TELLURIDE, Colo. – (April 27, 2015) – If you want to start Independence Day with a BANG, then it’s time to register for the Telluride Foundation’s fourth annual Rundola footrace. The race takes place on July 4th at 8a.m. The Rundola is an uphill footrace open to anyone who dares to take the challenge. Starting from the base of the gondola in Telluride, finishing at the top of the ridge that parallels the gondola, runners gain 1810 feet of elevation anyway they can—run, hike or crawl.
“The Rundola is a Fourth of July tradition for Telluride,” said Katie Singer, event organizer for the Telluride Foundation. “The race has grown and sold out each year. We expect over 500 participants this year. Racers should take advantage of the early registration fee and sign up now.”
Runners start at the base of the gondola on the Town of Telluride side and finish at the top of the ridge, between the top of Lift 7 and the Nature Center. Runners can choose their own route up the mountain – they can take the 4,600 foot Telluride Trail with an average grade of 13% or bushwhack straight up the mountain for an even steeper climb! There is an elevation gain of 1,810 feet. The Course record is held by Daniel Kraft in 2012 with a 21:43.36. Women’s is held by Nora Coennen in 2013 with a 27:29.81. For more information on the Rundola including past results, please visit www.telluriderundola.com.
The Rundola is a family event. Early registration is $30 for adults and $18 for kids through midnight MST June 5, 2015. The entry fee has not increased in five years and includes a race shirt (adults), hat (kids) and breakfast at Oak. Registration prices rise to $36 for adults and $20 for kids on June 6- July 2, 2015. An on-site fee of $5 is added to the registration fee starting July 3, 2015. Participants register in one of the following categories: Men 18 & under; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; Women 18 & under; 19-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; Men & Women 60 years plus. Kids 12 and under may register and participate in a race to the top of Kid’s Hill, approximately ¼ mile. All kids are winners (not timed) and will receive hats and ribbons. Medals will be awarded for the top three finishers in each adult category, and the winner of each category will receive brand new Salomon shoes. The fastest overall man and fastest overall woman will win a grand prize provided by Telluride Sports, which will be announced closer to the event. Please visit https://www.runreg.com/rundola-tellurides-fourth-of-july-race to register.
An awards ceremony will start at 10a.m. at Oak Restaurant next to the gondola station in Telluride. All registered participants receive a meal during the awards ceremony. The Telluride Foundation hosts the Rundola. Lumiere Telluride, Salomon, Telluride Sports, and Alpine Bank are sponsors of the 2015 event. The US Forest Service, Telluride Ski & Golf, and Mountain Village are supporters.
“We are thankful for the support of our sponsors,” said Singer. “Salomon awards shoes to each category’s winner. They are well-earned badges of honor. We hope they will help the racers train for the Rundola the following year. Telluride Sport’s provide the grand prize each year which has included cruiser bikes, Go-Pro cameras and gift certificates.”
The Telluride Foundation exists to create a stronger Telluride community through the promotion and support of philanthropy. It is a nonprofit, apolitical community foundation that provides year-round support for local organizations involved in arts, education, athletics, charitable causes, land conservation and other community-based efforts through technical assistance, education and grant making. As a grant maker, The Foundation awards grants to qualified applicants that serve the people living and working in the Telluride area for the purpose of enhancing the quality of life within the region. For more information on the Telluride Foundation, visit www.telluridefoundation.org.
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