Registration is underway for the 3rd Annual Vail Athletic Club (VAC) Vail Mountain Winter Uphill competition, scheduled for 7 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 20 on Vail Mountain. Runners, skiers, snowshoers and outdoor enthusiasts will climb approximately 2,000 vertical feet or two miles on groomed trails from the base of Vail Mountain at the Eagle Bahn Gondola to Eagle’s Nest. The event is organized by long-time Vail Valley locals Ellen Miller and Hooker Lowe to honor the memory of Vail’s-own Lyndon Ellefson who died in 1998. Ellefson was a foreman on the Eagle Bahn Gondola and member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team, which is one of the beneficiaries of race proceeds. The event is also a fundraiser for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
During the past two events, over 300 participants and race organizers anticipate a larger field this year. “This is a great way for people to remember Lyndon while participating in an activity that was so special to him,” says co-race director Ellen Miller. “This year we have invited members of the mountain team to participate in the event and share their experiences from the World Mountain Running Championships with the other competitors.”
The categories for this year’s race are open, which include running shoes, stabilizers or snowshoes; track skis, which include any light weight ski equipment; and heavy metal, which include metal-edged skis such as telemark gear. Participants receive a post-race party with breakfast at Eagle’s Nest, T-shirt, awards and prizes. Prizes will be awarded by overall place and category by gender age group including 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 plus.
Registration is available by clicking here or on race-day until 6:30 a.m. at the Chop House Restaurant located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in LionsHead. Race entry is $35 through Feb. 20 and $40 on race-day. The first 100 registrants will receive a copy of the first edition of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, by Adam W. Chase and Nancy Hobbs.
For more information, e-mail Ellen Miller or Nancy Hobbs.
Top Overall Finishers from 2009
Men
1. Rickey Gates, 30:49 (Mountain Team Member)
2. Matthew Byrne, 34:00 (Mountain Team Member)
3. Charlie Wertheim, 34:10
Women
1. Brandy Erholtz,35:30 (Mountain Team Member)
2. Carol Pattison,44:02
3. Lynda Andros, 45:24
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