3rd Annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill

Press Release from Nancy Hobbs:

Vail, Colorado – This Saturday, February 20, runners, skiers, snowshoers, and outdoor enthusiasts will meet at the base of Vail Mountain at the Lionshead Gondola for the start of the third annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill. At 7:00 a.m. participants will head up the race course which includes 2,000 feet of vertical gain from the 8,000 foot base to the summit of Vail Mountain at Eagle’s Nest at over 10,000 feet. The approximately two mile course is on groomed ski trails.

The event is organized by Vail Valley locals Ellen Miller and Hooker Lowe 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 and was a member of the U.S. Mountain Running Team which is one of the beneficiaries of race proceeds. The event is also a fundraiser for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund “This is a great way for people to remember Lyndon while participating in an activity that was so special to him,” said co-race director Ellen Miller.

“Through this event, we call all reflect on happy times with Lyndon and keep his memory alive in our hearts,” said Nancy Hobbs, manager of the mountain team and Executive Director of the American Trail Running Association.

The uniqueness of the event is evident in the varied categories of participation. Athletes will “pick their grip” when registering for the event. The categories include 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. Registrants receive a post race party with breakfast at Eagle’s Nest, awards, and prizes. Prizes will be awarded by overall place and category by gender age group including 18 and under, 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70 plus.

Registration is available now Online at www.imathlete.com, or on race morning until 6:30 a.m. at the Chop House Restaurant located at the base of the Lionshead Gondola. Arrive early to sign the Vail Resorts event waiver in addition to the entry form waiver. Race entry is $35 through February 19 and $40 on race day. The first 100 registrants will receive a copy of the first edition of The Ultimate Guide to Trail Running, by Adam W. Chase and Nancy Hobbs.

Benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund and the US Mountain Running Team

Contact: Ellen Miller, Vail Athletic Club, alpineellen@gmail.com

US Team coach Ellen Miller featured on Outside Magazine blog

Ellen Miller (Vail, CO) has been the women's team coach for the US Mountain Running Team for the past several years. Most people don't know that Ellen is also an experienced mountaineer who has climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest. I caught a peek of Ellen most recently on the Discovery Channel show Everest: Beyond the Limit where she was greeting climbers returning from the summit. Ellen is a good friend of Russell Brice - the owner of Himex and "star" of Everest: Beyond the Limit. You can read more about Ellen on the Outside Magazine blog here. Above is a photo of Ellen and Dave Dunham at the 2009 World Mountain Running Championships.