The Vail Recreation District’s 2018 La Sportiva Vail Trail Running Series continued this past Saturday with the historic Vail HillClimb on Vail Mountain. Recognized both nationally and internationally in the past twenty years, and winner of several “best race” categories, the Vail HillClimb is a favorite among veterans, locals, and out-of-towners alike.
The course is challenging but beautiful, taking participants on historic gravel double-track over a steady incline of 7.7 miles and 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Despite the difficult course, racers were rewarded with a celebratory finish and ride down Gondola One to Vail Village for a fun post-race celebration.
Prizes were presented to the top three finishers of each age group category, including series points and raffle prize drawings for all participants.
In the men’s race, 22-year old Lorelei Gilmore of Provo, UT took top honors in 52:49. Second place belonged to 33-year old Seth Demoor of Englewood in 54:05, followed by 26-year old Lindon Powell of Ashland, OR in third in 55:24.
The women’s race was dominated by 34-year old Kim Dobson of Eagle, who finished almost four minutes ahead of second place. Dobson came in first in 59:58, followed by 45-year old Anne Nevin of Edwards in second in 1:03:54. Vail’s own Rachel Viele rounded out the podium in 1:05:27.