Telluride Foundation’s July Fourth Rundola: Register Now

02 Jun Telluride Foundation’s July Fourth Rundola: Register Now

Want to start Independence Day off with a BANG? Yes? Then it’s time to register for the Telluride Foundation’s sixth annual Rundola footrace. The race takes place on July 4, starting at 8 a.m. Early bird prices are available through June 10, 10 p.m. MT.

The Rundola is an uphill footrace open to anyone who dares to take the challenge, which finishes at the top of the ridge that parallels the gondola. In the end, runners gain 1810 feet of elevation anyway they can — run, hike or crawl.

“Registration is open, and we have many participants gearing up for the race,” said Katie Singer, Telluride Foundation Director of Marketing & Events. “The Rundola is growing each year and once again, we are preparing for an even bigger turnout in 2016. Racers, especially locals, should take advantage of the early registration fee and sign up today.”

Runners start at the base of the gondola on the Town of Telluride side and finish 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. Any way you roll, the elevation gain is 1,810 feet. The course record is held by Daniel Kraft in 2012 with a time of 21:43.36; the women’s record is held by Nora Coennen in 2013 with a time of 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 10p.m. MST June 10, 2016. The entry fee has not increased in price in five years and includes a race shirt (adults), hat (kids), breakfast at Oak, and a chance to win great prizes.

Gondola Rundola start, by Melissa Plantz

Registration prices rise to $35 for adults and $20 for kids on June 10- July 3, 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; the winner of each category will receive a new pair of Salomon running shoes. The fastest overall man and fastest overall woman will win a grand prize provided by Telluride Sports, to be announced closer to the event.

An awards ceremony will start at 10 a.m. at Oak Restaurant next to the gondola station in Telluride. All registered participants get fed. The Rundola is organized and hosted by the Telluride Foundation. Lumiere Telluride, Fuel Telluride, Salomon, Telluride Sports, Homeloan Insurance, and Alpine Bank are sponsors of the 2016 event. The U.S. Forest Service, Telluride Ski & Golf, and Mountain Village are supporters.

“We are thankful for the support of our sponsors. They enable us to have a great event while maintaining the same low entry fee,” said Singer. “Our sponsors provide incredible prizes and a quality race experience.”

Rundola, with town way below in the background, by Melssa Plantz

About the Telluride Foundation:

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.