Chattanooga trails draw runners

Chattanooga will host visitors from 18 different states meeting at trail heads on Lookout, Signal and Raccoon Mountains to race 60 miles over three days during the 4th annual Chattanooga Mountains Stage Race June 18-20.

“This race brings exposure to the outdoor playground here in Chattanooga,” said Mark McKnight, marketing director for Rock/Creek and board member for the Wilderness Trail Association.

McKnight said the funds raised in the upcoming race, which is part of the Rock/Creek Trail Race Series, go back into the organization to help fund additional events as well as to purchase land so that more trails can be created and connected. As one of less than 10 stage races hosted in the United States, McKnight said the numbers this year have doubled from last year and he expects the popularity to grow as exposure of Chattanooga’s prime trails increases.

“This race is specifically designed to showcase trails in Chattanooga,” McKnight said.

The race will consist of three days and three different routes. The first day runners will race 22 miles on Look-out Mountain’s Lula Lake Land Trust trails, several of which are only open to the public for this race.

The second day will feature 18 miles on Raccoon Mountain, followed by a final 20 miles on Signal Mountain.

“You can ride a bike on the trails on Raccoon Mountain, there are not as many huge rocky sections and there’s hard packed dirt,” said Jonathan Mobley, executive director for the Wilderness Trail Association and race director for the Rock/Creek Trail Race Series. “Lookout and Signal Mountain are really challenging with technical, rocky, rooty and steep trails.”

Runners can participate in all three days or sign up for one day and one trail. Sign-ups are held up to race day, but there will be a registration deadline for the Patagonia Runshade T-shirt.

Following each race, organizers will set up a light snack for runners.