Colorado trail runner vanishes after setting out on hike
Search efforts are continuing for Chad Pallansch, an experienced trail runner who was last seen Wednesday
Photo by:
National Park Service
Search teams scoured Colorado’s Rocky Mountain National Park on Monday for an experienced marathoner and trail runner who vanished on Sept. 27, after setting out on a 45-kilometre route.
Chad Pallansch, a 49-year-old software engineer from Fort Collins, Colo., was last seen at around noon on Sept. 27 and was reported missing the following day, according to the U.S. National Parks Service. Rangers confirmed his vehicle was still parked at the North Inlet Trailhead at the west end of the 1,075 sq. km park.
Pallansch’s itinerary was an expansive route of around 45 kilometres that included crossing the Continental Divide and travelling on established trails as well as off-trail travel through steep talus slopes. Potential travel areas include Lake Verna, Mount Alice, Chiefs Head Peak, Black Lake, Mills Lake and Flattop Mountain.
Rocky Mountain National Park officials said Pallansch had not attempted this route previously but that he is an experienced trail runner who has run several routes in the park, including Longs Peak more than 30 times.
In an update, park officials said 55 people were involved in search efforts on Sunday, including 38 search team members in the field, but that winds at higher elevations were hampering air operations. Search efforts have become focused on the areas of Boulder Grand Pass, Mount Alice, McHentry’s Peak, Arrowhead, Stoneman Pass, Chiefs Head Peak, Tatchtop, Powell Peak and Andrews Glacier. Teams were also searching trail sections on the west side of the park that were potentially on his route.
Pallansch is described as five feet seven inches tall, weighing 155 pounds, with brown hair and blue eyes. He is likely wearing a black ultralight jacket, black running shorts or leggings and a grey fanny pack. Pallansch had personal navigation with him, but the device was not designed for emergency assistance.
📷 MISSING HIKER ALERT 📷
Name: Chad Pallansch
Age: 49
Last Heard From: Around noon on Wednesday
Location: Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), Colorado
Description:
📷 Gender: Male
📷 Hair: Brown
📷 Eyes: Blue
📷 Height: 5’7″
📷 Weight: 155 pounds
📷 Fitness Level: Fit runner… pic.twitter.com/zchRsjVzsR— Missing People In America (@MissingPeopleIA) September 30, 2023
Search efforts have included air reconnaissance, a heat-sensing fixed-wing flight, as well as ground crews. Park rangers are also continuing investigations.
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