The Wild Side – March 2016

Volunteers Needed – Building the Cumberland Trail

We\’re building trails and need your help! A huge part of Wild Trails\’ mission is to preserve and expand the trail systems in our area. Sometimes that means storm damage clean up projects and other times we\’re blazing completely new trails. The current large project we\’re working on is building the Cumberland Trail on Signal Mountain. It\’s an amazing experience to look back on a few hours of work alongside fellow volunteers and see a new permanent trail created where nothing had been before.

Why do we need you? The more volunteers we have, the quicker the work gets done and the sooner we have more trails for everyone to enjoy. It\’s also a ton of fun! It can be hard work but if you can rake leaves or dig with a shovel, then you can do it! Tools and instruction on how to correctly build the trail bed are always provided and you can work at your own pace. If you\’re interested in helping as an individual, family, or want to bring a work or school group, simply sign up to receive trail work information.

Sign Up to VOLUNTEER NOW

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Chickamauga Chase Registration Is Open!

The 48th running of the Chickamauga Chase will be held on Saturday, April 16th on the grounds of the beautiful Chickamauga Battlefield. The Chickamauga Chase is Chattanooga\’s oldest continuously run road race and proceeds from the race go to the Friends of Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. Along with the 5K &15K road races and Scenic Walk, Wild Trails partners with The Chase to offer the 8 Mile Trail race option for runners.

This year has a different and emotional side. The Chase will be run in memory of the five servicemen who lost their lives in last summer\’s attack at Chattanooga\’s reserve and recruiting center. We have invited all members of the Navy and Marine Corps Reserve Center and the Armed Forces Career Center, as well as members of their families, to participate as our guests.

Race Details

• All events start simultaneously at 8:30am EST
• Cost: 15K, Trail Race, and 5K – $30, Scenic Walk – $20, Kiddie K – $12, Wee-One in stroller (Scenic Walk Only) – $5
• NOTE: Prices go up after March 26th
• Early Registration/Packet Pickup is Friday, April 15th from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Outdoor Chattanooga

REGISTER ONLINE FOR THE CHASE

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Thunder Rock 100 Training Runs | April 1-3, 2016

Wild Trails is organizing logistics for three training days over one long weekend to help you get better fit and familiar with the Thunder Rock 100 course. These are not guided group runs. We will all meet at Raft One the first morning of each run at 8AM. We will then all drive our own vehicles to the finish of the run and then Raft One will give us a ride to the start of the run of your choice. View all the Thunder Rock Training Run details here to see daily route options and more.

Learn More about the Thunder Rock Training Runs

The cost is $10 each day for transportation or only $20 each day for the use of the Raft One bunkhouse, including showers, and transportation…sweet deal. You are welcome to come and run only individual days if you like. All the food is on your own.

Reservations are required this year. We really need to know what size of bus or buses we will need. Please call Raft One to secure your seat and/or bunk at 888-RAFT-ONE (888-723-8663).

Sign Up Now for the 2016 Thunder Rock 100 trail race before it fills up!

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RRCA Awards National & Regional Ultra Championships to Lookout Mountain 50

We\’re super excited to announce that the Road Runners Club of America has chosen the Lookout Mountain 50 Mile trail race to be the 2016 Southern Regional Championship and the 2017 National Ultra Championship. The goal of the RRCA Championship Event Series is to shine a spotlight on well-run, community-based events, and to promote the sport of running by recognizing the top performing runners in a variety of age categories for both men and women. Anyone who\’s run the Lookout Mountain 50 Miler in the past knows just how challenging, beautiful and rewarding this course will be…[READ MORE]

We look forward to hosting these RRCA Championships! If you\’re interested in running the Lookout Mountain 50 Miler or 10K trail race this year on Saturday, December 17th 2016 you can REGISTER ONLINE.

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Upcoming Races

Ready for these Spring and early Summer Wild Trails races? I know we are! Now\’s the time to get registered, put it on the calendar and start training. Check out the race pages below for all the details.

Nature Calls 5K & 15K (200 Mile Club Celebration) – April 10, 2016

Chickamauga Chase Road & Trail Race – April 16, 2016

Scenic City Trail Marathon & 1/2 Marathon – April 23, 2016

Thunder Rock 100 Miler – May 20, 2016

Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race – June 17-19, 2016