2010 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series Continues with Vail Hillclimb on July 3

7.5 Miles, 2,500 Vertical Feet Up Vail Mountain
Vail, CO - 2010 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series continues Saturday (7/3) with the 34th running of the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb. Named best trail running race by Colorado Runner in 2006, the HillClimb will test local, regional and national runners with a 7.5 mile climb from Vail Village to Vail Mountain's summit, a gain of 2,500 vertical feet. The race begins at 8 a.m. in Vail Village on the paved road adjacent to Vail's Mountain Haus and ascends on gravel trails taking runners to the finish line at Eagle's Nest. The Eagle Bahn Gondola in LionsHead will operate from 8 to 9 a.m. for race-day spectators. The HillClimb is presented by the Vail Mountain Haus and is the second race of the 2010 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series.

Individual race costs are $25 for pre-registration or $35 on race-day. Registration is available by clicking here or by calling 970-479-2280. Racers should park in the Vail Village parking structure where parking is free for the summer. Day of registration will occur at the race starting area until 7:45 a.m.

Summer Solstice Twilight 5K Run/Walk, 10K and Free Kid's Fun Run

Vail, CO - The Vail Recreation District's (VRD) 2010 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series will kick off the season Saturday (6-19) with the La Sportiva Summer Solstice Twilight Trail Run featuring a 5k walk/run, 10k and kid's fun run on Beaver Creek Mountain. The Summer Solstice race will benefit the Vail Valley Charitable Fund (VVCF) with racers enjoying free food from the Dusty Boot and music by local, Blue Grass favorite, Hardscrabble. Festivities begin at 5 p.m. with the kid's fun run, followed by the 5k and 10k at 5:30 p.m.

Proceeds from the race will benefit the VVCF, a non-profit organization founded in 1996 that provides financial assistance to residents of Eagle County who are experiencing a medical crisis. According to Karen Simon, VVCF Executive Director, the fund raised and distributed a record $700,000 to locals in need last year, and the trail run is important to its success. "In the past two years we've generated nearly $10,000 from the running race for the charitable fund," said Simon. "We hope to increase attendance this year and encourage people of all running/walking abilities to usher in the start of the summer by enjoying a beautiful evening and helping out a great cause in the process." Simon and her 13-member volunteer board will be at the event to provide information about the VVCF. Several board members will also be participating in the race.

“Summer Solstice”

Vail, CO - The inaugural year of “Summer Solstice” will kick off at the Vail Cascade Resort & Spa on June 19 with outdoor adventures, poolside activities, yoga workshops, spa and dining specials and much more. Unique attractions will even include snow-cones and miniature remote control “yacht races” in the infinity pool; a homage to summertime festivals reminiscent of days gone by.

A focus on wellness at the property’s 78,000 square foot fitness center, Aria Spa & Club, will be highlighted by a speaker series including subjects such as meditation, life-coaching and nutrition. Workshops in yoga and couples massage will also be featured, and special sessions on everything from kayak classes to self defense will be offered as well. Aria Spa & Club at the Vail Cascade has a plethora of mindful health offerings, visit vailcascade.com for up-to-date information.

The entire property will be radiating with Solstice flavor from special summer options at Atwater on Gore Creek, with the resort’s signature restaurant utilizing the best Colorado has to offer with “field to table” dinners created from items purchased fresh at the local farmer’s market. Also glowing will be the return of Candlelight Night, an evening of dining lit only by flickering candles to not only help reduce the impact of energy use, but to benefit Habitat for Humanity, with 10% of the evening’s proceeds donated to the local chapter of the charity.

Lodging packages are presented to fit any visitor’s needs who would like to take advantage of Summer Solstice at the Vail Cascade Resort, a property managed by Destination Hotels & Resorts, including special “Colorado Resident” rates, a tennis package, “Stay two get one free” and many more options—all can be viewed and reserved on the Solstice web-page at VailCascade.com.

Race for the Environment, Earth Day Expo on Sunday

Vail, CO - The second annual Shaklee Race for the Environment is scheduled for 10 a.m. this Sunday (5-2) and will offer runners of all ages and abilities a 5k race and 1k family fun run through Vail Village to celebrate the 40th Annual Earth Day, plus raise awareness for choosing an environmentally-friendly lifestyle. Costs are $25 per adult in advance or $10 per child and pre-registration is available until Friday (4-30). Day-of registration will be available until 9:45 a.m. and will cost $30 per adult or $10 per child. All net proceeds will benefit Shaklee Cares, a charitable organization committed to helping people directly affected by natural disasters and emergencies. Additionally, the local Shaklee Independent Distributors will make a donation in each racer's name to the Eagle River Watershed Council for reforestation in the Vail area.

The race will begin at 10 a.m. at the bottom of the Vail Village Transportation Center, adjacent to Vail's Mountain Haus and take runners through Vail Village via ail Valley Drive, Mill Creek Circle and Ptarmigan Road. Participants of the 1k will enjoy a quick loop through the Village and Ford Park. Race participants will receive a swag bag that will include a T-shirt or water bottle. Prizes will be presented to the top three men's and women's finishers. Awards and a raffle for all participants will follow the race at The Lodge at Vail. Cucina Rustica will offer a special lunch for participants with prices ranging from $9.95 to $14.95.

In addition to the running race, an Earth Day Expo will be held in Vail Village and will include an opportunity for racers and spectators to learn about products that are good for their family, save them money and help the planet.

Vail is New Location of Carmichael Training Systems

Vail, CO - will be the site of Carmichael Training Systems' newest High Altitude Training Camp from June 22-26. Renowned as a year-round center for athletes of various disciplines and ability levels, Vail is fast becoming the nation's leading destination for visitors who want to pursue their recreational passions, and take their skill set to the next level.
Created in 2000 by Olympian and elite cyclist Chris Carmichael, Carmichael Training Systems leads the performance coaching industry with the application of the latest sports science knowledge for nutrition, fitness, and endurance training. Best known for his work as Lance Armstrong's personal coach, Carmichael was instrumental in the cyclist's comeback to his competitive best after his bout with testicular cancer. Carmichael has since coached a number of the world's top athletes, as well as thousands of recreational athletes in their pursuit of personal bests.
"Training camps are an important component of improving as an athlete; the ability to focus entirely on your sport often leads to dramatic advances in confidence, skill, and fitness. We're thrilled to have the opportunity to combine the ultimate training and coaching experience with the ultimate vacation experience in Vail," says Chris Carmichael, founder and CEO of Carmichael Training Systems. "The rides will be like nothing on earth, and nobody will be bored when they are off their bikes in Vail."
The Carmichael High Altitude Training Camp in Vail will allow guests to experience classic Colorado summer rides while being coached by the world-class staff of Carmichael Training Systems. Rides will vary from breath-taking climbs, steep descents and flat valley roads. Participants will experience amenities typically reserved for professional cyclists, from post-ride massages, to individual power file analysis with the coaches. This camp is structured to accommodate riders of all levels and is relevant for both mountain bike and road cyclists.