Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race Celebrates 10th anniversary this weekend

Georgia's premier adventure race will celebrate its tenth anniversary on April 14, when teams from across the country run, mountain bike, canoe and navigate through the rugged terrain of the Chattahoochee National Forest. The Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race, presented by TDS Telecom and hosted annually by the Fannin County Chamber of Commerce, has grown from a first of its kind in Georgia and the Southeast to a nationally recognized sprint adventure race. Beginning in 1998 with 15 teams, the race has grown to include 90+ co-ed teams of three, competing on a rigorous course of approximately 35 to 40 miles. This year, 100 teams are expected to compete.

The race's tenth anniversary will be celebrated at the finish line in downtown Blue Ridge Park from 12 noon to 5 p.m. Entertainment will feature the nationally known reggae band, the Natti Lovejoys. There will be a giant birthday cake, and a Kid's Adventure Area with activities including archery, a mini-mountain bike clinic, remote control boat races, mini golf, beach ball games, relay races and more. To experience the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race without having to compete, you can view the race at select locations along the route, or simply bring a lawn chair and watch the finish. The first teams are expected to cross the finish line between 2 and 3 p.m.

Trophies are works of art

Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure Race trophies have been creations of local artists since 2000. The first trophy in 1998 was a miniature train attached to a railroad spike mounted on a wooden base. Year two, the trophy was a traditional silver cup. Beginning in 2000, the race managers began to contract with local artists to produce a series of three trophies. In 2000, 2001 and 2002, the trophies were handforged metal sculptures mounted on a wooden base. The metal sculpture was produced by local artist Jim Maner. The base was hand designed and made by Tuse Mallernee.

During the years of 2003, 2004 and 2005, the trophies were handblown glass disks held by handforged metal plate stands. The glass work was done by by Chris Mosey, of Ignis Glass Studios in Atlanta, and the metal stands were the work of John Beattie, of Blue Ridge. The third series of trophies started in 2006. They are handpainted plates designed and produced by Betty Wassmer, of Fishbone Studios in Blue Ridge. The first was a runner, the second a canoe and the third a biker.

Race benefits Fannin County Tourism

According to its organizers, proceeds from the Blue Ridge Mountain Adventure help support the Chamber's tourism marketing program.

Sponsors for the 2007 race include:

Title Sponsor: TDS Telecom

Platinum Sponsors: Coldwell Banker High Country Realty, Georgia Mountains Health, Harry Norman Real Estate, ReMax Downtown Group, The Cabin Grille and United Community Bank.

Gold Sponsors: Nature's Estates, North Georgia Paper and Waddell Printing.

Silver Sponsors: Appalachian Community Bank, BB&T, Blue Ridge EMC, Clear Blue Springs Mountain Water, Cycle South, Mercier Orchards and The Phoenix Company.

Bronze Sponsor: Bank of Blue Ridge

More information and entry forms are available on the race website. http://www.blueridgemountains.com, click on adventure race.