Valley participants invited to 'Up & Over' 10K in Taos area

TAOS SKI VALLEY, NM – Slots are filling up quickly for Taos Ski Valley’s 12th Annual “Up & Over” 10K trail run on Saturday, Aug. 5, from 9 a.m.–2:30 p.m. The 6.2 miles-long race offers some 2,612 feet in elevation gain along with spectacular Sangre de Cristo mountain views for runners as they literally race up the side of a wildflower-strewn mountain to the 11,819’ top and then over it. Pre-registration closes on Aug. 4 and costs $55; race-day registration is $60.

A 2017 “Trail Runner Trophy Series Event,” this year’s “Up & Over” will both start and finish mid-mountain in front of The Bavarian, Taos Ski Valley’s authentic German lodge and restaurant located at the base of Chairlift 4. As before, the course will run counter-clockwise, starting at The Bavarian, heading downhill toward the ski resort’s base area, then up Whitefeather, Jess’s and Bambi ski trails to the top of Chairlift 2, then down Honeysuckle and Lower Patton, back to the base of Chairlift 4 for the finish.

“We encourage runners of all ages and skill levels to test their legs and endurance in a slightly easier race than in past years,” said Taos Ski Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Courtney Tucker. “We’d also like to thank our sponsors for supporting an event that introduces people not only to our breathtaking ski area but our unique, European-style hamlet filled with an array of lodging, dining and shopping options with a southwestern twist.”  

Each finisher will receive a collectible, handmade pottery medal from local, Arroyo Seco potter Scott Rutherford. The top three finishers in each age group, and in male and female divisions, will also receive cash prizes, ski passes and outdoor adventure apparel. In addition, there will be an after-party featuring live music from local favorites “Last to Know,” hula hooping and scenic chairlift rides mid-mountain under Kachina Peak.

All registrants, whether or not they finish, will receive a race t-shirt and goody bag. Register online at taosskivalley.com/trailrun.