The Vail Recreation District will offer four race events for running enthusiasts, three benefiting the local community in September and October.

Races include the 4th Annual Eric Spry Memorial Race on Sept. 6 in Beaver Creek, a benefit for the Battle Mountain High School Cross Country Team and Eric Spry Memorial Fund; the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Race Series EverGold 5k and 11k on Sept. 14 on Vail Mountain, the final race of the series; the Wild West Day Great Stampede 5k Gallop and 1 Mile Family Fun Trot on Sept. 28 at 4Eagle Ranch in Wolcott, a fundraiser for Eagle County elementary schools; and the EagleVail Zombie Apocalypse 2 Mile-Fun-Run-For-Your-Life on Oct. 25 in EagleVail, a benefit for the Battle Mountain High School’s Future Business Leaders of America and the Eric Spry Memorial Scholarship Fund.

“These races are a fun way for us to continue the race season into the fall and support our local community,” said VRD sports director, Joel Rabinowitz. “Each race offers unique and fun challenges for everyone, while promoting community spirit and raising funds for local organizations.”

4th Annual Eric Spry 5k Memorial Race
Saturday, Sept. 6

The 4th Annual Eric Spry Memorial Race is a chance for runners to test themselves on the same course as the valley’s local cross country teams while celebrating the life of Battle Mountain High School Husky runner Eric Spry. The beautiful and challenging course starts at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 6 at Creekside Park in Beaver Creek and will have runners traverse along single track trails and dirt roads around the base of the ski resort before descending back to Creekside Park. All proceeds from the open race benefit the BMHS Cross Country Team and the Eric Spry Memorial Fund. Registration costs are $25 in advance or $35 on race day. Registration is available by going to http://www.maxsolutionsonline.com/vrd-sports/Customer/ActivityDetail.aspx or by calling 970-479-2280.

La Sportiva 5k, 11k Trail Running Race
Sunday, Sept. 14

The seventh and final race in the VRD’s La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series, the EverGold 11k and 5k, will feature spectacular running amidst Vail’s fall foliage. The race, which is presented by Haute Route Gear & Apparel, will begin at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 14 at the Vail Golf Club with 11k runners traversing along the Vail Trail to Golden Peak, up the popular Berry Picker trail to Lion Down and back to Golden Peak before finishing on the Vail Trail to the Vail Golf Club. Runners will experience an average grade of 10 percent and gain nearly 1,700 feet in elevation throughout the race. Those participating in the 5k will also run on the Vail Trail to Golden Peak before turning around on the Vail Trail back to the Vail Golf Club. The series is presented by The North Face, who is providing each runner with their cool tech T-shirts while supplies last. Individual race costs are $30 for preregistration or $40 on race day. Registration is available by going to www.vailrec.com/sports/trail-running-racing or by calling 970-479-2280.

Wild West Day Great Stampede

The 5k Gallop and 1 Mile Family Fun Trot will begin at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday at 4Eagle Ranch in Wolcott. Race check-in and day-of registration will take place 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. Costs for the 5k are $20 for adults and $10 for children/students with pre-registration or $25 for adults and $10 for a children/students for day-of registration. The cost includes the $5 admission for the Wild West Day event, which will feature a Wild Wine Tasting, online auction and more. All race participants receive medals. For more information, call 970-471-0050 or visit www.wildwestday.org

Saturday, Oct. 25
Are  you a zombie or a survivor? This fun event gives runners a real need for speed by placing zombies hot on their tail. Participants in this two mile obstacle course can choose to be either a Survivor or a brain-hungry Zombie and will be forced to outwit, outrun and outlive each other in a race like no other. The event will be followed by a Post-Apocalypse Party with food, music and prizes. Participation in the race – as either a Zombie or a Survivor – costs $15 to pre-register or $25 on race day. Zombie runner registration and check-in will take place at 4 p.m. at EagleVail Willow Creek Par 3 Clubhouse, while Survivor runner registration and check-in will take place at 4:30 p.m. at EagleVail Pavilion. The race will begin at 5 p.m. for ages 12 and younger and 5:15 p.m. for ages 13 and older.  Contact Nancy Lindbloom at BMHS for more information. nancy.lindbloom@eagleschools.net.