A race that continues to see a rise in popularity was run for the 30th consecutive year Sunday in Graham County.

The Mt. Graham Hill Climb is the longest running continuous bike race in Arizona, according to event director Edward “Nippy” Feldhake III.

The race attracted 178 riders (a Mt. Graham Hill Climb record) from across the country.

Chloe Forsman, left, and David Glick had the fastest times at the 30th Mt. Graham Hill Climb on Sunday in Graham County. The race takes place on Swift Trail next to the federal prison and ascends up Mount Graham. Forsman and Glick are students at the University of Arizona. Event director Edward “Nippy” Feldhake III said the 178 riders who participated were a record. Photo by Brian Wright

People came from as far as the East Coast (Boston and New York state) and states including Utah, New Mexico, California and Colorado in addition to Arizona.

Not counting this year, 1,297 people have raced the Mt. Graham Hill Climb in the last 10 years.

The Mt. Graham Hill Climb is the official state hill climb championship.

It’s quite daunting, as well.

“Mt. Graham is the hardest (bike) race in Arizona,” Feldhake said.

The race starts on Route 366 (Swift Trail) by the federal prison, which is at 3,379 feet elevation.

The finish line is 20 miles away at Snow Flat on Mount Graham, which sits at 9,068 feet elevation.

The best male and female times posted at this year’s race were by two students from the University of Arizona.

David Glick, who was racing in his fifth Mt. Graham Hill Climb, had the best overall time at 1:27:45.

“The terrain, the climb is one of the hardest I’ve ever done,” the 27-year-old graduate student said. “The climb itself is epic. It’s brutal.”

Glick mentioned that he was relieved that no one from the Mexican national team competed this year because they had the top two riders in 2008.

Glick finished third overall in that race, which was his best previous result.

Chloe Forsman, a 22-year senior at Arizona, had the best time of any female and set an event record at 1:45:34.

“I’m starting to do a little more road racing,” she said. It’s certainly one of the best results on the road so far, so I’m pretty excited about that.”

Despite its treacherous terrain and heights, the race usually doesn’t have many injuries. Two people were injured Sunday, which Feldhake said is unusual.

James Riehel of Boston suffered seven cracked ribs and a dislocated shoulder. He was at Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center as of Monday.

Another racer from Phoenix broke his elbow in several pieces.

Those who stayed upright and healthy enjoy not only the challenge of the Mt. Graham Hill Climb but also the surroundings.

Forsman said she really likes taking in the view from the top of the mountain once the road flattens out and she has a chance to take in the scenery.

Glick has participated in competitive road races for the last five years, and Sunday was a major highlight for him.

“This year, I’ve done some big climbing races, and I’ve been riding pretty well, so it’s great,” he said. “I’ve been wanting to win this race for a long time.”