On Saturday, September 18, the Twin Pinks Enduro will take place at the Gateway Trail in Kings Mountain. Benefiting the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, the Enduro will start with a one lap Sprint, followed by a four lap Enduro and a one lap fun run & walk. “This is a tough, off-road endurance race and designed to be physically demanding”, stated Kings Mountain Mayor Rick Murphrey, one of the organizers. Murphrey added, ”The Twin Pinks Enduro’s race is designed to reflect the tough battle for women and men diagnosed with breast cancer who are running their own endurance race to survive every day.” Also helping organize the Enduro, along with the Mayor, is his wife Sandra and Sgt. Detective Lisa Proctor, both breast cancer survivors, and Police Chief Melvin Proctor.
The races will be criterium style, on a closed course, utilizing the recently opened Gateway Trail in Kings Mountain. The run course designed will utilize the wide trail, through a wooded terrain, with a surface mix of both smooth gravel and asphalt with the first “peak” rising 80 feet with a grade of 10% and the second “peak” with a 140’ change in elevation with a 7% grade. The one lap length is 2.45 miles. The Gateway Trail is the only trail in Cleveland County that has been dedicated as part of the Carolina Thread Trail, a trail system that will interconnect the Carolinas.
“This is going to be an awesome race, with an extremely challenging venue. The Twin Pinks Enduro is almost a half marathon and on a trail, not city streets,” said Ellis Noell, the race director. Noell, who also produces the Over the Mountain Triathlon, continued, “Some competitor is going to blaze the one lap Sprint and I’m looking forward to seeing the winning time on the four lap Enduro.” Registration is available online at the City’s website (www.cityofkm.com) with information and updates provided. With limited parking at the Gateway Trail, a free shuttle will bring athletes and supporters from the parking area at Patriots Park to the trailhead.
The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) is the beneficiary charity and supports the projects of 173 pioneering researchers worldwide. Myra Biblowit, President of BCRF commented, “With funding from BCRF, these scientists are developing better screening methods, designing more sophisticated therapies with fewer side effects, and, most importantly, figuring out ways to eliminate this terrible disease once and for all.”
For additional information, contact City Hall 704-734-0333. |
