Introducing the 2013 Multisport Race Series

  Rogue Valley Race Group has created a multisport race series for 2013.  Our goal was to create a race series that would reward participants for racing different sports (possibly some for the first time) and volunteering at these races.  For a reasonable fee of $5, you can sign up and be a part of the action.  Our hope is you will participate in each race, but it is not required.  At the end of our race season calendar in September, we will hold an awards ceremony to honor those with the highest point totals.  Here is how the point system breaks down:

• 5 points for participating in a race (no matter where you place)

Additional points will be given for the top 4 males and females in each age groups as follows:

• 4 points for 1st in age group
• 3 points for 2nd in age group
• 2 points for 3rd in age group
• 1 point for 4th in age group

• 3 points can also be earned for volunteering at the included races

The top 3 women and the top 3 men in the overall point totals will be awarded at the end of the season.  We will also give awards to the man and woman with the highest total volunteer points.

Similar to the Southern Oregon Runners runner of the year awards, we wanted to reward those who participate in the races the most and help out, and not just the fastest (although if you are fast, you will be rewarded too!)  Once again, I would like to emphasize that you do not have to participate in every race to win an award.  It all comes down to the highest point totals.  If you are intimidated by a lake swim or don't feel confident zooming down the trails on your mountain bike, those would be great races to volunteer at and still pick up points.  Sign up for the race series here and start earning points in April!

The race schedule consists of:

• Lost Creek Trail Run -April 27th
• Spring Thaw Mt. Bike Race -May 18th
• Granite Man -June 1st and 2nd 
• Applegate Masters Swim -July
• Ashland Anytime Fitness 5K -August

   The 2nd annual Lost Creek Trail Run will be held on April 27th.  This is a well organized race held in a beautiful venue.  There are two distances to choose from, a rolling 5K that will keep you on your toes with challenging terrain consisting of road, trail, and bike path.  For those of you looking to run longer, challenge yourself with a memorable 30K adventure around the whole lake.  Close to 16 of the 18 total miles are on tasty single track.  Choose your adventure!  The race will be here soon so sign up here today!

The Spring Thaw Mt. Bike Race takes place on May 18th.  Ride above Ashland's water shed on a mix of road and single track.  Ashland Loop road provides amazing views of Wagner Peak and Mt. Ashland but we're sure you'll be too busy zooming along the road and trail to notice.  More information can be found here!

The 1st weekend in June marks the return of Southern Oregon's only Off-Road Triathlon (and Southern Oregon's only triathlon for that matter), Granite Man.  The weekend offers a variety of races to participate in, which includes the triathlon, duathlon, and mountain run.  There is also a poker run, youth triathlon, and new this year, a 5K scavenger run.  This is truly an event for the whole family.  Sign up here!

As the weather heats up in July, what better way to cool off then with a dip in Applegate Lake for their annual masters swim.  You have several distances to choose from which include a 10K, 5K, 2.5K, and 1500M races. There is nothing quite like finding the rhythm of your swim stroke in an open water swim.  Ditch the pool and don't be contained by walls, it's time to find freedom in the water. More info here!

In August, come to Ashland and test your speed on the Bear Creek Greenway in the Ashland Anytime Fitness 5K.  The race course is an out and back that begins and ends at the Ashland Dog park. Your entry fee helps raise money for the Friends of the Animal Shelter (FOTAS).  Besides having a shot at setting a 5K PR and helping out FOTAS, the Anytime Fitness 5K is known for providing an abundance of raffle prizes.  There is a good chance you won't be leaving this race empty handed.  Check out the website!

So we believe we have put together a solid multisport race series, full of high quality races that will challenge you.  Sign up for the race series today and we look forward to seeing you out at the races!