Each year during the Stone Fort Bouldering Competition, the second stop of the Triple Crown, Rock/Creek hosts a 4.2 mile run on the cart paths of the Montlake Golf Club. The race serves as an optional activity for climbers who are competing, but anyone is welcome to register. The race has traditionally been called the Stone Fort Stomp, but this year we’re calling it the Hellbilly Race and making a few changes.
Whether you’re participating in the Stone Fort Bouldering Comp or not, here’s why you’re going to love running the Hellbilly Race.
1. It’s a great way to kick off fall
Sure, we like to imagine that September brings the arrival of autumn and a release from the summer’s sweltering heat. The reality, though, is that the season doesn’t really get its grip on Chattanooga until sometime in October, long after the calendar says that fall should be here.
With any luck, by the day of the Hellbilly on October 19th, we’ll be enjoying crisp mornings and a few hits of color in the trees. This race is the perfect way to celebrate the advent of fall and all the wonderful things (namely lower temps) it brings with it.
2. It benefits climbing access
Every event in the Triple Crown, including the Hellbilly, is focused on raising funds for the Southeastern Climbers Coalition and the Carolina Climbers Coalition. These two nonprofit organizations work to obtain and maintain access to many of your favorite climbing areas in the Southeast. Race registration fees benefit these awesome groups.
3. It’s not quite a trail race, but not quite a road race
The Hellbilly race winds around the hilly cart paths of the golf course, making it fall somewhere in between a trail race and a road race. Sure it’s pavement, but there are no cars and the terrain is way more interesting than a sidewalk. If you’re just getting into trail running and want a teaser, this is a great place to start.
4. You can complete a run/climb biathlon
If you’re planning to compete in the bouldering comp, tacking on the Hellbilly Race will allow you to create a multi-sport adventure. Entry to the race is free with your registration for the Stone Fort Bouldering comp, so what have you got to lose?
5. The race is over in a flash
This year we’re holding the race at 8:30 a.m. (in previous years it’s been at noon), so you can easily come run the Hellbilly while preserving the rest of your Saturday. Since it’s only 4.2 miles, you’ll finish in under an hour and get on with your day. Sounds like a pretty great way to jumpstart the weekend!
Ready to run? Sign up today!
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