The GoPro Mountain Games returns and awards over $25,000 in cash to top U.S. trail runners! After cancelling this popular event last year due to the coronavirus pandemic, this massive four day celebration of mountain sports, art and music held annually in Vail, Colorado, was back this past weekend, with a modified format. Changes included fewer vendor tents and sponsor activities in the L.L Bean Gear Town, no climbing or slacklining competitions, fewer kids events and no Outdoor Reels film series.
Despite these changes, the event still remained true to its mantra: “Athletes, art, music and mountains.” This year’s competitions for amateur and professional mountain athletes included kayaking, fishing, mountain biking, rafting, yoga, and trail running. The festival’s art and music focus included photography competitions, an on-site mural creation each day by event artist, Skye Walker, and outdoor adventure athlete-artist Chris Benchetler, and live music in the Vail Village plaza throughout the day, as well as each evening at the Gerald R. Ford outdoor amphitheater.
In this article, I recap the trail running results from the four trail running competitions at the GoPro Mountain Games. Taking place at over 8000′ above sea level, this year’s races were particularly exciting and attracted some of the best trail runners in the western United States including 2-time World Mountain Running Champion Joseph Gray, National Champions Allie McLaughlin, Ashley Brasovan, Morgan Arritola, Sam Lewis and Andy Wacker, as well as Janelle Lincks, Jeshurun Small, Joshua Eberly, Seth & Joseph DeMoor and Giselle Slotboom, to name just a few.
Here’s what went down (and up!) on the trails around Vail.
Thursday, June 10 – Rocky Dog Trail Run – The Rocky Dog Trail Run took place on the opening day of the Games. Participants ran with their leashed dogs for 5 kilometers. The course included dirt road and single-track trails in the Vail Ski Resort. Podium finishers (dogs included) are listed below.
Women:
- Lyra – Sarah Kassing, 37, Flagstaff, AZ
- Apollo – Cynthia Edgerton, 29, Albuquerque, NM
- Piper – Mindi Depaolo, 27, Boulder, CO
Men:
- Smokey – Michael Dorr, 45, Avon, CO
- Odie – Patrick Zdunek, 26, Vail, CO
- Nitro – Elliot Hardy, 31, Highlands Ranch, CO
For complete results are on the Mountain Games website.
Friday June 11 – Apres 5k Trail Run – This 5K trail race took place Friday at 5:30 P.M. and kicked off the weekend events. Runners followed the same course as the Rocky Dog Trail Run. Total prize purse was $5200. Podium finishers are listed below.
Women:
- Janelle Lincks, 27, Thornton, CO – $1000
- Giselle Slotboom, 28, Salt Lake City, UT – $750
- Ashley Brasovan, 30, Golden, CO – $500
Men:
- Tyler McCandless, 34, Fort Collins, CO – $1000
- Joseph DeMoor, 30, Carbondale, CO – $750
- Joshua Eberly, 40, Gunnison, CO – $500
Complete results are on the Mountain Games website.
Sunday June 13 – Adidas Terrex 10K Spring Runoff – The course consisted of many short climbs and descents on single-track trail. The majority of the race was at an elevation of approximately 9,000 feet. This event was ideal for amateurs and pros alike looking to test climbing skills and speed at high altitude. Total prize purse was $11,500. Podium finishers are listed below.
Women:
- Janelle Lincks, 27, Thornton, CO – $2,500
- Giselle Slotboom, 28, Salt Lake City, UT – $1,500
- Tabor Scholl, 24, Louisville, CO – $1,000
Men:
- Joseph Gray, 37, Colorado Springs, CO – $2,500
- Tyler McCandless, 34, Fort Collins, CO – $1,500
- Joseph Demoor, 30, Carbondale, CO – $1,000
Complete results are on the Mountain Games website.
Sunday June 13 – Junk Brands Pepi’s Face Off – This uphill/downhill dash capped off the games trail running events. Racers were timed for 30 minutes as they ran up and down Vail Ski Resort’s Pepi’s Face ski hill. The hill is approximately ¼ mile with 250 feet of elevation gain. After reaching the top of the hill, runners descended on single-track and continued up and down the hill until a horn was blown at 30 minutes. Racers were allowed to complete their final loop if it was started before the 30-minute mark. Total prize purse was $9,500. Podium finishers are listed below.
Women:
- Allie McLaughlin, 30, Colorado Springs, CO – $2,500
- Rea Kolbl, 30, Denver, CO – $1,500
- Sam Lewis, 26, Moscow, ID – $750
Men:
- Morgan Elliott, 29, Salida, CO – $2,500
- Joseph Gray, 37, Colorado Springs, CO – $1,500
- Joseph Demoor, 30, Carbondale, CO – $750
You can follow Tayte’s adventures on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you liked this article, read even more of Tayte’s articles on our website. GoPro Mountain Games are members of the American Trail Running Association.
