Mantua – Sign up now to Run, Pedal and Paddle to support trails and conservation! Presented by the Portage Park District Foundation, the Headwaters Adventure Race is a fun event that starts and ends at Buchert Park in Mantua Village and features a 2-mile run on the Headwaters Trail, a 10-mile bike ride, and a 5-mile paddle on the Cuyahoga River. Racers can go solo or as part of a 2-person relay or all-phase team. Race fees are $40/person ($25 for 18 and under) and include a T-shirt and post-race refreshments. Limited boat rentals are available; kayaks for $10, canoes for $15.
“This is a terrific way to support the parks and see some beautiful places in Portage County”, said Kurt Ruehr, Foundation President and race official, “the race isn’t as difficult as some other triathlons, and the last leg is paddling downstream!”
The run portion includes the Headwaters Trail, a flat hike and bike trail. You’ll cross the Cuyahoga River and pass Marsh Wetlands Nature Preserve, then return to Buchert Park to pick up your bike (or tag your relay partner) for a 10 mile bike ride crossing the watershed divide, between the Lake Erie and the Ohio River watersheds. The route passes historic homes and conserved farms, forests and wetlands, with great vistas from some of the highest points in Portage County. The paddle route starts at Camp Hi Canoe Livery on the beautiful Upper Cuyahoga, a designated State Scenic River, and will pass conserved forests and floodplain habitat with a diversity of plants and wildlife.
Awards will be given to the top 3 relay and all-phase teams, the top 3 male and female solo racers and first place in each age category. Stay for the day and enjoy Mantua’s “Art on the Hill” with dozens of arts and crafts booths, food and music.
The Headwaters Adventure Race is one of three in the “Crooked River Adventure Race Series” including the Black Squirrel Triathlon and Brady’s Leap Adventure Race, with prizes available for the top 3 combined times of all 3 races for all-phase teams and solo racers.
For more information, online registration and a Google map of the Headwaters Race route, please visit www.portageparkdistrict.org, or call the Park District at (330) 297-7728.
