"Ultimate Challenge" Trialthon Set for Eureka Springs

March 30, 2011 - PRLog -- EUREKA SPRINGS- For years, this little Victorian town has had its “A” list of tourist draws: arts, architecture, attractions. Now, a new “A” officially joins the list: athletics.

The city is no stranger to bike and running races and events, but August 12 marks the start of Eureka Springs’ involvement in the world of big races with The Eurekan, a multisport event drawing athletes from more than 12 states.

Event Director Bruce Dunn of All Sports Productions said the three-day event will consist of a sprint-distance triathlon on Friday afternoon, August 12; road bike tour rides and races Saturday, and running races Sunday.

“The Eurekan” is not only the name of the festival, but is an honorary title that will be conferred on any athlete who completes the challenge of the triathlon, 100-mile ride, and 10K run. Dunn said this is a unique way of honoring the participants.

Dunn said nationally, event promoters are seeing a “tremendous increase in all types of non-traditional sports,” which includes the events planned for The Eurekan. This increase is expected to continue, and Dunn anticipates the Eureka Springs event will grow annually as well. His company’s goal, he added, is to produce races of the highest standards, which are locally, regionally and nationally recognized events with a festival-like atmosphere.  

Athletes can participate in any of the Eureka Springs events separately, or can sign up for The Eurekan Challenge.

Unlike most racing festivals, the finish line will be the same for all events, and will be located on Main St., in the heart of the city.

In addition to the unique competitive aspects of The Eurekan, All Sports Productions and the city of Eureka Springs believe the resort-like atmosphere of the city will appeal to the athletes and their families in attendance, as well as other visitors to the town who will be able to follow the action.

The natural beauty of the area, pristine lakes, lightly traveled roads and varying terrain will all contribute to the experience of the event participants.

Friday’s event is the Triathlon, beginning 3 p.m. at the marina at Holiday Island. Participants will swim 300 yards in Table Rock Lake, then hop on their bikes and race ten miles down Highway 23 to the County Courthouse on Main St. From there, they end the day with a two-mile run on the scenic city streets east of Main St.

Saturday, beginning at 6:30 a.m., bike tour rides of 20, 50 and 100 miles will take off through the surrounding countryside; the routes will vary by distance.
Bike races of 35 miles for beginners, and up to 70 miles for advanced riders, will head East toward Green Forest on HWY 62 and North to MO Hwy 86, before heading back to Eureka Springs on Hwy 23.  

On Sunday, the One-mile Fun Run/Walk and the 5K and 10K runners hit the pavement at 8:00 a.m. and traverse the city’s Historic Loop, beginning and ending at the Courthouse. The awards ceremony, which follows the runs, will feature a video and a photo montage of the weekend’s activities.

Dunn points out people are looking for the next challenge, and The Eurekan, he said, falls in the category of an Ultimate Challenge. He said athletes signing on for the event are very enthusiastic about this unique format.

He also noted athletes’ families don’t often have a reason to travel with them, and holding the event in a tourist town means non-participating family members can enjoy exploring Eureka Springs and its attractions, shops and galleries, or hike the trails around town or at Lake Leatherwood City Park.

Detailed race information, course maps, registration, sponsor and volunteer information will be posted at www.eurekasportsfestival.com.

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"The Extraordinary Escape," Eureka Springs is an eclectic getaway town in the heart of the Ozarks famous for our art, architecture, unique, locally owned shops, outstanding restaurants, historic hotels, BnB's, beauty, romance, & outdoor adventures.