River Sports Outfitters will sponsor the 2nd Annual Urban Wilderness Adventure Race on April 16 to support the creation of a 1,000-acre recreational corridor next to the Tennessee River in Knoxville.
Proceeds from the Urban Wilderness Adventure Race will benefit Legacy Parks Foundation, a non-profit organization in Knoxville that is leading efforts to establish the Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor along Knoxville’s downtown waterfront.
“River Sports is once again thankful to be involved in the Adventure Race to benefit Legacy Parks and the South Knoxville corridor,” said Ed McAlister, owner of River Sports Outfitters. “This 1,000-plus acre wilderness area will provide recreation possibilities for all sorts of outdoor activities, from hiking and boating to biking and trail running. The initial race last year opened many eyes to the idea that this area was a ‘Central Park in the rough,’ as it was described by outdoor industry leaders who visited the site.”
River Sports Outfitters worked with the Appalachian Mountain Bike Club of Knoxville to build the racecourse through the corridor, which lies on the South Knoxville waterfront, across from the University of Tennessee.
This year’s race not only has a new course, but also a new format, with two competitions to suit different experience levels.
The Adventure Race for more experienced competitors will cover terrain in and around downtown Knoxville and include bicycling, running, rappelling and orienteering.
The new Citizen’s Race covers a less difficult route and includes foot travel and biking on trails through forests. While last year’s race was capped at 160 participants, this year’s format with two levels of competition will allow up to 400 people to participate.
Both races will provide participants and spectators opportunities to explore the recreation corridor, which will eventually link 10 parks, 20 miles of recreational trails, three Civil War forts and historic settlement sites.
“Our goal is to promote outdoor recreation and the outdoor industry as the new model for economic development,” said Carol Evans, executive director of Legacy Parks Foundation. “The Urban Wilderness and Historic Corridor project can spur tourism, incubate recreation-related businesses, provide new recreational opportunities and create positive energy and momentum.”
The Adventure Race starts at 9 a.m., and the Citizens Race begins at 10 a.m. The entry fee for the Adventure Race is $295 for a team of three, or $195 for a solo competitor. The Adventure Race will be limited to 150 competitors. The entry fee for the Citizens Race is $195 for a team of three or $95 for a solo competitor.
Register for the race at www.active.com or at River Sports Outfitters on Sutherland Avenue in Knoxville.
In addition to River Sports Outfitters, event sponsors include Patagonia, Columbia, Knoxville Volunteer Rotary, Knoxvillager.com, Barley's, New Belgium, and Appalachian Mountain Bike Club.
