Tennessee Adventure Challenge Comes to Knoxville

Outdoor enthusiasts can experience a day of adventure and ultimately compete for a statewide title in the Tennessee Adventure Challenge that will be launching in Knoxville next month. The Challenge will make its debut on October 12, 2013 in conjunction with the Checkpoint Tracker Adventure Racing National Championship, which will see up to 200 of the best adventure racers in North America converge on Knoxville from October 10-12 to compete for the national title.

The Tennessee Adventure Challenge is designed to offer an entry-level experience for those just starting out with adventure sports. The Challenge will expand to other cities within Tennessee in 2014 and 2015, with the goal of a five-to-seven city statewide series that culminates with a Championship race every fall in Knoxville.

Paul Angell, president of event producer, Checkpoint Zero, said Knoxville was the perfect pick for the National Championship and for the launch of the Tennessee Challenge. "Knoxville's Urban Wilderness drew us to the city for our first-ever urban national championship venue. The enthusiasm we've seen for outdoor recreation — and the incredible topography and amenities found in and around Knoxville — made us excited about launching the Tennessee Adventure Challenge in conjunction with the national championship."

Checkpoint Tracker is a national competitive adventure racing series with its own rankings and championship race. It is also the largest online community of adventure racers in North America with over 10,000 active members.

The Tennessee Adventure Challenge offers a unique format open to both novice and experienced athletes. Scheduled activities for the Challenge will include trail running, mountain biking and paddling (boat or SUP) on a set course with no navigation skills or GPS required. The 4-6 hour endurance race will feature solo and two person teams who will traverse an unmarked course using printed trail maps as they transition between 3-5 outdoor disciplines. Manned checkpoints along the course will provide water, first aid and other support for all racers. The course for both events is kept secret and closely guarded, though event producers have revealed that both finish lines will be on Market Square.

Registration and information is available at http://www.tnadventurechallenge.com.

For more information, contact: Carol Evans at 865.525.2585 or cevans@legacyparks.org.


Jeff
Hiking in the Smokies