(Vail)--The Vail Recreation District's (VRD) schedule for the 2010 La Sportiva Vail Mountain Trail Running Series is set and will offer runners a total of 45 miles and 13,500 vertical feet in elevation gain on Vail and Beaver Creek Mountain's scenic trails this summer. Named best race series of 2005 and 2008 by regional magazine Colorado Runner, this summer's six-races series will mark its13th season and take place Saturdays and Sundays. Distances will range from five kilometers (3.2 miles) to 14.5 miles.

The race series will kick off its season with the 3rd annual La Sportiva Summer Solstice Twilight race on Saturday, June 19 as a benefit for the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. The Twilight race will begin at 5 p.m. and include a 5k and 10k trail run, plus a kid's run. The race will end with free food and feature live music. Costs for the race are $35 pre-registration and $45 on race-day with proceeds benefiting the Vail Valley Charitable Fund. The Twilight race will be followed by the La Sportiva Vail HillClimb on July 3, the La Sportiva Vail Half Marathon on July 18 and the La Sportiva Berry Picker run on Aug. 1. The race series will then move to the top of Vail Mountain for the La Sportiva 10k @ 10,000 Feet on Aug. 15. On Sept. 12 runners will challenge themselves one last time during the final race of the series, the La Sportiva Evergold 10k. According to VRD running race coordinator Marc Thomas, last summer's series boasted more than 1,200 participants with 20 runners completing all five races in the series for a total of 45 miles and an elevation gain of 13,500 feet. "For over 12 years we've been offering some of the best trail running races in the state," said Thomas."This summer will be no different and offer recreational and competitive runners amazing scenery on amazing trails." Prizes will presented to the top three finishers of each age group at each race, with series prizes awarded to the top three finishers who compete in at least five events. Raffle prize drawings also will be held at each race awards ceremony featuring products from area merchants and national companies. Also, new this year, the series will include a category for those ages 70 and older. Individual race costs are $25 for pre-registration or $35 on race-day. Runners also can register for the entire race series for $125 by June 4. Registration is available by clicking here or at www.active.com. Entry forms will soon be available at running specialty stores along the Front Range. Race series sponsors are currently being sought and will receive mention in race series collateral, advertisements, news releases and on end-of-series prizes. Joining 2009 series title sponsor La Sportiva were Vail Resorts, FirstBank of Vail, Vail's Mountain Haus, SmartWool, Tiga Advertising, Howard Head Sports Medicine Centers, Steadman Hawkins, Gatorade, Journey Films, Save our Soles, Kinesys, Aqx Sports, Airdrives, Plum TV, KZYR and KT Tape. Photos of the 2009 race series are available by clicking here.

Volunteers are needed at each race and will receive a T-shirt and other items for their help.

For more information or to become a race series sponsor, call the VRD Sports Department at 970-479-2280 or go to www.vailrec.com.