Meadowgold 11K

MeadowGold 11K & 5K : Meadow Mountain, Minturn, CO

The MeadowGold event is the final race in the Vail Recreation District's Vail Trail Running Series. It includes two trail distances:

• 11K (long course; GPS file measures about 10.6K, elevation gain 1,362 ft)
• 5K (short course; about 3.1 miles, elevation gain 553 ft)

Both courses run on Meadow Mountain in the Town of Minturn. The long course follows technical singletrack on the West Grouse Trail with multiple stream crossings and fields of wildflowers, reaches a high point near 8,879 ft, then descends on Line Shack Trail with open views of Vail Mountain and the Gore Range. The short course ascends Line Shack Trail through mountain meadows and past old homesteads to a turnaround before returning to the finish; its high point is near 8,310 ft.

Surface breakdown and grades are provided from a GPS file: the long course is roughly 80% single track and 20% dirt trail with steep sections, the short course is about 40% single track and 60% dirt trail. Aid stations supply water and Skratch Labs hydration drink; participants are advised to carry personal water and reusable cups because the series follows a minimal waste approach. Racer parking is organized at a nearby train yard with a short walk across Highway 24 to the Meadow Mountain Parking Lot. Post-race provisions include donuts, fresh fruit, shirts, awards by age group, and a raffle for participants. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.