The Greenfield Trails Association will host the inaugural GTA Challenge Race on Saturday, Aug. 16, in Greenfield. The event includes a 10K trail run and seven-, 14- and 21-mile mountain bike races for all ages, including under-18s and senior riders.
Participants must register by Friday, Aug. 15. Events start at 9 a.m. Registration and information are available at bikereg.com or runreg.com.
The GTA Challenge Race will raise money for the Greenfield Trails Association, a nonprofit organization which promotes mountain biking for adults and youth. All funds raised will benefit the maintenance and building of a 100-mile trail network in Greenfield.
“Our group creates many opportunities for people enjoying the outdoors, whether on bikes, on foot, or on horseback,” said organizer John Hopkins, one of the founders of the GTA.
The race course is approximately seven miles per lap, and consists of terrain including single-track, as well as double-track trails. The route includes mountain views, stream crossings and different forest habitats.
“The trails have rocks, roots and plenty of elevation to challenge any level of rider or runner,” Hopkins said. “We like to think of the local trails as the perfect training ground for everywhere else. ”
The GTA Challenge Race offers three levels of entry: Novice, Sport and Expert for one, two or three laps of the course. The event also offers a 10K timed run. Ride and run participants will be professionally timed using RFID chips.
GTA volunteers will also offer guided “fun rides” for participants who are interested in a noncompetitive, untimed tour of the Greenfield trail network after the race event has started.
“Everyone is welcome to come ride with a member of the GTA and explore the trails,” Hopkins said.
Pre-rides of the course will be offered on Thursday, Aug. 14, at 5:30 p.m. and Friday, Aug. 16, at 6 p.m. starting at 6 Hopkins Lane in Greenfield.
Free camping the night prior to event is available. Participants wishing to camp should email race director for details.
For information, send email to John Hopkins jdhmead@gmail.com.