Vail trail running series registration opening

VAIL, Colorado — The Vail Mountain Trail Running Series will accept entries starting April 1 for the five race series, which runs June through September and includes events from 5 kilometers to half-marathon

distance.

The series gets under way June 21 with a new event, the Summer Solstice Twilight Trail Run. The event includes a 10-kilometer, 5-kilometer and kids fun run and will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. Registration for this evening race will begin at 5 p.m., with the kids run slated to start at 6 p.m. followed by a 6:30 p.m. start for the 5- and 10-kilometer races. A postrace barbeccue follows the event, which is free to all participants. There also will be entertainment before the awards ceremony. The entry fee for this event is $35 in advance and $45 on race day. The kids fun run is free. All of the races will be held on the trails at Beaver Creek.

Second in the series is the Vail Hill Climb on July 6. This 7.5-mile route has a 2,200 vertical ascent from the base of Vail Mountain to the summit.

On July 20, runners can choose to race either a 6.5-mile uphill route with the Berry Picker or the Half Marathon, which is actually a bit longer than a half marathon at more than 14 miles. The Berry Picker also serves as a selection race for the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team, where the top male finisher, the top two female finishers and the top junior male all will earn spots on this year’s team. Both events will start at Golden Peak Children’s Center.

The fourth event, the 10k at 10,000 Feet, will be held Aug. 10. Runners will take a ride up the Eagle Bahn gondola for the start of the race at the summit of Vail Mountain. The entire race is above 9,000 feet, with the high points above 10,000 feet.

The final race of the series is the Evergold 10k on Sept. 7. The race starts behind Golden Peak Children’s Center, located at the base of Vail Mountain, and traverses the mountain.

Register for one event, two event or for the entire series. Enter the entire five-race series by June 6 for $115. Individual race entry is $25 or $35 on race day (the event at Beaver Creek is an additional $10). Register online at www.active.com, download an entry form at www.vailrec.com and fax or mail your entry to Vail Recreation District or register on site at the VRD offices. If you are a past series participant, you will receive a postcard in the mail with the race dates and registration details or you may pick up an entry at any running specialty store along the Front Range.

Every participant will receive a commemorative T-shirt. Runners can expect well-marked courses and post race refreshments and receive accurate results at the finish line. Prizes from La Sportiva will be presented to overall and age group winners of each event with series prizes awarded after the final event to runners who compete in at least four events. Last year’s series had more than 1,100 participants, with 25 runners completing at least four races in the series.

In addition to the series events, three other trail races highlight the VRD running calendar this spring and summer. The 5-kilometer Mud Run and the 10-kilometer Spring Run Off will be part of the sixth annual Teva Mountain Games, and on Aug. 23, the Vertical Ascent will be held. For more information about these events contact www.tevamountaingames.com and www.beavercreek.com.

For more information on the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series including results and press releases from last year’s event, and to view course maps visit www.vailrec.com.