Greenway Challenge back for 2008 with a new format.

Press Release / 18.04.2008

On a typical Saturday morning at the Greenway Farm in Hixson, one might be joined by joggers, dog-walkers, and perhaps a baby stroller and a bicycle or two, meandering through the network of trails in this beautiful public space. The serenity of the tree-lined North Chickamauga Creek and the awe-inspiring cliffs at the rock quarry make for a peaceful morning constitutional for most. However, on May 31st, the normal tranquility will be replaced by the thundering foot steps, pedal and paddle strokes of hundreds of racers from all over the southeast, converging on the Greenway Farm for the 6th annual North Chick Greenway Challenge Adventure Race. Adrenaline-charged and oxygen-deprived competitors will face a variety of obstacles and challenges along the race route, adding to the spectacle.

After selling out for four straight years, the Greenway Challenge will open itself up to more adventurous souls by changing the race format. Competitors will no longer be limited to fifty teams of three. The race will now have soloists and relay teams, with various categories of competitors racing at different times of the day. There will also be non-paddling categories for those that simply want to bike and run and tackle the many obstacles meant to challenge the racers along the way. Race director, Jim Farmer, says, "This year's race may look a little different, but I can guarantee that it will still be as fun and challenging as before. We'll also be offering big cash prizes for the top finishers which will bring in some of the best adventure athletes in the region." But, as always, the Greenway Challenge Adventure Race is a race for everyone, from beginners to experts. Simply crossing the finish line is the goal for many on race day.

On-line race registration is currently open at http://www.northchick.org. All proceeds from the race will go to benefit the work of the North Chickamauga Creek Conservancy. The race name relates to the challenge of completing the Greenway corridor along North Chickamauga Creek, one of the main goals of the organization. The objective of the corridor is to link the Greenway Farm, situated along the last three miles of the creek as it flows into the Tennessee River, to the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge, including the 7,000 acre North Chickamauga Gorge State Natural Area, along a contiguous green corridor. To date more than 12,000 acres have been conserved. The Greenway, when completed, will link up with the Tennessee RiverPark, providing an unobstructed pedestrian pathway from downtown Chattanooga to the North Chickamauga Creek Gorge. The Greenway will also be connected to the Cumberland Trail, Tennessee's first linear state park, providing virtually unlimited opportunities for recreational activities.