Rock Creek Outfitters's Rock Creek River Gorge Trail Race raised $1500 for the nonprofit Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). According to CTC Executive Director Paul Freeman, Rock Creek's donation will go to the CTC's Spring Build, supporting up to 100 volunteers a day as they extend the Cumberland Trail through the Smokies near Caryville, TN.
The Cumberland Trail is a beautiful multi-use single-track foot path that will eventually stretch over 300 miles on the Cumberland Plateau.
About 230 people showed up to run, making this the best turnout in the race's six year history. As race director Jamie Sanders explains, “Were pleased to have a successful race that draws so many people from across the region.” The race took place on a beautiful Spring morning, with the first racers showing up for registration before dawn, and the last racer coming across the finish line by midday.
Rock Creeks race team finished well, with race team member Geno Phillips finishing third on the 10.2 mile course. Rock Creek employee Clay Werner finished fourth. On the 6.5 mile course, race team members Tom Sell and Jim Farmer took first and second place. The race took place within the Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area, the Southern terminus of what will be over 300 miles of backpacking and hiking trails starting in the Cumberland Gap National Park in Kentucky. A comment from Jim Farmer summed up the significance of the race perfectly: “What better way to showcase the work of the Cumberland Trail Conference than to bring 225 people out for a race and on the trail itself?”
The race was sponsored by Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, Wigwam, Inov8, Chaco, Oakley and Hammer Nutrition.
