THREE RACES IN THREE DAYS … CAN YOU HANDLE IT?

LAKE LURE, N.C. (August 27-30, 2009): Registration is now open for the fifth annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad’s race weekend extravaganza that includes the 5-Mile Dam Run on Friday, August 28; the Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon on Saturday, August 29; and the Race to the Rock on Sunday, August 30. While athletes are welcome to compete in just one of these races, the Olympiad wants to see who has what it takes to do all three!

Lake Lure 5-Mile Dam Run
The 5-Mile Dam Run begins at the Lake Lure Fire Station, heads east across the dam and along the lake’s scenic perimeter to finish on the Beach at Rumbling Bald Resort. Athletes are rewarded on this steady, but reasonably uphill run by the breathtaking views of grand mountains and picture-perfect water. Both this race and the triathlon are hosted by Rumbling Bald Resort, which is nestled at the base of the majestic 2,800-foot Rumbling Bald Mountain on the north end of Lake Lure. Age and gender categories are set at 5-year increments for ages 16+.

Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon
Celebrating its fifth year, the Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon starts on the Beach at Rumbling Bald Resort with a 500-meter swim in nearly 80 degree, glassy water that finishes right at the transition area. Next is the challenging 25K bike course that curves through the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains to finish at the same transition area. Finally, the 5K run winds fairly uphill through a beautiful valley paralleling Bald Mountain Golf Course with a gentle slope downhill to finish back at the beach. There is no shortage of friendly, supportive volunteers to cheer you on! Age and gender groups are assigned in age increments.

Race to the Rock
This very steep and winding 5K run or 7K bike course is completely uphill with an average 7% grade.  Starting in either the village of Chimney Rock for runners or the 1927 Lake Lure Inn & Spa for cyclists, athletes are supremely rewarded by crossing the finish line below the 315-foot tall Chimney Rock. It is the only time all year that anyone can cycle or run to the top of the park. Age and gender categories are set at 5-year increments for ages 16+.

What the Athletes Said
Ken Brown, a 65-year-old veteran athlete from Snellville, G.A., was the only athlete to compete in all three events in 2008, which prompted the Olympiad to showcase the three races as a series this year.  After finishing the Race to the Rock, Brown enthusiastically suggested “next year athletes should have to climb to the pinnacle of Chimney Rock after completing the uphill run.”  Needless to say, Brown is returning this year for a repeat of all three races and is challenging others to join him. 

Lake Lure resident Karen Van Sickler competed in both the Lake Lure Sprint Triathlon and Race to the Rock and described the run to the top of Chimney Rock as the “most miserable experience” of her life.  However, when asked if she was going to do it again this year, Van Sickler readily responded, “most definitely!” 

Coupled with these races are numerous activities and events for families, which make this event truly unique as compared to similar races.  Named one of the “ten most beautiful man-made lakes” by National Geographic and home to Chimney Rock State Park, Lake Lure is the most picturesque location for any outdoor event.  The overwhelming beauty can almost distract athletes long enough to forget the pain!