Vail Recreation District Announces Schedule for 2009 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series

-release provided by Vail Recreation District-

(Vail)-The Vail Recreation District's (VRD) schedule for the 2009 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series is set and will offer runners a total of 52 miles and 16,475 vertical feet in elevation gain on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountains. Named best race series of 2008 by regional magazine Colorado Runner, this summer's six-races series will take place Saturdays and Sundays with distances ranging from five kilometers (3.2 miles) to 14.5 miles.   

The race series will kick off its 12th season with the 2nd annual La Sportiva Summer Solstice Twighlight race on Saturday, June 20 as a benefit for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. The Twilight race will begin at 5 p.m. and include a 5k and 10k trail run, plus a kid's run. The race will end with food free food and feature live music playing late into the evening. Costs for the race are $35 pre-registration and $45 on race-day with proceeds benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.

The Twilight race will be followed by the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb on July 5, the La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon on July 19 and the La Sportiva Berry Picker run on Aug. 2. The race series will then move to the top of Vail Mountain for the La Sportiva 10k@10,000 Feet on Aug. 16. On Sept. 13 runners will challenge themselves one last time during the final race of the series, the La Sportiva Evergold 10k.

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. Raffle prize drawings also will be held at each awards ceremony featuring products from area merchants and national companies.

Individual race costs are $25 for pre-registration or $35 on race-day. Runners also can register for the entire race series for $125 by June 5. Registration is available by clicking here or at www.active.com. Entry forms will soon be available at running specialty stores along the Front Range.

In addition to the VRD's series, three other races highlight the VRD running calendar this year. On June 6-7, the Teva X-1 Mud Run and 10k Spring Runoff will be held in Vail Village and on Vail Mountain, plus the Triumph Development Vail Pass Half Marathon will take runners through Vail and up Vail Pass as part of the annual Teva Mountain Games at Vail. On Sunday, Aug. 22 racers will also have an opportunity to take part in the Beaver Creek Vertical Ascent.

Volunteers are needed at each race and will receive a T-shirt and other items for their help. Additionally, the VRD is an equal opportunity service provider and operates under a special permit from the White River National Forest.

For more information or to become a race series sponsor, call the VRD Sports Department at 479-2280 or click here.