Whether you’re riding or running, competition is better in a kaleidoscope of color.
Cumberland Trail 50K
October 16 • Cove Lake State Park, Tennessee
It takes a true Tennessee stud to tackle the rocky and rugged terrain at the Cumberland Trail 50K. Don’t come to this race looking for a PR, as the tough out-and-back course along the New River section of the still-developing Cumberland Trail has plenty of sustained switchback climbs—including a lengthy treacherous trek up Cross Mountain.
cumberlandtrailraces.com
Odyssey Fall Finale 24-Hour and Sprint Adventure Races
October 16 • Buchanan, Virginia
Sharpen your map and compass skills and be ready to navigate your way through Southwest Virginia Blue Ridge backcountry by boat, boot, and bike. The 24-hour race will cover nearly 100 miles with 25 miles of hiking and off-trail bushwhacking, 50 miles of mountain biking, and 25 miles of paddling class I-II rapids. Racers not ready for the full monty can enter the 25-mile sprint.
oarevents.com
Staunton 10 Miler
October 16 • Staunton, Virginia
Spend a crisp fall Saturday running through an historic town in the picturesque Shenandoah Valley. The hilly 10-mile course connects idyllic parks, quaint old neighborhoods, and revived downtown streets in revitalized Staunton.
stauntontenmiler.com
Fall Century Classic
October 23 • Athens, Georgia
The good-time cyclists in Athens know how to host a cool century. This one leaves from the tasty Terrapin Beer Co. and rolls into the surrounding country roads. After you pedal one of the 100-mile, metric century, or 31-mile options, quench your thirst back at the brewery with a tour and tasting.
athenshabitat.com
Run around the Gorge
October 23-24 • Fayetteville, West Virginia
Retreat to the gorge for a two-day trail running stage race mixed with a relaxing fall getaway. Over the weekend, runners will cover 40 miles on the winding trails of the New River Gorge during peak foliage season. The price of admission ($350) includes race entry, as well as two nights in a cabin and six catered meals.
runaroundthegorge.com
Swank 65 MTB
November 7 • Pisgah National Forest, North Carolina
How can you not love a race branded “mountain bike racing at its most primeval, far removed from civilization and polluted air”? You’ll need all the lung power you can muster for 65 miles of sadistically sweet Pisgah singletrack. The epic course includes some of the area’s toughest trails, including the uber steep and extremely technical Farlow Gap and boulder hopping on Pilot Rock.
blueridgeadventures.net
Find hundreds of events at blueridgeoutdoors.com/regional-events, home of the country’s largest calendar.
