Second Race of the 2009 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series this Sunday
Posted Tuesday, 30 June, 2009
Vail, CO ---- One of the summer’s most popular trail races is the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb which celebrates its 33rd running on Sunday, July 5. In 2006, the HillClimb was named best trail race by Colorado Runner magazine. With this year’s event following Independence Day, there will be a larg number of visitors participating alongside locals who will all test their mettle on this challenging course.
The 7.5 mile 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. 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.
“The Vail HillClimb course is a little deceiving, the grade of the route really suits road runners who have higher leg turnover and even though there is substantial veritcal gain, it is not super steep. You have flatter sections between the switchbacks which road runners can really use to their advantage. But don’t let this dissuade you as a first time trail runner, focus on finishing and enjoy the day. It is a bumper wildflower crop this year so enjoy the multiple colors dotting the mountainside,” said Ellen Miller multi-time finisher and coach of the Mountain Divas in the Vail Valley.
Nancy Hobbs, co-author of the Ultimate Guide to Trail Running and promotions coordinator for the event added, “Each year we have people racing who are new to the sport of trail and mountain running. This is a great first timer’s course in some respects since we tell folks that ‘walking is ok’. Of course the veterans usually get into a gear, put their head down, chug up the course and enjoy the views after they reach the summit.”
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 and 2008 by Colorado Runner, the La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running series celebrates its twelfth anniversary this year. In order to be scored as a series finisher, participants must complete at least five of the six events. Dan Weiland, 34, Vail, CO, and Anita Ortiz, 45, Eagle, CO, won the first race in the series, the La Sportiva Summer Solstice 10 km on June 20. The HillClimb is followed on July 19 with the longest race in the series, the La Sportiva HalfMarathon which is actually a bit longer than a half marathon at just over 14 miles with an average grade of seven percent. The course boasts 4,020 feet of climbing with the high point at 11,653 feet. The event starts at the Golden Peak Children’s Center at 8:00 a.m.
The shortest distance event in the series at 4.3 miles, the La Sportiva Berry Picker, will be run on August 2. The race starts at an elevation of 8,238 feet at Lionshead and ascends to 10,346 feet to finish at the top of Eagle's Nest. The average grade is 12 percent on single track trails and double-wide gravel paths.
The fifth event, the La Sportiva 10k at 10,000 Feet will be held on August 16. 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 13. 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.
Register for one event, two events, or for the entire series. Individual race entry is $25 or $35 on race day. Register Online at www.active.com, or download an entry form at www.vailrec.com and fax or snail mail your entry to Vail Recreation District, or register onsite at the VRD offices. You can pick up your race packet either on race morning (arrive early), or on Saturday, July 4 from 1PM-6PM at the Vail Recreation District offices.
Joining series title sponsor La Sportiva will be First Bank of Vail, Vail’s Mountain Haus, Tiga Advertising, SmartWool, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, Steadman Hawkins, and Gatorade.
Top finishers at last year’s Vail HillClimb race:
Men
1. Simon Gutierrez, 42, 48:14
2. Alex Willis, 20, 50:51
3. Josiah Middaugh, 29, 51:10
Women
1. Sarah Shepard, 23, 56:52 (15th overall)
2. Helen Cospolich, 31, 58:31
3. Aurora Leon, 39, 1:00:51
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