TransRockies Run
Red Cliff to Vail
Press Release / 21.08.2017
Today marked the fifth stage of the TransRockies Run where runners traveled from Red Cliff to Vail covering 24.1 miles (38.8 km) and 4,100 feet (1250 m) elevation gain. The route was long and long but runners were rewarded with breathtaking views of Colorado's peaks. It will all be worth it as runners only have one more day to go before reaching Beaver Creek!
This morning was an early one. Breakfast was served at the crack of dawn and runners were shuttled over to Red Cliff starting at 6:45 a.m. Luckily, runners could escape the brisk air inside Mango's where they could wait for the 8 a.m. start and sip some coffee.
At 8 a.m. runners were off and within the first few miles, runners started up a long, gradual incline, which continued for eight miles and covered a total of 2,500 feet of vert. Eventually CP1 was in sight and runners re-fueled for the next climb.
From checkpoint one, runners entered into beautiful singletrack, weaving in-and-out of trees on rolling terrain, eventually popping out at 11,697 feet (3565 m) on top of Vail Mountain. Not only were runners greeted by beautiful scenery, but a Santa cheerleader offered encouragement resulting in many smiles. The open section of trail continued climbing up switchbacks on the backside of Vail Mountain and onward to checkpoint two.
At checkpoint two, runners were done with most of the hard climbing of the day and awaited their long descent into Vail Village, passing checkpoint three with five miles to go.
The five-mile descent from Vail isn't an easy one but runners were eager to finish the stage strong while traversing sweet singletrack winding between trees, chairlifts, mountain bikers and hikers. Eventually, runners started to see Vail Village in the distance with the finishing arch in sight!
Once again, this stage offered beautiful blue skies and high temps in the mid 70's. Stage five complete and runners will be taking on the Beaver Creek stage 6 tomorrow!
Beaver Creek Stage 6: Vail to Beaver Creek
Start Time: 8:00am
Distance: 22.4 miles, 36.0 km
Elevation Gain: 5,250 feet, 1600 m
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