Rock Creek River Gorge Trail Race Raises $1,500 Toward Construction of Cumberland Trail

Chattanooga-based outdoor retailer, Rock Creek Outfitters, helps fund construction of 300-mile hiking trail. Rock Creek owner cites access to outdoor recreation spurs conservation.

Chattanooga, TN (PRWEB) April 20, 2007 -- Rock Creek Outfitters (www.rockcreek.com) announced this week that the Rock Creek River Gorge Trail Race raised $1,500 for the nonprofit Cumberland Trail Conference (CTC). According to CTC Executive Director Paul Freeman, Rock Creek's donation will go to the CTC's Spring Build, supporting up to 100 volunteers a day as they extend the Cumberland Trail through the Smokies near Caryville, TN. The Cumberland Trail is a beautiful multi-use single-track foot path that will eventually stretch over 300 miles on the Cumberland Plateau.

About 230 people showed up to run, making it the largest turnout in the race's six year history. "We're pleased to have a successful race that draws so many people from across the region," said race director, Jamie Sanders. The race took place on a beautiful Spring morning; the first racers showed up for registration before dawn, and the last racer crossed the finish line by midday.

Rock Creek's own race team finished well, with race team member Geno Phillips finishing third on the 10.2 mile course. Rock Creek employee Clay Werner finished fourth. On the 6.5 mile course, race team members Tom Sell and Jim Farmer took first and second place. The race took place within the Prentice Cooper Wilderness Management Area, the Southern terminus of what will be over 300 miles of backpacking and hiking trails starting in the Cumberland Gap National Park in Kentucky. A comment from Jim Farmer summed up the significance of the race: "What better way to showcase the work of the Cumberland Trail Conference than to bring 225 people out for a race and on the trail itself?"

Rock Creek believes that supporting the work of the CTC will help to preserve the area for future generations by opening it up for use by trail runners, hikers, and backpackers. Rock Creek's philosophy of environmental stewardship hinges on access to the backcountry. President and owner Dawson Wheeler explained, "The work of the CTC dovetails perfectly with our mission to get people outside enjoying our natural resources. We believe that people who have access to the outdoors will naturally become conservationists and will work to preserve the areas where they recreate. It's great to see so many people up here enjoying the natural beauty of Signal Mountain." Both of Rock Creek's owners -- Wheeler and his partner Marvin Webb -- are long-time Signal Mountain residents, and are excited about the opportunity to give back to their local community by supporting events such as the River Gorge trail race.

Rock Creek thanked the race sponsors, which included Mountain Hardwear, Patagonia, Wigwam, Inov8, Chaco, Oakley and Hammer Nutrition, along with volunteers from the Cumberland Trail Conference, Prentice Cooper, the Chattanooga Track Club, and the Wilderness Trail Running Association.

For more information on the Rock Creek River Gorge Trail Race, visit www.RockCreek.com/RiverGorge/.

For more information on the CTC's Spring Build, visit www.cumberlandtrail.org/bigdig.html.

About Rock Creek Outfitters

Rock Creek Outfitters is a specialty outdoor retailer with over two decades of experience in the Southeast. Along with its online shops, RockCreek.com and ClimbingGear.com, Rock Creek Outfitters provides quality outdoor clothing and gear for a host of activities including kayaking, rock climbing, camping, hiking, trail running, and adventure racing. Rock Creek is committed to making a positive impact on the environment. For this reason, it uses outdoor retail as a platform to encourage outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship and to improve public access to the backcountry.

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