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Vail Rec District’s La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series returns for 19th season

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April 7, 2015, 4:43 pm
The Vail Recreation District’s La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series returns for its 19th summer and will offer running enthusiasts 50 miles and 16,475 vertical feet in elevation gain on scenic trails throughout the Vail Valley. The series will take place Saturdays and Sundays and distances will range from five kilometers 3.1 miles to 13.1 miles.

lasportivalogoThe seven-race series will feature single track, mountain roads and double track and offer runners spectacular scenery throughout the summer. Details are as follows:

  • The first race, the Boneyard Boogie 11k trail run, presented by the Dusty Boot, will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16 in Eagle and take runners on a fun, winding single track on trails surrounding Eagle, Colo. This is a point-to-point race. Runners will enjoy a free brunch following the run at the Dusty Boot in Eagle. Should the course records be broken, the top female and male who break these records will receive $150, compliments of East West Resorts and Eagle Ranch Fitness Club. It’s also a featured event during the Eagle Outside Festival taking place May 15-17.
  • The race series will then take runners to Beaver Creek Mountain for the Summer Solstice 5k, 10k and Kid’s Fun Run at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, June 20. Runners will enjoy single track that winds through dense forest and aspen groves, showcasing a variety of terrain. The race is a benefit for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
  • At 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, the 39th running of the Vail HillClimb, presented by Vail’s Mountain Haus, will take runners from the base of Vail Mountain to Eagle’s Nest for 7.5 miles of uphill running. One of Vail’s longest-running trail running races, the HillClimb is a staple of the Vail America Days celebration, which features a parade, fireworks and more.
  • At 8 a.m. on Sunday, July 19, runners will be challenged during the Vail Half Marathon, presented by Howard Head Sports Medicine, taking runners on a demanding 13.1 mile run from the base of Vail Mountain, up and through Vail’s iconic Back Bowls and ending at Eagle’s Nest at the top of the mountain.
  • Following the Vail Half Marathon, beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, the Berry Picker 5k trail run, presented TIGA Advertising, will take participants on an intense 3.1 mile climb from the base of Vail Mountain in LionsHead to Eagle’s Nest. This is the shortest race in the series, but features an average grade of 14 percent.
  • Runners will then enjoy spectacular views and running during the 5k and 10k@10,000 Feet trail run, presented by FirstBank of Vail, which takes place at 9 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 23 at the top of Vail Mountain. Racers enjoy spectacular views along the entire course, most of which takes place above 10,000 feet in elevation.
  • The final race of the season, the EverGold 5k and 11k trail run, presented by Haute Route Gear & Apparel, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 and will feature single and double track trails on Vail Mountain with spectacular fall foliage. Stay tuned for start location and end-of-season party details.

A full listing and details are available by going to www.vailrec.com/sports/trail-running-racing.

Individual race costs are $32 for preregistration or $42 on race-day. Summer Solstice registration is $37 for preregistration and $47 for day-of, with proceeds benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. Runners also can register for the entire race series for $195 by May 15. Registration is available by going to http://www.vailrec.com/sports/trail-running-racing or at www.active.com. Runners will receive a Green Layer tech T-shirt following each race, featuring unique designs by Kind Design.

“We’re excited to announce the 2015 trail running dates,” said VRD trail running series race director Kip Tingle. “We’re thrilled to bring back our long-lasting partnership with La Sportiva and are set to showcase some of Colorado’s best trail running racing throughout the summer.”

Prizes will be presented to the top three finishers of each age group at each race, with series prizes awarded to the top three finishers who compete in at least five events. Prizes will be provided by La Sportiva for winners of each age category at each race. Raffle prize drawings also will be held at race awards ceremonies featuring products from area merchants and national companies.

Also returning for the 2015 season, the VRD will partner with Northside Coffee and Kitchen to offer trail running race participants the Racing Refuel program. At the end of each race, runners will enjoy energy-packed items such as bagels, muffins, donuts, granola and pastries to jump start recovery.

Partners and sponsors are being sought for the 2015 Trail Running Series with a variety of opportunities available. Joining 2015 series title sponsor La Sportiva and presenting sponsor Anthem BlueCross Blue Shield are individual race sponsors TIGA Advertising, The Dusty Boot, Vail Valley Charitable Fund, FirstBank of Vail, Haute Route Gear & Apparel, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Vail’s Mountain Haus. Partners also include SmartWool, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Crazy Mountain Brewery,
entral Rockies Mortgage, Northside Coffee and Kitchen, Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea, Kind Design, AmericInn, Gatorade, Honey Stinger, KZYR 97.7, Optic Nerve and Camelbak.

For more information or to become a race series sponsor, call the VRD Sports Department at 970-479-2280 or go to www.vailrec.com.