Summer running series introduces new race
VAIL — The Vail Recreation District’s 2016 La Sportiva Trail Running Series presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield returns for its 20th season this summer with new courses and dates.
As one of the oldest trail running series in the state, the seven-race series will feature singletrack, mountain roads and doubletrack, while offering runners spectacular scenery.
July 24 will feature the inaugural Camp Hale Half, 10K and 5K at the historic Camp Hale between Red Cliff and Leadville. Camp Hale was home to the U.S. military base for the 10th Mountain Division during World War II. During its time as a military training base, Camp Hale hosted 14,000 men, and was host to the site where soldiers were taught how to ski, climb and combat in snow conditions.
Sitting at 9,300 feet above sea level, the former training base will feature the new course for the half marathon, utilizing portions of the Colorado Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. The Camp Hale race will also add a 5K and a 10K for those participants who prefer a shorter distance.
“The final route, determined once the snow melts, will present a great opportunity for all levels of runners to experience a half marathon course in a high alpine environment”, said race director Kip Tingle. “With great terrain and various trail options, a 5K and 10K course have been added to the Half Marathon event. Competitors in the 5K and 10K races will enjoy a fast course with expansive views of the historic Camp Hale Valley”. The Camp Hale Half races will replace the Vail Half Marathon in this year’s series.
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The iconic Vail HillClimb will return for its 42nd year. Well-known to locals and visitors alike, the Vail HillClimb will move to July 10 and will consist of a 2,500 foot elevation gain in 7.5 miles. The new date will allow running participants to enjoy alternate festivities during the Fourth of July weekend as well as a chance to avoid holiday crowds.
RAce registration
The race series will also offer a new three-tiered pricing structure as well as student pricing (ages 13-18). Cost for individual races is $33 registration, $38 week-of registration, $45 day-of registration and $200 for the entire series before May 1 ($215 after). For students, cost is $23 registration, $35 week-of registration, $45 day-of registration and $145 for the entire series before May 1 ($160 after). As in years past, the Vail Recreation District will partner with the Vail Valley Charitable Fund for the Summer Solstice trail run in Beaver Creek on June 18. Registration fees for the Summer Solstice trail run are $37 registration and $50 day-of registration, with all proceeds benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund and will include lunch and entertainment for all racers.
Get involved
Race finishers will also receive commemorative shirts and age category prizes as well as raffle prizes after each race. Energy-packed snacks such as donuts, granola, fruit and more will be offered by Northside Coffee & Kitchen as part of the Racing Refuel program. Joining the Racer Refuel program this year is Noosa Yogurt, which will provide individual yogurt cups after each race.
Partners and sponsors are being sought for the 2016 Trail Running Series with a variety of opportunities available. Joining 2016 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, Haute Route Gear & Apparel, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Vail’s Mountain Haus. Partners also include Gatorade, Central Rockies Mortgage, Noosa Yoghurt, Mountainsmith, Smartwool, Optic Nerve, Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea, Northside Kitchen and Coffee, Vail Mountain, Beaver Creek, Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philipon Research Institute, Town of Vail, AmericInn and KZYR.
For more information or to register for a race or the series go to http://www.vailrec.com or go to the new online registration at http://www.vailrec.com/register. Past online customers must create a new account and can now sign up the whole family for races, tournaments, camps and more.
