| GORE-Tex TransRockies Run |
|
August 23-28 In only its third year, the GORE-Tex® TransRockies Run has become a leader in the growing field of multi-day stage races, a spiking popularity that has led to a sold-out field and international press coverage. The GORE-Tex® TransRockies Run is a six-day race from Buena Vista, Colorado, to Beaver Creek. Teams of two will run 113 miles of grueling terrain over six stages from August 23 to August 28, and the route features more trails, more distance, more elevation, and more views than any prior TransRockies Run. TransRockies organizers have dialed in this year’s route, which largely shadows 2008’s version, with one significant exception: the first day, which last year was largely flat and fast, is now stretched to twenty miles and will climb into the mountains east of Buena Vista on a mix of trails and jeep tracks. Aaron McConnell, the TransRockies Run Director, said, “The new Stage One is a great warm-up before we hit the true alpine climbs on Stage Two, plus it offers incredible views.” Stage Two is shorter, a ten-mile uphill climb from Vicksburg to Twin Lakes, followed by a shuttle to camp in Leadville. This constant uphill grind consists of a steep single-track slog up and over Hope Pass, lying at 12,546 feet. Stage Three, starting in Leadville at 10,000 feet and rolling over twenty-four miles, is one of the longest routes but finishes at the historical military site, Camp Hale, the founding place of the 10th Mountain Division. Stage Four crosses over the top of Hornsilver Mountain at 11,400 feet before winding down to the day’s finish in the small valley town of Red Cliff, Colorado. Stage Five features twenty-one miles of spectacular scenery, grinding up the White River National Forest from Red Cliff, across the ridges and back bowls of Vail, to finish at the ski village base. Stage Six, the final stage, takes runners up the backside of Vail and across twenty-one miles of ridgeline running and 10,000 feet of elevation gain to the finish line in Beaver Creek. The competitive field is highlighted by returning two-time champion Erik Skaggs, who in 2009 will be joined by ultra-running star (and Rogue Valley Runner boss) Hal Koerner. Beaver Creek locals Anita Ortiz and Katie Mazzia, defending All-Women champs, will be challenged by The North Face superstars Kami Semick and Nikki Kimball. Ultra celebrity and The North Face ambassador Dean Karnazes joins the field for the first time with 2008 Leadville 100 champion Helen Cospolich. For more information on the GORE-Tex® TransRockies run or details on the individual stages visit www.transrockies.com. |
