(Vail, Colo.)--The Vail Recreation District's 2015 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series continues Sunday with the 5k and 10k@10,000 Feet trail running race. Both races, which are presented by FirstBank of Vail, will begin at 8 a.m. at the top of Gondola One at Mid-Vail on Vail Mountain, with the entire race taking place above 10,000 feet. The average grade of the 10k is 7 percent with an elevation gain of nearly 1,200 feet, while the shorter 5k is less challenging and will allow runners the chance to experience racing at an impressive altitude. This is the sixth race in the seven race series, which is presented by Anthem BlueCross BlueShield.

Individual race costs are $32 for preregistration or $42 on race day. Registration is available by going to www.vailrec.com/sports/trail-running-racing or by calling 970-479-2280. Online registration ends at 5 p.m. on Friday. Registration and bib pickup will also be available from 3 to 6 p.m. on Saturday at the SmartWool store in Lionshead Village. Day-of registration will occur from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. at the base of Gondola One in Vail Village.

Racers should park in the Vail Village parking structure where parking is free for the summer. Gondola One will operate from 7:00 a.m. to 8 a.m. for racers, spectators and volunteers. The gondola will stop running at 8 a.m. and failure to load by 8 a.m. will result in waiting until the gondola reopens at 9:30 a.m. and paying for a one-day scenic gondola ride ticket. Valid (renewed) Epic Season Passes for the 2015-16 ski season can also be used by spectators to access the gondola beginning at 9:30 a.m. Post-race, the gondola will be free for racers and spectators to download back to Vail Village.

 

Prizes will be presented to the top three finishers and overall finishers of each age group in the 10k, both male and female, plus the top 3 finishers in the 5k. La Sportiva will provide winners of each age category a pair of mountain running shoes of their choice. Raffle prize drawings also will be held the awards ceremony featuring products from area merchants and national companies. 

The final race of the season, the EverGold 5k and 11k is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 13 and will showcase Vail's stunning fall foliage. Details are available by visiting www.vailrec.com/sports/trail-running-racing.

Joining 2015 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, FirstBank of Vail, Haute Route Gear & Apparel, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Vail's Mountain Haus. Partners also include Sports Authority, SmartWool, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Central Rockies Mortgage, Northside Coffee and Kitchen, Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea, Kind Design, AmericInn, Gatorade, Honey Stinger, KZYR 97.7, Optic Nerve, Skratch Labs, Oyster the Race and Camelbak.  

Volunteers are needed at each race and will receive a T-shirt and other items for their help. 

For more information, call the VRD Sports Department at 970-479-2280 or go to www.vailrec.com/sports/trail-running-racing.

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