Trail-Running Race Season Begins

There’s one very easy way to find out how well your lungs are working at high altitude. Enter one of Vail’s local trail-running races.

The Vail Recreation District's 2008 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series is made up of five events, which began June 21 and continues through Sept. 7. The races range from fun runs for children to 10 and 5-kilometer races and one oxygen-sucking yet rewarding half marathon.

Your lungs might get tired, but Vail provides some of the world's best scenery for trail running.

Each is so much more than hauling yourself up a mountain and watching hard-bodied pros blow by you like you’re made of feathers.

Although the series brings its fair share of seasoned runners, racers of all speeds, ages and abilities are welcome. These are not your traditional runs through parks and streets. You’ll find yourself weaving through beautiful aspens on singletrack trails and leaping over mountain streams. The support and camaraderie of fellow runners makes it all feel like one big family.

Each race wraps up with prizes, snacks and shared tales of glory and defeat. Register for a race or take in some trail-running tips.

2008 Vail Trail Running Events:
June 21: Solstice Twilight Trail Run – 10K, 5K and fun run at Beaver Creek
July 6: Vail Hill Climb – 7.5 miles
July 20: Berry Picker – Half-marathon or 6.5-miler
Aug 10: 10K at 10,000 feet
Sept. 7: Evergold 10K