Twice named best trail race by Colorado Runner Magazine, the iconic Dynafit HillClimb tests local, regional and national runners with a 7 mile climb from Vail Village to Eagle's Nest - the perfect race to challenge yourself on Independence Weekend!
The Vail Recreation District's 2019 Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series, presented by Bloch & Chapleau Attorneys at Law and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, will continue the season on Saturday, July 6 on Vail Mountain. The HillClimb trail run, presented by Vail's Mountain Haus, will begin at 7 a.m. in Vail Village.
Registration for the race is $38 race week or $45 on race day. Preregistration is available online at vailrec.com until 3 p.m. on Friday, July 5. Day-of registration is available on race morning from 5:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. in front of Vail's Mountain Haus next to the Covered Bridge.
Runners may also pick up their race numbers or register ahead of time on Fri, July 5 from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Cripple Creek Backcountry pop-up store at Vail's Mountain Haus. Depending on the weather, the pop-up store will either be located at the west entrance adjacent to the Covered Bridge or inside in the conference room of Vail's Mountain Haus.
Course Details & Spectator Gondola
The Dynafit Vail HillClimb will begin at 7 a.m. in Vail Village - next to Vail's Mountain Haus - and finish at Eagle's Nest after ascending over 2,200 vertical feet. Race participants will follow the historic gravel double-track route that has made the Dynafit HillClimb a favorite among trail running enthusiasts. Please note the change in finish area - we are returning to the traditional route and ending at Eagle's Nest this year.*Important Change* The Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead, which accesses Eagle's Nest, is open for spectators to ride to the top for FREE from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. All friends and family who are going up to spectate will need to pick up a free voucher for gondola access (valid for the morning of July 6 only) at bib pickup the day before the race or on race morning at registration at Vail's Mountain Haus. Failure to load the gondola by 7:30 a.m. will forfeit access to Eagle's Nest without paying a daily scenic ride ticket for $42. Dogs or other pets are not permitted to load the gondola. Post-race, the gondola will be free for racers and spectators to download to Lionshead. *Please note, this is a different gondola for spectators than the past few years - spectators will need to load from Lionshead and not Vail Village.*
After the Race
Immediately following the race, runners will enjoy an awards ceremony at the race finish at Eagle's Nest where prizes will be presented to the top three finishers of each age group. At the last race of the season on Sept. 14, series prizes will be awarded to the top three finishers who compete in at least five events. Raffle prize drawings will also be held at race awards ceremonies, featuring products from area merchants and national companies. Runners will receive a T-shirt following each race, featuring unique designs.The Vail HillClimb is the third race in the Dynafit Vail Trail Running Series, Colorado's premier trail running series. The seven-race series runs May through September and includes distances ranging from a 5K (3.1 miles) to a half marathon (13.1 miles).
The series continues on Sat, July 20, when runners will head up to the Camp Hale Half Marathon and 5K, taking runners along the Continental Divide Trail and the Colorado Trail surrounding historic Camp Hale. The Berry Picker trail run, taking place Sat, Aug. 3, will challenge participants on an intense 4.5 mile climb from the base of Vail Mountain in Vail Village to Mid-Vail. Runners will then return to Vail to enjoy spectacular views during the 5K and 10K@10,000 Feet, occurring on Sat, Aug. 24 at the top of Vail Mountain, with the majority of the race above 10,000 feet in elevation.
The final race of the season, the MeadowGold 5K and 10K, is scheduled for Sat, Sept. 14 at Meadow Mountain in the Town of Minturn. Runners will ascend technical single track on the scenic West Grouse Trail before descending on double track with open views of Vail Mountain and the Gore Mountain Range. A full list and details are available at vailrec.com.
Register for the entire series for $230. You can also race in all 5K races to compete for season awards. The 5K series cost is only $110. Racers can also sign up for individual races if they can't make the full series; all are welcome!
Want to help enhance the race experience? Volunteers are always needed at each race and will receive a T-shirt, among other items, for their help. To volunteer, email Trail Running Race Director Kip Tingle at ktingle@vailrec.com.
Joining 2019 series title sponsor Dynafit and presenting sponsors Bloch & Chapleau Attorneys at Law and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield are individual race sponsors Vail's Mountain Haus, TIGA Advertising, Summit Ford, Howard Head Sports Medicine, The Dusty Boot, Town of Minturn and the Vail Valley Charitable Fund.
Partners also include Eagle Outside, Lululemon, Vita Coco, Elevated Dental, Renewal by Andersen, Optic Nerve, Garmin, First Bank, Gatorade, Central Rockies Mortgage, Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea, Northside Coffee and Kitchen, Roll Recovery, Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, Honey Stinger, The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Orange Mud, Vail Honeywagon, Honey Bunchies, Town of Vail and KZYR 97.7.
For more information, call the VRD Sports Department at (970)479-2280, email sports@vailrec.com or visit vailrec.com.
