4 participants at Winter Park climbing event beat world record for below-the-knee amputees

On Saturday, Sept. 7, more than 100 people gathered for Range of Motion Project’s first North American Signature Hike. Thanks to a huge turnout for the event at Winter Park Resort, the nonprofit known as ROMP, raised over $21,000. The organization’s mission — to raise funds for those who have lost a limb, so they can receive high-quality prosthetics.

ROMP is based in Colorado, but helps supports amputees around the world, especially in developing countries where prosthetic care can be limited.

At Winter Park Resort, participants enjoyed sunny weather as they climbed the Ute Trail. The hike is 2.2 miles and was open to everyone, even if they wanted to do just one lap. But four people had a larger goal — beating a Guinness World Record. Julie Tolleson, Jason Malvar, Steve Crawford and Tanner Jones aimed to hike greatest vertical distance in a day for a below-the-knee amputee, which is 5,000 feet of elevation. 

The previous record was set in 2021, when Jon Hilton climbed 4,412 feet in a day. The four beat this record at the resort as they climbed up Ute Trail several times in six hours. While celebrating this personal achievement, they also raised awareness for amputees around the world that ROMP helps.

After the hike, community members enjoyed a celebration at Vicious Cycle Brewing in Fraser. Although the climb is over, people can still donate to the Winter Park Resort fundraising climb by visiting ROMPGlobal.org. The fundraising goal is $25,000 and the organization has almost reached it.

“This climb is just one of dozens happening around the world and our global goal is $500,000 this year,” said ROMP’s director of development and Fraser local Lauren “LP” Panasewicz. “We will hit $250K this week.”