La Sportiva Vail HillClimb marks the Second Stop in the Trail Race Series
Posted Thursday, 3 July, 2008
Vail, CO ---- One of the summer’s most popular trail races is the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb which celebrates its 32nd running on Sunday, July 6. In 2006, the HillClimb was named best trail race by Colorado Runner magazine. The event’s popularity stems from the proximity to Independence Day and the challenge of the course.
With many out-of-towners enjoying a long weekend in Vail, CO, the race field is complete with locals, tourists, and even past winners who look forward to the oxygen-deficient 7.5-mile climb to the summit of Vail Mountain.
Three-time champion Andy Ames who won in ’95, ’98 and last year says of his race strategy, “Usually I go out with the leaders through town and then hang on the best I can after that. I try to keep my energy going with the grade. There are a lot of parts that ease up (in terms of grade) and you can run pretty fast on those parts. It’s one of those courses that are considered a strength course.” Ames suggests that a first timer, “finds a rhythm, especially on the lower parts and not go into oxygen debt plus it takes a lot of energy out of your legs if you go out too hard. On the second part, if your legs aren’t too tired, you can gain some speed on the flatter sections. Take water at every station you can and try to slow down so you aren’t breathing so hard that you can’t drink.”
Whether it is an advantage having run the course before, Ames says, “Sometimes it’s better not to know what’s coming up. However, one thing you need to know is the distance. This is not a seven mile course, it’s about 7 ½ miles. Be sure to judge where the finish line is – it may seem a lot further away, or a lot closer.” Ames hopes to defend his title this year, but admits he’s been on the road two weekends in a row for races and may opt to stay closer to his home in Boulder to race this weekend.
If Ames makes the trip to Vail, he will be among 300 to 400 participants on the start line at 8:00 a.m.
The course starts in Vail Village on the paved road located next to Vail’s Mountain Haus and ascends more than 2400 feet on mostly gravel trail that is used by Snow Cats in the winter time. “The only slight course change this year is that runners will head from the village straight onto Forrest Road since Beaver Dam Road is closed,” said race director Joel Rabinowitz.
The gentle grade up Vail Mountain seems more significant because of the altitude. With the base elevation hovering just over 8200 feet, the climb which averages 7%, can be a real gut-buster and relegates many of the participants to a walk during some of the steeper sections of the course.
“We encourage participants to enjoy the course and to have a great experience. If that means walking – no problem. Many trail runners do some walking during their runs, especially when they want to slow down to enjoy the views – or to catch their breath – and this course if full of scenic vistas,” said Nancy Hobbs, co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and promotions coordinator for the event.
The 2,400 foot climb from Vail Village is highlighted by the festive finish line at Eagle’s Nest which is a relaxing Gondola ride for spectators – free on race day from 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
There are three aid stations on course at 2.5 miles, 4 miles, and 6 miles serving water and Gatorade Endurance Formula. There is also water at the start line which is where runners can drop their sweats, or dry clothes to be transported to the finish line. In addition there are refreshments at the finish line and goody bags for all finishers.
Every race finisher receives a commemorative T-shirt designed by Bernie Boettcher, an artist from Silt, Colorado who finished second at last year’s race. Prizes from La Sportiva will be presented to overall and age group winners and raffle prize drawings will be held at the race awards ceremony featuring products from area merchants and national companies.
Named best race series of 2005 by Colorado Runner, the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series celebrates its eleventh anniversary this year. In order to be scored as a series finisher, participants must complete at least four events. Bernie Boettcher and Amanda Occhi won the first race in the series, the La Sportiva Summer Solstice 10 km on June 21. The HillClimb is followed on July 20 when runners can choose to race either a 6.5 mile uphill route with the La Sportiva Berry Picker or the La Sportiva HalfMarathon which is actually a bit longer than a half marathon at just over 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 will all earn spots on this year’s team. Both events will start at Golden Peak Children’s Center.
The fourth event, the La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 Feet will be held on August 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 of elevation with the high points above 10,000 feet.
The final race of the series is the La Sportiva Evergold 10k on September 7. The race starts behind Golden Peak Children’s Center located at the base of Vail Mountain, and traverses the mountain on some of the most beautiful trails at a time of year when the colors are sure to include golden, and bright yellows from the Aspen trees.
Series awards will be presented at the September 7 event during the race awards ceremony. Last year’s series boasted more than 1000 participants with 35 runners completing at least four races in the series.
Individual race entry is $25 or $35 on race day. You can register online at www.active.com, print out an entry form at www.vailrec.com and mail, or fax your completed entry, or stop by Vail Recreation District at 700 South Frontage Road East (the building with the large clock next to the tennis courts). You can register and pick up your runner number for this weekend’s HillClimb at VRD on Saturday, July 5 between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. On race day there is free parking at the Vail Village parking strucure, just a short walk to the start area.
Joining series title sponsor La Sportiva will be First Bank of Vail, Vail’s Mountain Haus, SmartWool, Tiga Advertising, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, Steadman Hawkins, Joint Juice and Gatorade.
For more information including results and press releases from last year’s series, and to view course maps visit www.vailrec.com. You can also learn more about La Sportiva at www.mountainrunning.com.
Top finishers at last year’s Vail HillClimb race:
Men
1. Andy Ames, 44, Boulder, 53:12
2. Bernie Boettcher, 44, Silt, 53:56
3. Alex Willis, 19, 54:45
Women
1. Helen Cospolich, 30, Frisco, 1:02:06
2. Anita Ortiz, 43, Eagle, 1:04:03
3. Susan Nuzum, 26, Boulder, 1:05:25
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