La Sportiva Mtn Cup schedule set

The ultimate trail running event schedule is set and will kick off May 29 in Asheville, N.C.
The 2009 La Sportiva Mountain Cup consists of 10 mountain races that span the United States with the last race scheduled for Ketchum, Idaho on August 22.
Each rigorous trail has its challenges, but each will surely have its stunning scenery – if runners have a chance to enjoy it.
Races range from grueling hill climbs to European-style mountain races to forest loops ensuring every racer has something that will suit their style of running.
The Squaw Valley Mountain Run, in Squaw Valley, Calif., for instance, is a 3-mile run entirely on forest service roads. The Half Wit Half, in Reading, Penn., though, is a 13.1-mile (half marathon) that is 100-percent singletrack.
Others consist of forest service/fire roads mixed with mostly singletrack.
While it’s not possible to compete in all the races, as the Squaw Valley, Calif. and Nederland, Colo. races are scheduled for the same day, runners’ points are tallied after each event and combined at the end of the series.
A runner’s top five finishes are used for the end point total with cash prizes ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on overall place and category (male open, male master, female open and female master).
Race entry costs between $25 and $40 per race and most races are capped at between 163 and 550 racers, with one being capped at 900.