FROM CHIMNEY ROCK STATE PARK & THE HICKORY NUT GORGE OLYMPIAD
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will host its 5th annual Race to the Rock at the Park on Sunday, August 28, 2011. Race to the Rock climbs the steep, winding Park road and finishes in the top parking lot with breathtaking 75-mile views of Lake Lure and the Hickory Nut Gorge. The 25-mile bike race starts at 7:30 a.m. and the 5K run starts at 7:45 a.m. Race to the Rock is part of the 7th Annual Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad, a three-day, family sports festival, and is professionally managed by Set Up Events. Registration is $35 in advance online or $40 walk-up. For more information or to register, visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com or call 828-429-9011.

“Race to the Rock is a bold challenge for the adventurous runner or cyclist. Everyone who finishes this race will have accomplished an incredible feat and gets to enjoy the panoramic views of Lake Lure and the Gorge at the finish line,” said Matt Popowski, PR & Events Coordinator at Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park.

Race Information. The 5k run starts in Chimney Rock Village, climbs the 7% grade of the Park road and finishes in the top parking lot below the Rock. The bike race, formerly a 7k course, has been extended to 25 miles. It starts in the Village in a time trial format every 15 seconds, heads east on Hwy 64 and loops back to finish on the Park road just below the Rock. This is the only time anyone can run or bike up to Chimney Rock. All cyclists must be inside the Park (about 22 miles into the course) by 9:30 a.m. to finish the race. Cyclists who do not enter the park by 9:30 a.m. will not be able to finish. Also, cyclists will NOT be allowed to ride down the mountain this year after the race. Shuttles will provide transportation up and down the Park road. Medals for top finishers are awarded in all age groups.

Registration. Registration is $35 in advance online or $40 walk-up. On-line registration closes on August 25 at 7:30 a.m. Walk-up registration begins at 6 a.m. on race day at the Old Rock Café in Chimney Rock Village. Race to the Rock is the final competition in the 3 Races in 3 Days challenge. Proceeds benefit non-profit, community organizations in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com for more info.
Delayed Park Opening. Due to Race to the Rock and the bike race’s extended length, Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park will open to the public at 10 a.m. However, spectators of Race to the Rock will be allowed to enter the Park with free admission prior to the race at 7:30 a.m.

About Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park
Chimney Rock at Chimney Rock State Park is a developing international outdoor destination located 25 miles southeast of Asheville on Highway 64/74A in Chimney Rock, N.C. It is recognized as one of the Southeast’s most iconic sites and popular travel destinations. The Park’s 535-million-year-old monolith called Chimney Rock offers guests 75-mile panoramic views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure. Hickory Nut Gorge, one of the state’s most significant centers of biodiversity, is home to 36 rare plant species and 14 rare animal species, and the second highest waterfall of its kind in the eastern United States. A destination for travel groups, weddings and special events, the Park also hosts innovative educational programs for schools, homeschoolers, scouts and summer camps. Visit Chimney Rock’s website at chimneyrockpark.com. More information on current Capital Improvement projects at chimneyrockpark.com/progress or by calling 800-277-9611.
About the Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad
The Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad is a nonprofit organization that produces an annual sports festival for all ages and abilities, as well as other yearly fundraisers in Lake Lure, N.C. Since 2005, the Olympiad has raised more than $180,000 for charity. Save the date for the 2011 Hickory Nut Gorge Olympiad presented by Rumbling Bald Resort on August 26-28. For more info or to register, visit www.hickorynutolympiad.com, find us on Facebook or call 828-429-9011.Read the full article