student at Colby College in Waterville, captured the women’s title in a time of 36:11.
Competitors, who made up the largest field in the history of the event, battled brisk temperatures and strong winds along the 2.5-mile course that leads to Sugarloaf’s 4,237 foot summit—the second highest peak in Maine.
“This is the first time that we’ve ever reached the 225 race cap through online preregistration,” said Ethan Austin, Sugarloaf’s Director or Marketing.
Whiton, a graduate of Bates College, finished 29 seconds ahead of runner-up Zane Fields, while Colby’s Scott Harrison placed third in 31:06.
Amber took the women’s division while defending champion Tina-Marie Poulin clinched second place in a time of 38:10. Ellen Hands of Brunswick, 19, took third in 39:31.
The Uphill Climb is an annual tradition during Sugarloaf’s Homecoming Weekend. Other events included a Kids Climb, the Upcountry Artists Arts & Crafts Show, and the annual Carrabassett Valley Academy Used Ski and Sports Equipment Sale, which is ranked one of the top ski swaps in the east by Skiing Magazine.