In 2003 ultra, trail, and mountain runners have the broadest opportunity to run USATF national championship and selection races in the history of USATF’s championship program. To offer this expansive slate of races, the USATF Mountain/ Ultra/Trail Running Council selected the first-ever USATF National Mountain Running Championship to be staged in Vail, Colorado on July 6 with the 25th Vail Hill Climb.  The race will serve as the mountain championship for both open and masters mountain runners.

Benefits of Running in a Championship

When you participate in a USATF ultra championship race and win overall or in one of the 5-year masters age groups, you win the title of USATF national champion, master's national champion, or age-group national champion. As a winner, you receive a USATF national championship award. In addition, team competition is offered at a national championship race, so your running club can vie for the title of national champion team. Many championship races offer prize money and the opportunity to run with the best ultrarunners in the country.

To participate in the USATF championships at these races, runners must be a current member of USATF. The approximately $20 annual membership can be obtained through local USATF Associations or at www.usatf.org.

To host a championship in 2004, submit a bid form by July 1, 2003 or by November 1, 2003. Early selection allows time to advertise a race as a USATF championship to attract runners and sponsors. The bid form and other information are available on the MUT championship web page or from MUT Championship Coordinator Janice Anderson at 770-794-9537 (h) or 770-433-8211 ext 17654 (w) or Janice_Anderson@HomeDepot.com.

Congratulations to the race selected as the 2003 Mountain National Championship!