Inaugural Elsie Enduro Ultra race coming to Ringgold in benefit for children

Contributed photo by Marcy Kernea / Runners test out the trail that will be used for the Elsie Enduro Trail Ultra at Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park in Ringgold.
Contributed photo by Marcy Kernea / Runners test out the trail that will be used for the Elsie Enduro Trail Ultra at Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park in Ringgold.

The team that hosts the General 100 relay race through North Georgia has a new event coming to Elsie A. Holmes Nature Park in Ringgold. On Leap Day, runners will set out to tackle a 2.5-mile trail in 40 minutes or less - on repeat until there's just one standing.

The trail, which has a 423-foot elevation gain, will be the site of the inaugural Elsie Enduro Trail Ultra on Saturday, Feb. 29.

"We have a neat cult following [of runners]," said race coordinator Marcy Kernea, who also works on the General 100. "The team talked with local trail groups and marathoners about what they would like to see in a new, local race."

Most of the committee is from Catoosa County, Kernea said, and this race gives runners the opportunity to see Catoosa. The race combines various trails in the park to come up with the 2.5 miles.

East Brainerd ultramarathoner Kyle Fitzgerrel saw the race advertised on Facebook and has been training for it since. This will be his fourth ultramarathon race.

Fitzgerrel, who trains daily in Elsie Holmes throughout the week, has also been leading training groups.

"What makes this race interesting is the style," he said. "It's not the standard race with a set mileage, there's more strategy involved."

Runners will have 40 minutes to clear the course each time. Those who fail will then have access to the Creature Comforts Cooldown tent for snacks and beer.

Runners completing at least 50 miles (20 laps) will receive an Elsie Enduro-branded leather belt, and those who complete 100 miles (40 laps) will also receive an Elsie Enduro belt buckle.

The race benefits the local Evitt Foundation, which promotes child welfare and education.

Kernea encourages everybody from novice runners to those who compete in ultramarathons to try the course.

Day-of registration opens at 6:30 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m. Online registration for the race closes on Feb. 26, and the offer code "LEAPYEAR" can be used for $25 off.

In the case of inclement weather, the race will move to Saturday, March 7.

Email Sabrina Bodon at sbodon@timesfreepress.com.

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