May 14 , 2010
Vol. 40, No. 162

For more information contact Claire Mickletz, Brandywine Creek State Park, 302- 655-5740; or Necia Beck, Delaware State Parks 302-739-9175, Necia.Beck@state.de.us

Delaware State Parks Kicks Off the Fifth Adventure Race Series 

The fifth season of the Delaware State Parks Adventure Race Series begins with the Fishhawk Challenge on May 22 in Cape Henlopen State Park in Lewes. The 2010 series includes four other races: “Clash With the Creek” at Brandywine Creek State Park, “The Baldcypress Challenge” at Trap Pond State Park, “The Millpond Challenge” at Lums Pond State Park, and “Bring It on at Bellevue” in Bellevue State Park.

The races are designed with the average athlete in mind and are either individual or team events. Certificates are awarded in multiple categories, and each participant will receive a race T-shirt. Door prizes will be given. The entry fee is $27 per participant, per race for one or two races. For three races, the fee is $70 per participant, and $100 per participant for all five races. Fees are payable in advance.  Payment may be made on the day of the race by cash or check only.

Registration information and race details are available by calling 302- 655-5740 or visiting www.destateparks.com. The Adventure Race Series is sponsored by Delaware State Parks.  Eastern Mountain Sports, Wilmington and Newark, are co-sponsors of Clash With the Creek and The Millpond Challenge.

The Races:

Fishhawk Challenge
May 22
(Team or Individual Event)
The race begins with a trail run and mountain biking on the new Junction & Breakwater Trail. Participants will use a map and compass to locate all the controls in the orienteering portion of the race. Limited to 100 participants. Bikes are not provided. Road bikes are not recommended. Compasses and maps provided.
Trail Run (3 miles)
Trail Bike (9 miles)
Orienteering
Race begins at 9 a.m.
Pre-race meeting begins at 8:30 a.m.
Located at: Cape Henlopen State Park
15099 Cape Henlopen Drive
Lewes, DE 19958

Clash With the Creek
June 19
Two-person Team Event
This team event starts with mountain biking on forested trails followed by canoeing on the Brandywine Creek. Participants will use a map and compass to locate all the controls in the orienteering portion of the race. Race limited to 100 participants. Canoes, compasses, maps provided. Bikes are not provided.
Mountain Bike (5 miles)
Canoeing (2 miles)
Orienteering (2 miles)
Team Divisions: Mixed Double, Parent/Child, Male/Male, and Female/Female
Race begins at 9 a.m. Pre-race meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Located at: Brandywine Creek State Park
Rts. 92 and 100
Greenville, DE 19807

Baldcypress Challenge
July 17
(Team Event)
Athletes will bike on roads and run along trails through the park that lead to beautiful Trap Pond. Navigation skills come in handy as teams attempt to maneuver a paddleboat and finish the race in a canoe. This team event is limited to 80 participants.
Paddleboats and canoes are provided; bikes are not.
Road Bike (7 miles)
Trail Run (2 miles)
Flatwater Canoe (0.75 mile)
Paddle Boat (0.2 mile)
Race begins at 9 a.m. Pre-race meeting at 8:30 a.m.
Located at: Trap Pond State Park
33587 Baldcypress Lane Laurel, DE 19956

Millpond Challenge
Aug. 7
(Team or Individual Event)
This race will start off with a mountain bike excursion around scenic Lums Pond.  Participants will explore more of the forest scenery with a trail run, and then grab a paddle and hit the water in a kayak to complete the race. Race is limited to 120 participants. Kayaks provided. Bikes are not provided.
Mountain Bike (7.5 miles)
Trail Run (3.2 miles)
Kayak (0.5 mile)
Race begins at 8 a.m.
Pre-race meeting at 7:30 a.m.
Located at: Lums Pond State Park
1068 Howell School Rd.
Bear, DE 19701

Bring It on at Bellevue
Sept. 11
(Team Event)
This race features biking and running on paved and unpaved trails, team challenges, water features, crawls, and much more. Athletes should dress to get wet and dirty. Limited to 80 participants. Bikes are not provided.
Mountain Bike (5 miles)
Trail Run (3.2 miles)
Team Challenges
Race begins at 9 a.m.
Pre-race meeting begins at 8:30 a.m.
Located at: Bellevue State Park
800 Carr Road
Wilmington, DE 19809