1. STUMP JUMP 50K & 11-MILE TRAIL RACE: OCTOBER 6, CHATTANOOGA, TENN.

The Stump Jump features a 2,200 ft. elevation gain and plenty of rocks and roots to hurdle. Read race reports from the Stump Jump, and you'll come across harrowing tales of agonizing toil and triumph. That’s where the deep dark secrets are revealed. Devour the dirt on that trail like a tabloid junkie getting his fix. Even the 11-Miler will give you all the trail you can handle.

www.rockcreek.com

2. TRIPLE CROWN HOUND EARS COMPETITION: OCTOBER 6, BOONE, N.C.

Nestled deep within the Blue Ridge is Hound Ears Club, one of North Carolina’s finest gated golf communities. And nestled deep within Hound Ears Club is one of North Carolina’s finest boulderfields. To get there, you’ll have to register for the Triple Crown and take a competitor’s bus from the Grandfather Mountain Campground on the morning of the event. Once you arrive, remember to work hard and play hard, but most importantly, show some gratitude for the people at the Hound Ears Club who graciously provided this opportunity.

www.triplecrownbouldering.org

3. WATAUGA LAKE TRI: OCTOBER 6, BOONE, N.C.

The Watauga Lake Triathlon was inspired by the picturesque countryside and pristine waters of Watauga Lake. Watauga literally means "beautiful water" and it certainly holds true to its given name. Since its creation in 1948, the Watauga Lake has certainly been one of the most scenic reservoirs in the Tennessee River Watershed. On October 6, 2007, it will be reduced to a boiling sea of feet and elbows. Competitors will thrash about for 1,000 meters in those pristine waters before mounting a 35K ride, followed by an 8K run in the surrounding area.

www.watugalaketriathlon.com

4. SAVANNAH RIVER/AUGUSTA CANAL ADVENTURE RACE: OCTOBER 8, MARTINEZ, GA.

The Augusta Canal was built in 1845 as a source of power, water and transportation. It was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1977 as a site of historic interest and scenic potential. And now the celebrated waterway will serve once more as the perfect venue for the Savannah River/Augusta Canal Adventure Race in 2007. Racers will begin their biking/paddling/trekking/orienteering journey at the Savannah River Rapids Pavilion and finish at the post-race party. Everything in between is soon to be history.

www.kandoadventures.com


5. BUCK MOUNTAIN HALF MARATHON: OCTOBER 13, FREE UNION, VA.

The folks behind the Buck Mountain Half Marathon would never have you breaking the bank just to break a sweat on the trail. This event boasts no entry fee, although donations are greatly appreciated as all of the race proceeds benefit the local YMCA’s building fund. And the race directors make no promises about aid or awards either, but they do guarantee panoramic views of the Blue Ridge on one of most scenic half-marathon courses in the Old Dominion.

www.charlottesvilletrackclub.org

6. MUD, SWEAT, & GEARS CYCLOCROSS SERIES #1: OCTOBER 13, BRISTOL, TENN.

The MSG Cyclocross Series is gearing up for six delightfully excruciating races in 2007. Racers will have the opportunity to push their pedal prowess to the max at two different venues this season as the mayhem alternates between Johnson City and Bristol throughout the series. Kick things off at Steele Creek Park in Bristol, Tennessee, on October 13th for the first installment of what promises to be a very dirty series. www.msgcross.com

7. BLUE RIDGE BURN 10K/5K: OCTOBER 20, CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA.

Things are about to heat up on the rocky, rolling singletrack of Walnut Creek Park. Trail blazers from around the region gather for the 12th Annual Blue Ridge Burn. There’s a 5K trail option and a 10K as well for the real pyros out there. If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen and onto the trail. All proceeds benefit the Southern Environmental Law Center. Wear a Halloween costume and be eligible for special prizes.

www.blueridgeburn.com

8. 13TH ANNUAL FALL FLASH FEST: OCTOBER 20, ASHEVILLE, N.C.

On October 20th, top climbers from all over the Southeast will converge on ClimbMax Climbing Center in Asheville for the region’s premier gym climbing event of the season. Now in its thirteenth year, the Fall Flesh Fest is proud to be a part of the American Bouldering Series. The 2007 edition will feature great routes and hard problems to keep those forearms pumped, as well as great prizes and terrific camaraderie to keep your head in the game.

www.climbmaxnc.com

9. GEORGIA CROSS SERIES #1: OCTOBER 21, CONYERS, GA.

The premier edition of the 2007 Georgia Cross Series is being held at the Georgia International Horse Park. So shoulder up, saddle up, or push that bad boy to Conyers for the very first clash in a series of hardly relaxing Sunday races. And if you feel particularly motivated, get a merry band of men or women together in matching spandex for the Overall Team Competition. Just be sure to reserve your second wind for the race at Fort Yargo on the 28th.

www.georgia-cross.com

10. ITU WORLD DUATHLON CHAMPIONSHIPS: OCTOBER 21, RICHMOND, VA.

Over 500 of the world’s best male and female duathletes from 30 countries will be competing in the McDonald’s ITU Duathlon Long Course World Championship in Richmond, Virginia, on Sunday, October 21. The pros will have a $50,000 prize purse to divvy up, while age group athletes, many of whom train and race in our area, will go at it for bragging rights. Four-time world champion, Benny Vansteelant, of Belgium, is the odds-on favorite. “I am looking forward to race on an interesting location as this race site seems to be,” says Vansteelant. “It is quite new for me to race in the middle of high buildings like this and hope to see a lot of spectators out there.”

www.duathlonworlds.com

11. NEW RIVER GORGE-OUS TRAIL RUN: OCTOBER 27, NEW RIVER GORGE, W.VA.

Come and enjoy the fall colors of beautiful Southern West Virginia while running or walking on picturesque trails hovering above the New River Gorge. You have the option of a 13.2 or 7.5 mile run, or a 4.5-mile walk. All of the courses wander through deep hard wood forests and offer spectacular views of the river and the historic town of Thurmond 1,000 feet below.

www.aceraft.com

12. NORTH CAROLINA CYCLO-CROSS RACE #1: OCTOBER 28, RALEIGH, N.C.

Not for the faint of heart. Or quadriceps, gastrocnemius and soleus, or gluteus maximus. The North Carolina Cyclo-Cross Series is not for the faint of anything, really. And if you don’t like getting off your bike too much, then you should probably stick to the smooth pavement of your neighborhood. The North Carolina Cyclocross Series is the premier series in the Tar Heel State with eight gut-wrenching races between mid-October and December. Check the website for race and registration information.

www.nccyclocross.com