Posted: August 24, 2007

Multisport: Race To The Rock At Chimney Rock Park

For the first time, runners and cyclists can "Race to the Rock" at Chimney Rock Park. The 5K race, part of the 3rd Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, is set for Saturday, September 8 at 8am and is being professionally managed by Race Day Events. Beginning in Chimney Rock Village and continuing up the Park's winding entrance road, the race finishes just below the 315' Chimney Rock, the ancient monolith which gives the Park its name. While completing the race, averaging an uphill seven percent grade, is certainly reward enough, participants will also be treated to 75-mile views of Lake Lure and Hickory Nut Gorge. Spectators wishing to watch the race may purchase a half-price ticket to the Park. Half-price admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-15. No other discounts apply. Spectators must enter the Park before 7:30am and the ticket is good for the entire day. Concessions after the race will be provided by the Chimney Rock Village Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. Advanced registration, before August 25, is $25 and includes a commemorative Olympiad T-shirt. Register here: http://www.active.com/page/Event_Details.htm?event_id=1460393. Walk up registration will also be available beginning at 6:30am and is $30. A portion of all proceeds benefits charitable organizations in the Hickory Nut Gorge. In its three years, the Olympiad has given more than $36,000 to local charities. The Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad is a four-day sport and community celebration. With dozens of events from kayak races to a fireworks extravaganza, sand volleyball to live music, the Olympiad has something for everyone. More information can be found at www.hickorynutolympiad.com. Chimney Rock Park is a 1,000- natural scenic attraction located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74-A in Chimney Rock, NC. The State of North Carolina recently purchased Chimney Rock Park as part of a larger planned state park in Hickory Nut Gorge. The Park will be managed by Chimney Rock Management, LLC, which will continue to offer all activities, programs and events and operate as consistent as possible with the way the Park has been run by the Morse family for many years. 2007 admission is $14 for adults and $6 for youth ages six through 15. Children under six are admitted free. For a full list of events and activities, visit www.chimneyrockpark.com or call 800-277-9611. Subscribe to the Runner's Web Weekly Digest