Twisted Crawdad Trails Races set for Sept. 17-18

The race series is designed to provide quality recreational opportunities for participants to display their skills and endurance in both biking and running in the Nebraska National Forest.

The two-day event features the Cameco Mountain Bike race Saturday. The 15-mile course will begin at 8:45 a.m.

Course registration fees are $60 and $45, respectively. Check in from 7:20 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.

Participants will be placed into mens’, womens’ and masters’ divisions. Both courses begin and end at the Cliffs Trailhead located about three miles east of Chadron on Highway 20 and about six miles south on Bordeaux Road.

Sunday, the Twisted Crawdad Trails Run will feature half marathon, 10k and 5k courses for runners. Registration fees are $45 for the half marathon and $35 for the 10k and $25 for the 5k.

Donna Ritzen, an associate professor of health, physical education and recreation at Chadron State, is coordinating the events. They will use the natural terrain on single-track, two-track and dirt trails and roads, crossing Bordeaux Creek several times.

“Our goal is to create a quality event that will draw people from all over the United States to the Pine Ridge area to participate and enjoy the beautiful and unique environment that we have to offer,” Ritzen said.

She said several individuals from out-of-state have entered, and expects at least a dozen mountain bikers and from 12 to 15 half-marathoners to participate. Up to 50 may enter the shorter races.

“We have lots of room for growth,” Ritzen added. “I believe someday these numbers will be in the hundreds.”

Early registration is available for the Twisted Crawdad race online or the day of the race at the site with a late fee of $10.

Registration for the Cameco Mountain bike race is also avaliable online until Sept. 10.

For additional details, contact Ritzen at 308-432-6297 or dritzen@csc.edu.