Augusta University
Henry Hanks
The Augusta Multiple Sclerosis Center at Augusta University and Sports Strategies will host Own the Woods, a multi-sport trail festival and expo, on Sept. 14 at Blanchard Woods Park in Evans.
Own the Woods features trail competitions including cross country mountain biking, trail running and a mountain bike relay, along with an expo showcasing fitness and health vendors, food, beverages and activities for all ages.
XC Mountain Bike Race:
A three-hour circuit race on the Blanchard Woods Park cross-country course that includes the addition of a new trail to lengthen the circuit. A $1,000 prize will be presented to the overall winners. Awards will be presented to age group and corporate challenge winners.
Mountain Bike Relay:
Four-person teams will compete in a four-lap race. Awards will be presented to male, female, and co-ed winners.
Trail Race:
A 5-mile trail race will take place on a modified version of the Blanchard Woods Park circuit. A $500 prize will be presented to the overall winners. Awards will be presented to age group winners.
Corporate Challenge:
Corporate teams will compete for a grand prize based on cumulative results in all three disciplines. Area businesses are encouraged to participate as teams. Awards will be presented to team winner.
Multiple Sclerosis is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain and between the brain and body. This unpredictable and often disabling disease affects nearly 1 million people in the United States and approximately 2.3 million people worldwide.
“Through our work at the Augusta MS Center at Augusta University, we know that MS is a challenging disease full of unpredictable ups and downs. We hope that presenting Own the Woods will serve as a positive reminder to everyone, including those living with MS, to stay the course regardless of the challenges they face,” said Dr. Suzanne Smith, director of the Augusta Multiple Sclerosis Center at Augusta University.
“We are honored to produce this event on behalf of the Augusta MS Center at Augusta University,” said Randy DuTeau, VP of Strategy and Development at Sports Strategies. “Through the development of this multisport festival, our desire is to create a long-term sustainable event that highlights the great work of the center while generating funds to help support the mission of the organization.”
Own the Woods benefits the MS Center at Augusta University and serves to promote awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. The event also acts as a forum to educate the public about the center’s services and promote a healthy lifestyle.
Founding partners of Own the Woods include Augusta University, iHeart Radio, WJBF NewsChannel 6, Fleet Feet Augusta, Columbia County CVB and Gold Cross.
Registration for Own the Woods is now open.
Staff
Milledge Austin
