Press release from FIND Outdoors:
FIND Outdoors, one of Brevard’s longest-operating local nonprofits, will reschedule its signature Cradle to Grave race from May 9 to September 12 to adhere to guidelines concerning COVID-19 and ensure the safety of the racers.
“The safety of our racers, staff and visitors to the Cradle of Forestry is our main priority at all times”, says Natalie Britt, Executive Director. “We look forward to kicking off the race in the fall in a way that will allow us to remain socially responsible in serving everyone involved.”
The 30K and 10K trail race, a staple community event for Transylvania County, is currently in its seventh year and will be presented again with enthusiasm by Hunter Subaru of Asheville. The race serves as an annual fundraiser for the Cradle of Forestry in Pisgah National Forest and attracts hundreds of trail runners from all over the country who want a shot at stealing the coveted top prize. “The support for this race has been amazing”, says Cradle of Forestry Director of Operations Clay Wooldridge, “We’re so proud to be able to provide such an amazing experience for the visitors to Pisgah National Forest year after year”.
Participants that brave the race are treated to the rhododendron thickets, crystal clear creeks, epic views and the unparalleled beauty that makes Pisgah National Forest the perfect location for an epic adventure. Both the 10k and 30k begin at the Cradle of Forestry and wind their way through the Pink Beds Trail and valley, where once a community of farmers and families lived and worked. Evidence of their home sites are still evident in patches of large fields adorned with massive oak trees that once shaded their property, and while the 10K turns back for the return trip, the 30K continues on to summit Slate Rock which offers stunning views in the very heart of Pisgah.
Foot RX owner and avid ultrarunner Aaron Saft will once again offer his 30+ years of running and racing expertise when he takes the reigns as the Cradle to Grace Race Director. Saft brings a plethora of knowledge ensuring that racers will have a first-class experience on September 12th, and is known around the southeast as winner of race after race such as the Georgia Death Race and Quest for the Crest 50K. Saft will also spend his summer planning the Hellbender 100, a challenging trail race that boasts an elevation gain of 48,000 feet and plateaus at the Mt. Mitchell summit.
Wooldridge comments, “We’re so appreciative of our partners in the US Forest Service and Aaron Saft in particular in working with us to establish a new date that works for everyone involved. It isn’t hard to recognize why so many people look forward to this race each year.”
Wooldridge concluded with a final comment, “FIND Outdoors is completely invested in making sure this race carries on into the future, and it wouldn’t be possible without our partners and support from our community.”
Tickets are still available for the race. For more info or to purchase, please visit www.cradletograverace.com or contact Clay Wooldridge at cradle@gofindoutdoors.com.
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