Seven race events offer runners varying courses, challenges
KILLINGTON—On Aug. 19 and 20, athletes from near and far will converge on Killington Resort for the inaugural 2017 Under Armour Mountain Running Series.
Created for trail running novices and professionals alike, this trail running series provides racing experiences in beautiful mountain environments of three of the most iconic resort destinations in the United States, including Killington Resort. Race course locations offer diverse climates, different distances and varying elevations, and terrain built to push athletes to find the edges of their potential.
The series will make a stop at Killington Resort, touting a peak elevation of 4,241 feet and covering an expansive seven peaks.
What differentiates the UA Mountain Running Series is that courses in their entirety will take participants on off-the-beaten-paths of mountains in national forests where runners will encounter everything from rocky paths in high alpine surroundings, forests of evergreens and aspens, to open meadows and mountain streams. Each single race course presents a truly unique trail running experience for participants of all levels.
Killington Resort race offerings:
50K – A single loop course where runners will conquer the entire mountain, because “The Beast” is big. Offering 10,075 feet of total elevation gain, from the low side of the course at mile 16 and 1,172 feet elevation, to the high point of 3,994 feet at mile 22.6, runners will see all of the outstanding views Killington provides.
Marathon – A two loop course highlighted with iconic views along the ridge at 3,860 feet will show the beauty of Killington, and some explanation as to why it’s called “The Beast.” A 9,578 foot elevation gain challenges runners on a route of dense forest trails and service roads.
Half Marathon – The single loop course starts at 2,519 feet elevation and climbs to 3,860 feet elevation in the first three miles. Runners are rewarded with majestic views at the top, followed by a scenic downhill to 1,173 feet for a total of 4,789 feet in elevation gain.
Marathon Relay – This two-loop course designed for teams of two to four runners features incredible views of surrounding mountains and 9,578 feet of elevation gain.
Vertical Challenge – The Vertical Challenge is 1.25 miles straight up 1,552 feet in elevation gain to Killington Peak.
10K – With grand views at 3,864 feet, the 10Kcourse is a combination of trails and service roads with 2,649 feet of elevation gain.
5K – This is an amazing 5K course through wooded and glacial moraine starting at 2,521 feet elevation with a climb up to 3,358 feet offering great views.
2017 UA Mountain Running Series
July 22: Mt. Bachelor, Oregon
Aug. 18-20: Killington Resort, Vermont
Sept. 8-10: Copper Mountain, Colorado
For more information visit www.UAMountainRunning.com.
Photo courtesy of Under Armour Mountain Running Series
Trail runners head uphill for the vertical challnge.
