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Washington Evening Journal
111 North Marion Avenue
Washington, IA 52353
319-653-2191
Seventh Annual Geode Challenge Races planned for Oct. 18
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
Fall is here! Friends of Geode and its Race Directors, Don and Kathi Myers, have worked tirelessly to get everything ready for a smooth, safe, fun event. The Danville Lions Club sponsors the Challenge Races. Without their support the Yak Attack and Challenge Races would not be possible. The Lions participating and help are very much appreciated.
The Geode Challenge Group Facebook page will have updates. https://www.facebook.com/share/1F8zxKrA2o8pcAoW/
The race is a fundraiser. Friends of Geode have been busy restoring the Beach Concession Stand and the improvements are visible. The Friends are hopeful that the stand will be open next year. There is still a lot of work to do. Trees threatening to fall on the roof of the stand and a handicapped accessible dock are two projects yet ahead on the outside. Inside, electrical work, insulation and dry wall work progresses. To date the work has been done by volunteers under the direction of experienced and patient contractors.
Aside from the beach, Friends have been instrumental in planting trees, helping out at the campground, cleaning and sprucing up areas around the park. The Park Manager has kept the efforts organized and productive. The goal of returning Geode State Park to its position as the number one recreational facility in Southeast Iowa remains a top priority.
All races are Run/Walk. Online registration is available through October 14. UltrasignUp site is https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=127520/ Registration is possible at the Beach Shelter House the day of the race. CASH or CHECK is necessary at the Beach. The cost goes up by $5 for each distance on race day.
For those who have pre-registered, packet pick-up is Friday, Oct 17 from 5-7pm at the State Park at the beach shelter, same location as the start/finish line. Race day registration and packet pick-up will be from 7:30-8:45am, Saturday, Oct. 18. Races will begin after the announcements at 9am.
T-shirts are part of the registration. However, registrations now through race day, sizes will be available on a first come, first serve basis due to vendor restrictions. Extras in in sizes S-XL have been ordered.
The 5k (3.1 miles) takes you from the beach area to Shelter 1 and back to the beach.
The 12k (7.75 miles) takes you on the perimeter loop trail, starting at the beach area going in the opposite direction as the 5k and looping around back to the beach.
The 25k (15.5 miles) is a double loop along the same trail as the 12K.
Dogs are allowed to run with you! Keep their leash safe and respect the other runners.
Flags will mark the courses. There will be water at the Start/Finish area for everyone who finishes the race and for those running the 25k so they can refill their bottles or hydration vests. Shelters 1 and 4 will have both water and a few light snacks to help keep you hydrated and energized while running.
The Geode State Park trails have everything trail enthusiasts crave! Dirt trails, single track, wide track, sections with large rock, small gravel, road mix, sand, mowed grass, road sections, plenty of hills, a creek crossing and around 800 ft of vertical elevation on the perimeter loop! Double that for the 25k!
All finishers will receive a geode to take home with them as a thank you for running our race! We will have very special, handmade award plaques this year to be given to the first place male and female from each of the 3 running distances. For those running with their dog, there is a special TOP DOG plaque for the first place overall winner from each race distance. Geodes are presented to each racer as a memento of the race and their participation in this challenging event.
