Monday, May 3, 2010

The North Face Endurance Challenge Comes to Atlanta

I’ve always admired trail runners. The ability to navigate rocks, tree roots and foliage while racing along a ground path is quite a skill. You see, I’m not exactly coordinated. There have been more than a few occasions where I’ve tripped on sidewalks.

Last month, The North Face announced that it is extending its well-know Endurance Challenge to Atlanta. And I say it’s about time. Not only is Atlanta a city with lots of runners but it’s also in close proximity to a variety of trails. The metro area will play host to the Southeast Regional event on October 16 and 17. The competition will take place at F.D. Roosevelt State Park in Pine Mountain, which is 20 miles east of Atlanta. Correction: the park is actually located 80 miles southwest of Atlanta.

The North Face Challenge offers competitions for every runner – from the grueling Gore-Tex 50-mile competition to a 5K race and Kid’s Run. The event site promises it will be the “toughest test of off-road endurance.” Registration is now available online and discounts are offered to couples and families. The field is limited to a small number of runners for each race. Regional winners for the Gore-Tex 50-mile race compete in the championship, which takes place in San Francisco. The top male and female finishers win $10,000 each.

If you’re a serious trail runner or just someone who aspires to race alongside mountain scenery, don’t let this event pass you by.

5 comments:

Beverly said...

Hey, thanks for the post, keep up the good work!

North Back Packs said...

Sounds exciting..

Anonymous said...

20 miles east of Atlanta??? Try 80 miles southwest...

Debbie Curtis-Magley said...

You're right - it's definitely not 20 miles east of Atlanta. I stand corrected:)

Anonymous said...

Hey outdoors lovers...The North Face Endurance Challenge is coming to Georgia! This is the race's first time in the Southeast and they have chosen to host it at F. D. Roosevelt!!
F.D. Roosevelt is Georgia's largest State Park and it's filled with breathtaking overlooks, waterfalls and rock formations. This two-day event happening on October 16th and 17th is loaded with races (50-Mile, 50K, Marathon, Marathon Relay, Half marathon, 10K, 5K race and runs for kids under 13) and is packed with family-oriented activities. Everyone, racing or not, is sure to have fun! Check out the cool video at http://bit.ly/northface-endurance-challenge


For specifics on F. D. Roosevelt State Park, check out http://gastateparks.org/find?locationid=88