Location:
Laurel Springs, NC
Date:
August 28th, 2010
Distance: 10K & 5K
Prize Money: $5000
Divisions:
Men, Women, Juniors
The second installment of the Continental Divide Trail Race will once again be the USA 10Km Trail Championships in 2010. This does not mean that the race is an elite only race, far from it. Our race will have a wide range of runners with various abilities. There will be elite runners racing for the overall championship, masters and age groupers competing for national championships in their categories, and runners/walkers out to enjoy a day on some beautiful trails. It is a great opportunity for anyone to be in the same race as the 2010 10Km Trail Champions will be running. There are also USATF championship categories for teams, making it a great running club experience. This race is for any runner who loves the thrill of the race, the beauty of the trail, and the satisfaction of meeting a challenge head on, and it will be a challenge.
The race is set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, an area known for its terrific mountain trails, panoramic views, and deep-rooted Appalachian culture. Our course begins in a grassy clearing overlooking some of the oldest mountains on our planet. The course crosses both sides of the eastern continental divide as it snakes its way up and down technical and primitive trails. I believe our race is one of the toughest trail races in the southeast. Last year, one section of the course picked up it's own nickname, The Rock Climb. It is not actually a rock climb, though you may end up using your hands as you work up this part. And it is only 20 yards. The course climbs a total of 1550 feet for a total elevation change of 3100 feet. The course is laid out in a kind of cloverleaf set up to be spectator friendly, as it loops runners to or near the start/finish three times during the race.
New for this year we plan to make this a green event, by using reusable materials whenever possible and decreasing waste. We are also planning to have a post-race cook-out and invite all runners and their families to stay with us for the festivities!
Comments from 2009:
I just wanted to say thanks for putting on a great race! Everything about this race was fantastic. The campground was very accommodating with the use of their cabins, and the breakfast in the morning! (the banana topping for the pancakes was delicious). The course was far more challenging that I could of imagined. I have done some pretty intense races here in PA, but I have yet to do anything that was as challenging as your 10k. Along with the challenging course, also came the most beautiful course I have ever seen. The views of the mountains were breathtaking. The course design was great for the spectators to see the runners a couple times, which was a great motivation to us with all their cheering.
This race was the perfect package! It was by far the most difficult race I have done so far, and the most beautiful course I have ever seen! I hope that it will return in 2010, so we can run this fantastic race again! Look forward to seeing you next year!
Sincerely, from the Rosemont Running Club - Derek J Schultz
“Very fun twisty single track, some grass, brief time on fire roads, and always up or down. Muddy, rooty, off camber parts with logs to hop. The last half mile included a brutal slippery steep climb requiring hand holds to get up. Thought I was gonna die…. great fun!”
- Kristi Jordan
To let you know we appreciate the good job with all the work and worry you put into it that made the 10K trail champs a success. While we are still walking rather slowly and stiffly (you should have seen us try to get out of the car after the drive home (310 miles!!)), we look back on the weekend as a fantastic experience like no other we have ever had!
We are sorry that we both brought up the rear by such margins but to get our bodies (and minds) across the finish line meant an awful lot. I (and Joyce) much appreciate your having the two youngsters accompany Joyce on the last half. BTW, they were absolutely great kids!!!!! Give them our thanks once again. Also BTW, how in the world did you find that rock climb???!!!!!!!!
Thanks again. And the pottery is a very nice and appreciated touch.
- Jim Hite/Joyce Hodges-Hite
It was a great race. It was nice to finally have the championships outside of Colorado. The trails are so much different out there. Just beautiful! I hope you make a bid for the championships again-hint hint. Just think how much easier it will be the second time around. Thanks again for putting on such a great event and all your hospitality.
- Andy Ames
2009 Video
