Final race of Vail Mountain Trail Running Series set for Sept. 15

The seventh and final race in the Vail Recreation District's 2013 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series, the EverGold 11k and 5k will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 15.

The race will begin and end at the Vail Golf Club and runners will traverse along Vail Trail to Golden Peak, up the popular Berry Picker trail, to Lion Down, back to Golden Peak and finish the run on the Vail Trail for a distance just over seven miles. Runners will face an average grade of 10 percent and gain nearly 1,700 feet in elevation throughout the race. Those participating in the 5k will also run on Vail Trail to Golden Peak and then return on Vail Trail to Vail Golf Club.

"The EverGold is one of the milestone races of the series because it wraps up a summer of hard work and fun," said VRD Sports Coordinator Steve Croucher. "Runners can celebrate all they've accomplished over the seven-race series."

Individual race costs are $29 for preregistration or $39 on race-day. Registration and additional information are available online by clicking here. Bib pick-up will be available from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday (9-14) at Christy Sports at 293 Bridge Street in Vail Village or on race day at the registration tent. Day-of registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the race start area located at the Vail Golf Club parking lot. There is no racer or spectator parking at the Vail Golf Club or at the Vail Tennis Center/Ford Park. Parking is available at Vail Mountain School with a complimentary shuttle running to the start/finish at the Vail Golf Club from 8:30 to 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Following the race, a complimentary continental brunch for running participants will be offered at the Vail Golf Club. During the brunch, prizes will be given to overall and age group winners of the EverGold, as well as racers who have earned the highest total series points. Racers who have competed in all seven of the series races will receive a Columbia Omni-Wick fleece, as well as a special prize from the Vail Mountain Coffee & Tea Company.

Photos from all the races of the 2013 race series are available by going to www.mcclarrinonphotography.com.

Columbia Sportswear will be providing all running participants at each race with its innovative Omni-Freeze Zero tech T-shirt, a temperature-regulating shirt that reacts with sweat to lower the temperature of the material. When a runner gets hot, it gets cool. Additionally, with UPF 50 sun protection, quick-wicking fabric and antimicrobial treatment, the shirts have the ultimate technology to keep runners dry, cool and protected.

Joining 2013 series title sponsor La Sportiva and presenting sponsor Columbia Sportswear, are Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, Dusty Boot, FirstBank of Vail, Vail's Mountain Haus, Apex Dental, Central Rockies Mortgage, Peter Rabbit Organics, Northside Coffee and Kitchen, HP's Provisions, Mountainsmith, Tiga Advertising, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Trail Runner Magazine, Anthem Branding, AmericInn, Gatorade, Elevation Outdoors, New York Life, KZYR 97.7, Road ID, SmartWool, Christy Sports in Vail Village, Trek Light, Optic Nerve and Camelbak.

For more information on the race, click here or call 970-479-2280.