A sign at Stringer's Ridge, the site of the inaugural "Cannonball" trail race, is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, in Chattanooga, Tenn.RIVER ROCKS CALENDAR
› Best Town (for)EverWhat: A street party celebration of Chattanooga’s outdoor notoriety featuring live music, food and activitiesWhen: Today, 6-10 p.mWhere: 700 block of Cherry StreetCost: Admission is free› Wings to Soar Raptor ProgramWhat: An opportunity to view and interact with birds of preyWhen: Today, 7 p.m.Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature CenterCost: $15 for adults (members $5), $12 for children (members $2)› The CannonballWhat: A trail race requiring participants to complete a four-mile loop every hour.When: Saturday at 8 a.m. until the last runner dropsWhere: Stringer’s Ridge› Lula Lake Five Points 50What: A 50-mile mountain bike race (or 25-mile) expected to have close to 200 participants across its various divisionsWhen: Saturday, 9 a.m.Where: Begins at Lula Lake Land TrustMclemore Cove RambleWhat: A 28-mile bike ride through scenic north Georgia farmlandWhen: Saturday, 9 a.m.Where: Meet at Pigeon Mountain GrillCost: Free. Register at veloviewbiketours.com by tonight.› 7 Bridges MarathonWhat: An annual marathon that crosses the Tennessee River multiple times. There’s also a 4 Bridges Half Marathon, 2 Bridges 5K and kids run.When: Sunday, 7 a.m.Where: Coolidge ParkCost: Varies. Register at sevenbridgesmarathon.com
Stringer's Ridge is not known for having especially treacherous trails, at least not compared to some of the area's other, more mountainous hiking and trail running destinations.
But the trails of this natural oasis on the North Shore will feel plenty treacherous on Saturday to a group of 30 runners taking on a simple but grueling first-year race that is part of this weekend's River Rocks festival schedule.
The inaugural Cannonball race is bringing competitors from California, Canada and around the Southeast to run four-mile loops around Stringer's Ridge until they can run no longer.
"It's very roller-coastery," said race organizer David Pharr, a local pastor who completed the Volunteer State 500K this year. "There's not a lot of flat. It's all up or down, and that's going to wear on people after a while. And once it gets dark, trails change a lot at night."
The format is straightforward: The race starts at 8 a.m. and runners have an hour to complete the four-mile loop. Then, at 9 a.m., the clock and the runners begin again. It's a process that will repeat itself until there is just one runner remaining.
"The idea is that you don't have to be super fast," Pharr said. "You just have to be able to crank out about four miles every hour.
"If you can average a 13-minute mile, then you'll have a few minutes to spare at the end of each loop where you can refuel, get some food and do all the things you would normally do at an aid station and then get back out there. It's different. It's more of a chess game than a race."
Pharr said the field consists of a mixture of veteran trail runners and some locals who can hold their own.
"It's just a different way of looking at things," he said. "We're trying to encourage some of the 'non-elites' to push themselves to see what they can do, as well."
Several of those competing have completed 100-mile or longer races, meaning it could be a long day for Pharr, who is scheduled to preach at St. Elmo Church of Christ on Sunday morning.
He said he expects the race to be concluded by a "decent hour" of the night.
"The worst part for me isn't staying up," he said. "The worst part for me is that I'll have to listen to the Tennessee football game on the radio instead of watching it."
Best Town (for)Ever
Tonight's Best Town (for)Ever block party on the 700 block of Cherry Street in downtown Chattanooga will use an urban setting to celebrate the city's vibrant outdoor culture.
Food vendors, live music and activities such as rock climbing highlight the event.
"It's a block party, similar to what we do at Nightfall, for instance," Chattanooga Presents owner Carla Pritchard said, referencing the weekly summer concert series. "It will be come-and-go and family-friendly."
Contact staff writer David Cobb at dcobb@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6249.