7th ANNUAL VAIL MOUNTAIN WINTER UPHILL COMPETITION

(Vail, Colo) -- The 7th Annual Vail Mountain Winter Uphill competition will take place Saturday, Feb. 22 on Vail Mountain. The race will begin at 7 a.m. in Lionshead, adjacent to the Eagle Bahn Gondola, and take runners, skiers, snowshoers and outdoor enthusiasts approximately 2,000 vertical feet, or two miles, up the groomed trails to Eagle's Nest at the top of Vail Mountain. The event is organized by long-time 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 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 Foundation's Literacy Program.

The categories for this year's race are open, which include running shoes, stabilizers or snowshoes; track skis, which include any light weight ski equipment; and heavy metal, which include metal-edged skis such as telemark gear. Participants receive a post-race party with breakfast at Eagle's Nest, T-shirt, 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 by going to www.imathlete.com/events/vailmountainwinteruphill or on race-day until 6:30 a.m. at the Vail Chophouse Restaurant located at the base of the Eagle Bahn Gondola in Lionshead. Race entry is $30 through Feb. 6 and $40 on race-day.

For more information, e-mail Ellen Miller.