Hey Atlanta … Hit the Trail with The North Face® Endurance Challenge

Last year, The North Face Endurance Challenge made its debut at Georgia’s F.D. Roosevelt State Park. The event was blessed with fine weather and robust participation. My friend and colleague, Kevin Coffey, ran the 10K race and loved the experience. He’ll be back on the trail this year running the half-marathon distance.

The following video gives an overview of the fun and thrills runners can expect:



This year’s event promises to offer the same exhilarating scenery and challenging terrain. Here’s what you can expect:

• A range of seven races suited for runners of varying abilities … from the 5K to the Gore-Tex® 50-Mile run.
• Single-track trails with lots of natural obstacles (e.g. tree roots, rocks, bushes, branches).
• An environmentally-conscience event. On-site efforts include recycling bins, complimentary water bottles, filling stations and sustainable practices in keeping with Leave No Trace. Runners also get a redemption code to receive a virtual race bag.
• Pre-Race Panel discussion featuring legendary trail running champion Dean Karnazes.

The participant’s guide offers plenty of details, including course maps and descriptions of the terrain for each race event. With registrations outpacing last year’s inaugural event, you can expect a good crowd.

Not up for a trail race? Consider volunteering. According to organizers, volunteer help is essential to the event’s success. As you can imagine with an event of this magnitude, there is a wide range of volunteer jobs … everything from parking to food tents and aid stations.

Gridiron Trail Rush: A Football + Trail Race Mash-up

While the NFL’s lockout and contract negotiations have keep football fans preoccupied, the college season is just around the corner. Metro Atlanta is home to die-hard fans from SEC schools and beyond just itching for college football kick-off.

So why am I writing about football? Well, there’s a new trail race next month that takes a unique spin on blending a 5K trail run with a football-themed obstacle course. But the competition isn’t limited to the course – declare your team allegiance when you register and gain a portion of the proceeds for your school. The more runners declared for your school, the more money earned. For example, a portion of the proceeds from Georgia fan runners will go to the Arch Foundation.

The Gridiron Trail Run takes place August 13 in Conyers at the Georgia International Horse Park. Some of the more unique challenges you’ll find on the race course include:

• An entry tunnel that serves as the starting line
• Holding a football in your hand during the race
• Stepping through tires
• Dodging tackle dummies
• Running through mud

In true football style, there’s an after-party with food, drinks, music and alumni tents. If this race appeals to you, register before August 1 to avoid the $10 increase in the entry fee. Running with a group of fans? There’s a discount for groups with more than 5 registrants at a time. Details are available at the Gridiron Trail Rush event site.

Looking for a running route close to your neighborhood or office? Check out WalkJogRun.net. Just enter your zip code and links to dozens of nearby routes appear.

Editor's note: Photo courtesy of Gridiron Trail Rush event site.

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of Gridiron Trail Rush event site.

Race Review: The North Face Endurance Challenge

Last weekend, The North Face brought its Endurance Challenge to Georgia. The event featured seven races – from a 5K run to the grueling Gore-Tex 50 Mile competition. And all these races were run on trails.

My friend and colleague Kevin Coffey hit the ground to run the 10K race. Having never run a trail event, I wanted to learn more about Kevin’s experience and find out what it’s really like to run a race on a trail.

How long have you been running?
I started running a year ago. Running was something that I could easily fit into my schedule and it gave me the opportunity to explore my neighborhood.

Not only was this my first trail run, but it was also my first organized running event.

So, how was the trail?
It was definitely a challenge. The trail featured all the obstacles you could imagine – rocks, tree roots, stairs, streams, bushes and branches – with lots of elevation changes. For the most part, the trail was narrow and racers were forced to run single file. Some parts of the trail edged along the side of a very steep hill –one wrong step and you’d find yourself off the trail and sliding downhill.

While it took longer to run the race on a trail vs. a paved surface, the scenery was extraordinary. I liked the challenge that the trail presented. Overall, it was a great experience.

What shoes did you run in?
I wore trail shoes from La Sportiva. I liked the fact that the sole was durable while the upper part was mesh.

How many runners were on the trail with you?
There were probably around 200 runners for the 10K race. Most of the other races seemed to have 100 participants each.

It’s amazing to think that there were seven races taking place at this event. Was it well organized?
Definitely. There was a festival center with a runners recovery area, massages and live music. And for kids, there was a fun run that included costumed characters who ran the race along side the kids. The North Face also hosted a panel discussion with Dean Karnazes and other elite runners. They talked about tips and techniques for trail running.

What about the swag?
Each race featured different types of swag. Along with Kleen Kanteen water bottles, 10K runners received a branded bag and two technical shirts. There was on-site screen printing were runners could have a design for their specific race printed on their shirt.

So, is there another trail run in your future?
Yes – I’m already looking for more trail races.