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Kids’ adventure race to return to Vail in August

Justin McCarty / Daily file photo
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VAIL, Colorado – The Vail Recreation District will partner for the third summer with Keen as the title sponsor of the 2013 Vail Kids Adventure Race, Vail’s premier race for children ages 6 to 14 that features mountain biking, hiking, ziplines, a Tarzan rope, Slope-n-Slide, tubing and more. The fourth annual Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race is scheduled to return Aug. 8-11, and will feature new courses, expanded optional practice sessions, a free Strider Cup bike race and a new two-day Family Adventure Expo.– —

Last year’s sold out race gave 115 teams of two the experience of friendly competition and the thrill of adventure racing on Vail Mountain and in Vail Village. According to Vail Recreation District race organizer Beth Pappas, with Keen on board for the third year as title sponsor, the race has the opportunity to continue to gain notoriety as the coolest and best kid’s adventure race on the planet. In addition, Pappas says additional support from the town of Vail, Vail Mountain and the Vail Valley Medical Center will continue to elevate the event.

“We’re thrilled to have Keen, town of Vail, Vail Mountain and Vail Valley Medical Center’s support and partnerships for the August 2013 event,” Pappas said.-



“Planning continues for the race and previous participants and new participants will find the event to be cooler than ever.”

The 2013 race will include expanded age group categories for children ages 6 to 14, up from age 12 in 2012. Pappas says up to 450 children will participate in the races on Aug. 10 and 11 and in addition to the race favorites, such as the Slope-n-Slide, tubing, ziplines and rock climbing, some new challenges will be added to the mix. Practice sessions will take place on Aug. 8 and Aug. 9 and include mountain biking, teamwork, rock climbing, orienteering and more. New for 2013, on Aug. 8-9 in Solaris Plaza in Vail Village, a Family Adventure Expo will showcase adventure activities including rock climbing, slacklines and more. For younger athletes, not quite old enough to participate in the adventure race, the free Kid Sport Strider Cup bike race will return for ages 2 through 5.

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As part of the partnership, Keen will provide each child participating in the event with a Keen product, as well as provide prizes for the top teams in each category.

“Keen is looking forward to being a part of such a wonderful event that helps get families outside and active,” said David Munk, Keen events and sponsorships manager.

Registration will open March 18 and cost is $150 per team of two, who will receive cool items from Keen and other sponsors. Registration will be limited to 230 teams and will be available by going to http://www.vailkidsadventurerace.com or calling the Vail Recreation District at 970-479-2880. Last year’s race sold out with a waiting list. Families are also being encouraged to keep an eye out for a Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race sweepstake to include airfare into Eagle County Regional Airport, lodging and entries into the race. Sweepstakes info will be available on the Vail Kids Adventure Race Facebook page in the coming months.

According to Jenn Bruno, whose kids participated in last year’s race, her kids discovered just how adventurous they could be.

“The race was challenging but fun and I loved watching how they worked with their teammates to get through the obstacles,” Bruno said. “It was the most fun day of their summer in Vail. It was also their earliest bedtime as they were happily worn out.”

The 2013 Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race is presented by the Town of Vail, Vail Mountain, Vail Valley Medical Center, Kid Sport and Vail Marriott Mountain Resort and Spa. Other partners are being sought and can contact the Pappas at bpappas@vailrec.com for details.-

For more information on the Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race, call the Vail Recreation District Sports Department at 970-479-2280 or go to http://www.vailkidsadventurerace.com.


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