The annual 10K and 5K at 10,000 feet in Vail was a 10K at 8,000 feet instead this year, but it still attracted more than 150 participants.
Organized by the Vail Recreation District, a staggered start format was used this year in an effort to keep people from being in the same area at the same time, but the prolonged start waves also prevented organizers from utilizing the gondola to access the traditional start/finish area atop Vail Mountain. While runners still took to Vail Mountain for the annual event, this year they ran from Vail to Lionshead before finishing in Golden Peak.
“I’m just happy the race happened at all. Considering the situation, I don’t think it could have been run much better.”
Cameron Wolfe, winner of the men’s 19 & Under division
Multiple time USA Mountain Running Team member Andy Wacker drove up from Boulder and took the victory in the 10K, running 41:31 on the up and down course. Local runner Joshua Smith was second in 44:48. Rose Wetzel of Louisville took top honors in the female category, running 55:00. Top masters honors went to Frank Holmes of Gypsum (53:01) and Brooke Kish of Evergreen (60:54).
In the 5K, Callan Deline of Avon took the victory in 22:10. Chelsea Weber was the top female in 27:51. Cliff Franz of Eagle (29:39) and Crystal Prouty of Castle Rock (33:57) were the top masters runners.
Below are photos from the event.
