BOULDER — Wherever athletic endeavors are contested on the University of Colorado campus, the number 5,345 feet is clearly evident.
That number is CU’s elevation — and it’s an intimidating number for visiting athletes.
“Elevation can be an advantage when running here at home against sea-level teams if their coaches aren’t careful and prepared for the adjustment,” said CU cross country and track and field coach Mark Wetmore.
Wetmore has been beating elevation for 24 years and the Buffs have been winning titles because of it throughout his tenure.
But the fear of elevation is real for opposing teams and athletes coming to Boulder to compete.