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Running series returns for 19th summer

The seven-race Vail Mountain Trail Running Series kicks off May 16 with the Boneyard Boogie.
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VAIL — 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 3.1 miles to 13.1 miles.

The seven-race series will feature single track, mountain roads and double track and offer runners spectacular scenery throughout the summer.

• The first race, the Boneyard Boogie 11K trail run, will take place at 9 a.m. on May 16 in Eagle and take runners on a fun, winding single track on trails surrounding Eagle. This is a point-to-point race. Runners will enjoy a free brunch following the run at the Dusty Boot in Eagle. It’s 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 June 20. Runners will enjoy singletrack 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 July 5, the 39th running of the Vail HillClimb 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.

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• At 8 a.m. on July 19, runners will be challenged during the Vail Half Marathon, taking runners on a demanding 13.1-mile run from the base of Vail Mountain, up and through Vail’s 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 Aug. 2, the Berry Picker 5K trail run 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, which takes place at 9 a.m. on 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, is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sept. 13 and will feature single and doubletrack 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 http://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 http://www.active.com. Runners will receive a Green Layer tech T-shirt following each race.

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.


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