Does Kansas City have enough room for a new long distance running event? We have the Groundhog Run kicking off the season in January, the Brew to Brew run, the Oz Marathon in Olathe, Hospital Hill and the Kansas City Marathon. Can Kansas City support another endurance running event?
The North Face is challenging Kansas City in more ways than one. On one front they are looking to put their mark on Kansas City’s running scene and on the other front they are looking to make Kansas City a destination for pain and anguish. The North Face is presenting The North Face Endurance Challenge on August 27th and 28th in Kansas City. The event looks to do more than just test the waters. Organizers look to make a splash and a lasting impression on participants.
Having local community support and enthusiasm about The Endurance Challenge coming to their town is key to event success and Kansas City, MO, scored high on all the components they were evaluating.
The North Face Endurance Challenge series is typically a trial race series; however, when evaluating Kansas City, organizers determined a road was better suited for the area. Other areas hosting events include New York, Washington DC, Wisconsin, Georgia, and California. The Kansas City event will include a 5k, 10k, half marathon, half marathon relay, marathon and a 50k.
The event series is truly interested in more than just coming in and getting a pay day from the event. From the site,” Our runners have challenged us, and now we're challenging ourselves to make the Endurance Challenge Series as environmentally responsible as possible. Currently, our list of low-impact efforts include on-site recycling bins, complimentary water bottles and filling stations, a runner ride share program, and a firmly established partnership with Leave No Trace to maintain clean trails and festivals. We are now making the switch to an online race bag where we will be able to deliver the same exclusive partner information and offers, while significantly reducing our paper trail.”
See their site HERE for entry fees and start signing up soon as fees are set to increase on July 26.
Dean Karnazes from running across America fame will be helping get the word about the new Kansas City event. Check back soon for a question and answer session with Dean including tidbits for training and how an ultra-marathoner does it.
Not able to make the event but interested to hear how it went? Don’t despair! Your local Kansas City Endurance Sports Examiner (me) has been given a complimentary entry into the marathon to report first-hand how the event goes over from registration to collapsing at the finish line!
More articles coming about the event, so stay tuned!
* The North Face Endurance Challlenge provided Ryan a free entry
Ryan Falkenrath writes the blog falkeetriathlon.blogspot.com, married father of two young kids, owner of two dogs and trying to balance life, work and multisport. Ryan has participated in multisport events since 2001 from 5k's to Half Ironmans. Ryan is also the Kansas City Endurance Sports Examiner and you can read more of his triathlon thoughts HERE and he collects race reviews at www.Triathlon-Reviews.blogspot.com. Contact Ryan at: falkeetriathlon@hotmail.com or follow him on @TriJayhawkRyan.
*Expressed opinions are not necessarily that of EverymanTri.com
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