LA SPORTIVA MEADOWGOLD 10K & 5K
SATURDAY, SEPT. 15 | 10 A.M & 10:15 A.M. | MINTURN, COLORADO

On Saturday, we wrap up the La Sportiva Vail Trail Running Series with the MeadowGold 10K & 5K! The trail running series, presented by Bloch & Chapleau Attorneys at Law and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, tests runners with over 50 miles of scenic, grueling and rewarding climbs, descents and rolling countryside for a total elevation gain of 16,475 ft. over seven events throughout the summer.


RACE DETAILS
The MeadowGold races, presented by Haute Route Gear & Apparel and the Town of Minturn, showcase the spectacular fall foliage of the Vail Valley. The 10K race begins at 10 a.m., with the 5K race commencing shortly after at 10:15 a.m. 

For the safety of all runners, spectators, volunteers and staff, dogs are not allowed on course during La Sportiva Vail Trail Running Series races.


COURSE DESCRIPTION
Runners will ascend technical single track on the beautiful West Grouse Trail. At the high point and nearly halfway through the 10K race, runners will begin the descent to the finish on double track with open views of Vail Mountain and the Gore Range as well as lots of glowing aspen trees. Along the way, participants will encounter two aid stations with limited water supplies. If you are a runner who needs extra water or sugar and salt replacements, please be prepared and pack those with you. Each aid station will have approximately seven gallons of water.
 
The 5K race is an out-and-back route starting at 10:15 a.m. The route will ascend up Meadow Mountain on double track. Runners will pass an aid station and turn around at mile 1.6, the halfway point. Runners will then come back down the double track, passing an old homestead and the aid station, before returning to the finish at the Meadow Mountain parking lot.



REGISTRATION/BIB PICKUP
The cost of the 10K race is $33 for preregistration, $38 for week-of registration and $45 for day-of registration.  5K costs are  $23 for preregistration, $28 for week-of registration and $35 for day-of registration.

Friday Registration and Bib Pickup:
Runners may register or pick up their bibs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Fri, Sept. 14 at Haute Route Gear & Apparel in Avon.

Day-of Registration & Preregistered Bib Pickup:
Day-of registration is available at the start/finish area beginning at 8:30 a.m.


PARKING
Parking will be available along the railroad tracks across Highway 24 from the Meadow Mountain parking lot. Signage will direct you to parking upon your arrival.


WEATHER
Saturday morning looks to be great racing weather with a sunny forecast until noon and an estimated temperature of 64 º in Minturn at the start of the race.* The projected high for the day is 79 º.
*Weather forecast from weatherunderground.com as of 10 a.m. on Wednesday.

PARTY, PRIZES & SWAG

PRIZES & AWARDS
An after-party and series awards ceremony at Magustos in Minturn will follow the finish of the MeadowGold. Additionally, p rizes for the 5K and 10K will be presented to top finishers of the MeadowGold and raffle prize drawings will be held, featuring products from area merchants and national companies. Magustos will be providing a pizza and salad bar to all registered runners. New Belgium Brewing Company has also generously donated a keg of beer. All runners are invited to Magustos to celebrate the end of the La Sportiva Trail Running Series!

SERIES POINTS
Check the series points to see current standings of the top runners in the series so far. 

RACER REFUEL
Post-race refuel will be provided by Northside Kitchen. 

T-SHIRTS & SWAG BAGS
All 5K and 10K participants will r eceive a race T-shirt, featuring a unique design. Don't forget to pick up your swag bag including refuel goodies and great deals!

VAIL MOUNTAIN COFFEE & TEA
Stop by Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea's Roastery Café and fuel your adventure! The Roastery opens at 7 a.m. and is conveniently located a half mile south of the MeadowGold start/finish line on Highway 24. Kickstart your morning with a shot of espresso or try a Nitro Iced Tea and then head to the race for the 10 a.m. start.

ORANGE MUD
Orange Mud, LLC is honored to be a partner with the La Sportiva Vail Trail Running Series. Orange Mud was created on the dirt around the world's best trails and understands the needs that come with being an endurance athlete and pushes to create products as your solution. The next time you step out to enjoy your outdoor fun, make sure that you have the gear that will take you through your journey. Visit Orange Mud at orangemud.com. All La Sportiva racers receive 20% off Orange Mud products. Please use the code VRD2018 at checkout!

SPONSOR SHOUTOUT

The VRD's Trail Running Race Series is yours thanks to title sponsor  La Sportiva  and our  presenting sponsors Bloch & Chapleau Attorneys at Law and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, plus individual race sponsors Summit Ford, TIGA Advertising, The Dusty Boot, Vail Valley Charitable Fund, Haute Route Gear & Apparel, Town of Minturn, Howard Head Sports Medicine and Vail's Mountain Haus. Partners also include Vail Resorts, Beaver Creek Resort Company, The Steadman Clinic, Steadman Philippon Research Institute, Central Rockies Mortgage, First Bank, Elevated Dental, Northside Coffee and Kitchen, Vail Mountain Coffee and Tea, Renewal By Andersen, Vail Honeywagon, Vita Coco, Gatorade, KZYR 97.7, Optic Nerve, Garmin, Noosa Yoghurt, Lululemon, PepPod, Roll Recovery, Orange Mud and Town of Eagle.

Runners Need Coverage Too
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is dedicated to bringing more affordable health care to you. Our new Mountain Enhanced plans offer local solutions through partnerships with select area doctors and hospitals, so you can enjoy quality, low-cost care in the same place you work and play. Contact your broker for more information.
MEET YOUR MEDICAL SUPPORT CREW  

The Steadman Clinic/Steadman Philippon Research Institute provides sports medicine coverage for the VRD mountain bike and trail running series. Athletic trainers are at each race and provide injury prevention, first aid, injury evaluation and referrals in case you get hurt. They are located at the start/finish line in The Steadman Clinic tent. Please feel free to use these services. Your athletic trainers for this week's race are:

CHRISTINE POOLE

Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, Christine received her Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training from Western Carolina University. While attending WCU, Christine worked at the Virginia Military Institute, providing care for cadet athletes, and at North Carolina State University, where she assisted with soccer, swimming and diving. She then moved to the University of Florida where she earned her Master of Science degree in applied physiology and completed a pediatric orthopedic residency. While in Florida, Christine served as the head athletic trainer for Bell Middle-High School and Buchholz High School. She spent time as the head athletic trainer for Berkshire Soccer Academy, an elite training camp for girls, working with members of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, the National Women's Soccer League and collegiate players from around the world. Christine enjoys snowboarding, backpacking and running and is excited to explore the Rocky Mountains.


JD VOLZ

JD hails from the small town of Boonville, Indiana. He received his 
Bachelor of Science in athletic training from Indiana University. While working toward his undergraduate degree, he worked for a number of collegiate teams and the Army ROTC program. His primary positions included a season-long position with the IU baseball team and a yearlong position with the IU football team. He also spent time working in the Dominican Republic for the Texas Rangers baseball team. He continued his education at Indiana University where he received his Master of Science degree in kinesiology with a focus in athletic training. JD worked as a graduate assistant athletic trainer at Owen Valley High School/Middle School and was a teaching assistant for many of the athletic training courses. JD enjoys being outdoors and spending time hiking or fishing. Living in the mountains has always been a dream of his and he hopes he will actually learn how to ski. 

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