Forum: Race Smackdown

By Outside Online
Feb 05, 2009

Comments (14)

In our March 2009 issue, on newsstands soon, we pick the best American races of the upcoming year, and tell you how to finish each in style. Check out a sneak peak of our listings below.  Pick up a copy of the March issue and then weigh in: Did we miss a race? Do you think one of races doesn't fit?

Picks

Pole Pedal Paddle
Jackson, Wyoming

Sea Otter Classic
Monterey, California

Athens Twilight Criterium
Athens, Georgia

Wildflower Triathlons
Lake San Antonio, California

Bay to Breakers 12K
San Francisco, California

General Clinton Canoe Regatta
Bainbridge, NY

Teva Mountain Games
Vail, Colorado

Pikes Peak Ascent
Manitou Springs, Colorado

Hood to Coast Relay
Portland, Oregon

24 Hours of Moab
Moab, Utah

New York City Marathon
New York, New York

The Iceman Cometh Challenge
Traverse City, Michigan

Silver Belt Banzai
Sugar Bowl, California

The American Birkebeiner
Cable, Wisconsin

Tell us your pick for the best race in America in our comments section below.

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Comments

[Big Al]

Umm... What about Primal Quest? Toughest Adventure Race on the Planet? Hello?

[Kelly]

I'd say Wenatchee's (WA) 28 year old ridge to river event has to up there with the Pole Pedal Paddle for a multisport event. Starting atop Mission Ridge, you XC ski, downhill ski, run, road bike and then paddle the Class 1-3 Wenatchee River to the finish line in town.
The last two years it's been won by Torin Koos, current member of the USA Nordic ski team. Rumor is he's planning on keeping the streak going this year.
Plus there is music and a beer-garden at the finish line.
Hard to beat that one.
Kelly

[Lisa]

HOOD TO COAST! After all, it is the 'Mother of All Relays' (28th year!). A very challenging, crazy team relay adventure from Mount Hood to the the Pacific Ocean (with an awesome beach party at the finish).

[Craig]

You have to include the Cheat River Race in this list. It is the best whitewater downriver race in the country which occurs the first Friday in May in conjunction with the Cheatfest whitewater festival. The race has a 13 year history. There is a huge turnout for this mass start class IV whitewater race. In recent years the starting line has had over 140 competitors vying for room which includes paddlers of all levels from national team members, in their 15 foot glass boats, to those hoping to make it down the 10 mile river without a swim.

Race entry fee includes a t-shirt, post race beer (until it's gone), and a ride back to the put in. The after race party includes prizes for tons race of categories and random names drawn if you don't make it down the river quick. Even better, after you race, drink some beer, and party, you have the rest of the weekend to enjoy West Virginia whitewater and all the festival on-goings (vendors, silent auction, live music).

[Ben]

How about the LOTOJA Classic? Going from Logan, UT to Jackson Hole, WY, at 206 miles its the longest sanctioned one-day bike race in the US. Its been selling out with 1500 riders a year for the last few years. This year will be its 27th. Anyone who calls themself an enthusiast needs to do this one. It was my first bike race and I was hooked on racing ever since.

[jrod]

The Inferno at Tuckermans, never did it but one of my friends did

[Mad85704]

Grants New Mexico - Mt. Taylor Quadrathalon. Outside Mag. has mentioned it before. 42 miles round trip from 5000 ft to 11,000ft. Bike,run,XC ski and snow shoe to the summit and then back down.
I did it as a solo years ago when I could still run. It was unbelievably great.

[Naru Moraes]

How you forgeted the primal quest. Is my dream, but i live in Brazil.

[Jake]

Chequamegon Fat Tire Festival. 40 mile XC mountain bike race from Hayward to Cable, WI.

[PJ]

24 hours of MOAB
That is all I have to say!!
Anything MOAB, is just priceless

[Bob]

How about the now defunct Montezumas Revenge? Maybe the toughest 24 hour mountain bike event ever?

[Blake]

How about for a little diversity the Northshore Inline Marathon, held for the last 15 years from two Harbors to Duluth MN. The Northshoreis the largest inline marathon, (26.2) miles in North America, attracting athletes from all over the world. It is held annually around the 15th of Sept. rain or shine. Annually the race attracts 4000 to 5000 skaters and has been the site of the World Cup for inline skating. Skaters compete in age groups and categories from under 12 yrs old to over 80. The winning pro's time is usually around 1 hour. That's almost 30 mile per hour average on skates alone. Past winners include Chad Hedrick, Olympic skate Gold medalist.

[treehugger71]

The Ozark Mountain Bike Festival takes place each April in Devil's Den State Park in Northwest Arkansas.

Devil's Den offers a blend of double track and single track that wind through the scenic Ozark Mountains, and are some of the best mountain bike trails in the state.

The two-day event attracts hundreds of riders each year. Mountain biking enthusiasts of all experience levels are invited to participate in a weekend of guided bike rides in the park and surrounding Ozark National Forest. Rides begin at 9 a.m. each day. Other activities, including a Saturday evening social, are also scheduled.

http://campinghikingshop.info/

My wife and I have been camping here several times it is breathtaking.

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/devilsden/

[tower defense]

Well...I would say Wenatchee's 28 year old ridge to river event has to up there with the Pole Pedal Paddle for a multisport event. Starting atop Mission Ridge, you XC ski, downhill ski, run, road bike and then paddle the Class 1-3 Wenatchee River to the finish line in town.