The third annual McMinnville Mountain Crawl Adventure Race on Sept. 23 is taking a slight detour.
Racers will still enjoy three legs of the race with caving at Cumberland Caverns, biking a scenic route, and kayaking the Barren Fork River.
However, in years past, racers would run through Cumberland Caverns. Upon leaving the cave, they would bike to Pepper Branch Park. From the park, they would kayak to the finish line at Smooth Rapids. This year, racers will bike from the cave to Smooth Rapids, approximately 7.4 miles, and kayak to the finish line at the VFV, approximately six miles. The kayaks are courtesy of Smooth Rapids.
Mountain Crawl is a production of the Warren County Chamber of Commerce.
“Racers can complete this individually or as a team of three, splitting the legs between them,” said Chamber president Mandy Eller. “Think strategically, form an alliance with your coworkers, friends, or family.”
The race is touted as a good test for the seasoned athlete, but is also accommodating for the novice fitness or nature enthusiast.
As it has in the past, an abundance of prizes are up for grabs and there should be something for every competitor.
“Prizes for this year’s event will be better than ever,” said Eller. “We like to award the racers who finish first, middle of the pack, dead last, or are just lucky enough to have their name drawn at the end.
McMinnville officials unanimously approved the new biking course through city streets, with traffic assistance provided by the city Police Department.
Race participants are urged to enjoy lunch refreshments at Smooth Rapids after the race.