Inaugural VAC Winter Uphill

We often see a trail differently each time we run it. This is certainly true with the changing seasons. A trail in the midst of winter blanketed with snow and ice looks and feels quite different than that same trail in the heat of summer when it is dusty and hot and you may be dodging geckos instead of rabbits or marmots.

This past Saturday I was in Vail, Colorado for the inaugural VAC Winter Uphill – a race from the base of Vail Mountain to the summit. The approximately 2200 feet of vertical gain in just under three miles would be a challenge, even on a groomed course. Billed as a race for any pace, the awards would be distributed in several divisions including Open – running shoes, stabilizers, or snowshoes are permitted; Track Skis – any light weight ski equipment; and Heavy Metal – heavy metal edged skis including telemark gear. There were also prizes for the youngest, the oldest, and the competitor traveling the furthest to the event.

Said co-race founder Ellen Miller, "We encouraged people of all abilities to come out and hike, ski, or run up Vail Mountain...in winter it is a completely different experience than in the summer."

Miller and co-race founder Hooker Lowe both live in Eagle County. They established the event to honor the memory of Vail's own Lyndon Ellefson who died in 1998. Ellefson was a foreman on the Eagle Bahn Gondola and was instrumental in starting the U.S. men's mountain running program (now the Teva U.S. Mountain Running Team) which is one of the beneficiaries of race proceeds.

"This event was a great way for people to remember Lyndon while participating in an activity that was so special to him," said Miller.

The event was also a fundraiser for Jack's Place, a cancer caring house at the Shaw Cancer Center. A touching story from a first time racer related the importance of the Center. "It was great to be on the course today! I do tons of backcountry ski touring, and it's about time I took part in a race. This past summer I thru-hiked the Continental Divide Trail from Mexico to Canada. Of the many rides I received into town for re-supply, there's one I remember in particular. I was hitching a ride back to the Trail from Pagosa Springs, and someone pulled over.  He was a 60 something; former helicopter pilot for the Army and father of seven. Now he's battling cancer, he talked about his stay at Jack's. The people that helped comfort him during his stay, the relaxing environment, and the treatment itself. He almost broke out in tears."

The race had 111 finishers with times ranging from winner Bernie Boettcher's blistering 36:43 to the last place finisher in 2:27:01.

 

Next blog will be following my upcoming trip to Long Island where I hope to find some new trails!