2015 Salomon Rock/Creek Trail Race Registration Opens New Years Day

Rock/Creek today announces that registration opens on January 1 at 1PM Eastern for the 10.2 mile Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race and the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k, both presented by Salomon.

These two races are the foundation of Rock/Creek’s highly successful involvement in the Chattanooga trail running scene over the past 15+ years.  Instrumental in not only promoting, but enhancing the quality of our community’s outdoor experiences, these two races have grown exponentially over the past decade as more adventurous Chattanoogans venture to experience the beauty of the vast trail systems available at our city’s doorstep.  But, with unfettered growth comes the adverse associations of impact–on our trails with erosion, on infrastructures with commitment to resources, and, on a personal level, the quality of those experiences on the trail.

As race director Brian Costilow explains, “in 2015, Rock/Creek will return these races to their ‘roots’, focusing on both the runner experience and the quality of that experience.  As such, we have made the decision to focus upon the original single distances that each of these trail races was founded upon…the Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race will be a 10 mile run and the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k will only include the 50k distance.  We will also reduce the number of total participants at each race, placing a registration cap at a number that is more sustainable and evokes a more intimate and inspired experience. Registration for both will open on January 1st, 2015 to signal a fresh start to the year, and to help you with your New Years resolutions.”

While these two races will be the primary focus of Rock/Creek’s official race efforts, we do plan to offer more shorter distance runs, fun-runs, night runs, etc. throughout the coming year. Stay tuned and be sure to join our Meetup group. Focusing on these events will also allow for more involvement with other core outdoor communities, including paddling, backpacking, climbing, and cycling. As previously announced, Rock/Creek is now the title sponsor of the 28th annual 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge, a bike century with deep roots in Chattanooga.

14th Annual Rock/Creek River Gorge Trail Race presented by Salomon

Run every year since 2001, The Rock/Creek River Gorge 10 mile race has become a local favorite and has also been covered by Running Times. Trail Runner Magazine named the race to it’s “21 Destination Trail Races for Your 2015 Bucket List.”

Taking place on the gorgeous Mullens Cove Loop in Prentice-Cooper State Forest, just outside Chattanooga, Tennessee, this 10.2 mile trail running race is run entirely on single track (except for the half-mile start on forest roads).  With incredible bluff views of the Tennessee River Gorge, a lush forest landscape featuring giant hemlocks and thick rhododendrons, this is one of the most beautiful runs in the area–complete with plenty of cascading streams, moss-covered rocks, and gnarly roots!  Runners will also encounter the infamous and challenging delight known as the “rock garden” along Short Creek.  Come prepared for unpredictable spring weather, the potential for slick footing, and the most fun you’ve ever had in the woods!

This race is a great opportunity for R/C StumpJump 50k runners to preview the middle portion of that course, for competitive trail racers to test their limits on one of the most trails around, and for new trail runners to experience a classic Chattanooga trail run.

Registration will be capped at 200 participants.

 

13th Annual Rock/Creek Stump Jump 50k presented by Salomon

One of the best 50k trail races in the Southeast, the Rock/Creek StumpJump has become a cult classic among southern trail runners since its inception in 2002–a year after its sister race began, the River Gorge.  This race takes place on the beautiful single track trails of Signal Mountain, then crosses Suck Creek and loops around the scenic bluff-lines and lush coves of Prentice Cooper State Forest.  With over 4400 feet of elevation gain, and a very healthy smattering of Tennessee sandstone on the trails, this ultra marathon provides a challenging yet beautifully rewarding course that has become a “bucket list” race for many a trail runner across the country.  Experience this classic for yourself, cross the R/C StumpJump 50k off of your bucket list in 2015.

Registration of the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50k will be capped at 300.

Check out race-founder and local legend, Matt Sims, great article on the history of the Rock/Creek StumpJump 50K.

Proceeds from these races will benefit the Tennessee River Gorge Trust in association with Southeast Youth Corps for trail and trailhead maintenance in Prentice Cooper State Forest and TRGT properties.

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We’ll also be announcing the new Rock/Creek FKT Trail Running Challenge next week, along with a Pint Night coming in January to our Paddlesports store at 1530 Riverside Drive in Chattanooga.

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