Final La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series race, EverGold 11K, set for Sept. 11

The seventh and final race in the Vail Recreation District's (VRD) La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series, the EverGold 11k and 5k presented by Happy Valley Grill, will take place at 10 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 11.

For the third year, the race will begin and end at the Vail Golf Club and runners will traverse along the 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 experience an average grade of 10 percent and gain nearly 1,700 feet in elevation throughout the race. Those participating in the new 5k will also run on the Vail Trail to Golden Peak and then return back on the Vail Trail to the Vail Golf Club.

Individual race costs are $28 for pre-registration or $38 on race-day. Registration and additional information are available online by clicking here. Day-of registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at the race start area located at the Vail Golf Club parking lot. Parking is limited and race participants and spectators are encouraged to carpool to the Vail Golf Club for the race.

Following the race, an end-of-season brunch for running participants will take place compliments of Happy Valley Grill at the Vail Golf Club. During the brunch, prizes from La Sportiva and the VRD will be presented to overall and age group winners of the race, as well Suunto M5 watches to series winners.

Also, Minturn-based The Relaxation Station will be available and offering free post-event sports massages for participants following the run. The Relaxation Station, which is currently offering $40 one hour massages through September and will offer all race participants $40 one hour massages through October.

According to VRD race coordinator Marc Thomas, the EverGold rounds out the race season, which, when completed, will have taken participants on a total of 54 miles of trails and an elevation gain of 16,708 feet throughout the summer. "Once again we've offered runners from Colorado and beyond a great trail running series," said Thomas. "We're already looking forward to organizing the 15th year of the series in 2012 with our partners La Sportiva and Suunto."

Colo RunnerAdditionally, Colorado Runner magazine's annual survey to choose the best running races in Colorado is underway. La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series runners are encouraged to complete the survey and help Vail receive top accolades for several of its races. The first 100 people to vote will win a free one-year subscription to Colorado Runner. Click here to take the survey.

Joining 2011 series title sponsor La Sportiva are Suunto, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, Optic Nerve, HydraPouch, FirstBank of Vail, Vail's Mountain Haus, SmartWool,Tiga Advertising, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, Steadman Clinic, Gatorade, Journey Films, Save our Soles, Plum TV, KZYR, Trek Light, Chill Towels, Road ID, Sun-Rype, Anti Monkey Butt, Divas Vail Half Marathon, Dusty Boot, Kinetico Water Systems, Happy Valley Grill and Camelbak.

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