The Vail Recreation District's 5th Annual Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race World Championships, scheduled for Aug. 7-10, 2014, will expand to include three days of racing, a family competition and additional activities to accommodate a projected 60 percent increase in participation.
 
While the 2013 event welcomed more than 430 young participants and over 3,000 spectators, sections of last year's race were sold out with a 40-plus person waiting list, prompting the VRD to expand in 2014. “We've been overwhelmed by the interest in this event and we were fortunate to receive additional funding from the Town of Vail for 2014,” explained VRD race director Beth Pappas. “So next year we're offering three days of racing divided into Beginner, Intermediate and Expert categories, plus additional activities for families and visitors not participating in the actual competition.”     
 
Pappas says some of the highlights participants and spectators can look forward to next summer include a family competition and expanded activities and vendors at the three-day race expo, in addition to the very popular skills clinics that racers can opt to participate in. Last year's expo in Solaris Plaza in Vail Village included a free climbing wall, meet and greet opportunities with the Vail Avalanche Rescue Dogs, a Strider racer for kids ages two to four, craft-making and product demos, and the 2014 expo is planned to include much of this and more. Cost to participate in the event is $150 per team of two with registration beginning March 3, 2014. Registration information will be available at www.vailkidsadventurerace.com.  
   
The race itself, open to teams of two between the ages of six and 14, will require young participants to navigate an adventure course in Vail Village and on Vail Mountain that will include a mud pit, rope obstacles, a zip line, a giant slope-n-slide, river tubing, climbing, problem-solving challenges and many other activities. “It's an exceptional event because it's both fun and truly challenging for the kids,” said Pappas. “Past participants have always expressed a sense of accomplishment, confidence and empowerment.”   
 
 While specifics about the course and the competition won't be released until immediately before the race, the tentative 2014 schedule is as follows:  

  • Thursday and Friday, Aug. 7-8: Skills clinics for participants
  • Friday, Aug. 8: Beginner race for ages six to nine
  • Friday, Aug. 8: Free Family Adventure Expo
  • Saturday, Aug. 9: Intermediate race for ages six to 11
  • Sunday, Aug. 10: Expert race for ages 10 to 14

The Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race Spectator Guides will again be available in 2014 and will be expanded to accommodate a larger amount of information on the community, the race and event sponsors.  
 
In addition to title sponsor Keen, the 2014 Keen Vail Kids Adventure Race is presented by the Town of Vail, Vail Mountain and KidSPORT. Other partners include Vail Valley Medical Center, The Parent's Handbook, KZYR 97.7 and Timberline Tours. The VRD is in the process of seeking additional partners for 2014. Those interested should contact Pappas at bpapps@vailrec.com or call 970-479-2280.
 
To find out more about the race, visit www.vailkidsadventurerace.com.