Adventure race coming to Aurora
Aurora, get ready for an adventure.
An adventure race, that is.
A competition that combines running, biking, paddling and an urban obstacle course is coming to the city May 27 as part of the Amped Up Adventure Race series created by outdoor retailer Paddle and Trail.
The event is expected to draw professional and amateur adventure racers to the City of Lights to challenge their racing skills and stamina on the Fox River, nearby trails and downtown streets.
“Our goal here was from the beginning to create an event that would highlight the outstanding resources we have in the Fox River and near downtown Aurora,” said Charlie Zine, who comanages Paddle and Trail’s Aurora location. “The other thing we want to do is create a destination.”
With Aurora’s mix of natural and urban elements, the city is a good setting for a race that combines water, trails and urban challenges such as monkey bars and weightlifting.
“One of the great things about Aurora is it’s got that city vibe, but you’ve got all that beautiful nature,” said Laurie DiBerardino, spokeswoman for the Aurora Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “That’s something we really need to embrace.”
The bureau and a committee forming to plan the race are working to get restaurants, bars and hotels to capitalize on the adventure race, Zine said.
Two Brothers Roundhouse and Ballydoyle Irish Pub already are involved, with the Roundhouse hosting packet pickup before the race and the post-race party taking place at Ballydoyle.
Adventure racing is growing in popularity as outdoor enthusiasts and athletes look for variety, Paddle and Trail spokeswoman Therese Oldenburg said.
“I think people are just looking for something new and different to do rather than just a standard marathon or doing a 5K or 10K race,” she said.
People 14 and older on race day can compete solo or in teams of up to four. Registration has begun and is available by clicking on the Amped Up Adventure Race logo on paddleandtrail.com.
“It’s going to attract a lot of different kinds of people,” DiBerardino said about the race. “I think this is capitalizing on a good trend.”