HURRICANE – Hundreds of professional and amateur mountain bikers from across the world are on their way to the Southern Utah wilderness for 25 intense hours of competition in what is called the longest one-day race.
The 25 Hours in Frog Hollow taking place Saturday and Sunday is a premier team relay and solo rider mountain bike event that takes place in the ultra-scenic and ultra-rugged desert environment in the shadows of renowned Zion National Park.
“The course is spectacular,” Cimarron Chacon, race director and president of GRO Promotions said. “The iconic scenery and challenging trails keep cyclists challenged and entertained.”
The unique, one-day race gains its additional hour because it occurs each year as daylight saving time ends. The clock will “fall back” in the early morning hours on Sunday, giving bikers an extra, grueling hour of riding.
Now in its sixth year, 25 Hours in Frog Hollow has developed a large domestic and international following because of its unique structure, desirable location and festival-like atmosphere.
“The race is intense and full of adrenaline which only adds to the overall fun and excitement,” Chacon said. “The energy and liveliness is contagious and spreads among racers and their families.”
This year’s packed field includes approximately 400 competitors with more than 100 of them coming from outside the United States. In all, participants represent a total of 17 countries.
“It’s been incredible to witness the success of 25 Hours in Frog Hollow,” Kevin Lewis, director of sports marketing for the St. George Area Tourism Office said. “The race has put us on the map as a mountain biking destination and built a foundation for future events.”
As the race’s popularity grows, so does its mission to improve cycling opportunities for the residents and visitors to Southern Utah. A portion of each entry fee goes back to the community to help plan, construct and maintain cycling trails throughout the area.
The race venue is just outside the town of Hurricane and takes racers on a 13-mile loop beneath Gooseberry Mesa. The course was specifically designed for day and night endurance racing and includes single track and double track trails that crisscross technical areas of dry washes and rock slabs.
The race starts Saturday at 10 a.m. and ends the following day at 10 a.m. The staging area is nicknamed “Frog Town” and is the hub for live music, food and activities. Since the event happens around Halloween each year, the competitors, support teams and volunteers frequently coordinate group costumes and even a few tricks.
“The goal is for racers and their families to have a blast,” Chacon said. “It’s hard not to enjoy yourself when surrounded by the stunning red rock backdrop and friendly competition.”
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Mountain bikers race to their bikes as part of a traditional Le Mans-style start at the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow one-day mountain bike race, Hurricane, Utah, Nov., 2013 | Photo courtesy of Crawling Spider Photography, St. George News
Bikers race into the sunset at the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow mountain bike race, Hurricane, Utah, Nov., 2013 | Photo courtesy of Crawling Spider Photography, St. George News
Bikers race into the sunset at the 25 Hours in Frog Hollow mountain bike race, Hurricane, Utah, Nov., 2013 | Photo courtesy of Crawling Spider Photography, St. George News
Resources
- More information about 25 Hours in Frog Hollow can be found here
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