God?s Country returns to the River Trials

Here’s a press release for this weekend’s off road fun:

"Past winners of the God’s Country Off-Road Duathlon include a “who’s who” of off-road racing in the Midwest.  Fat Tire Champion, Damian Almanza won the inaugural God’s Country back in 2002 when it was held at Clinton Lake State Park.   Xterra Champion, Tige Lamb won in 2003 when the event moved to its current location – Lawrence River Trails,   St. Louis Pro Ryan Pirtle showed he can run as fast as he can ride by winning the 2004 version.  And finally last years event was won by the 2005 Nebraska Cyclo-cross champion Darin Schlake.  This year’s field is will include Xterra Pro Will Kelsay, 05’ winner Schlake and Devils Revenge winner Brad Cole. 


On the women’s side, the inaugural event was won by Topeka’s Glenda Taylor has she survived that first years “mud fest” to take the women’s crown.   Once the event moved to the River Trials, adventure racer Laura Elsenraat took over things and has won the Overall Title for the last three years.  Can Laura Elsenraat continue her winning ways or will some step up to challenge her?  

To help the sport grow, MultiSport Marketing added a kids only Duathlon to several of it’s events including God’s Country and the Midwest Challenge (April 22, 2006).  In the inaugural God’s Country Kids Duathlon, Christopher Locke took home overall honors with Lance Boehm working hard to earn second place.  Early race leading Alex Tripodi recovered from a slow bike leg and worked his way back up to take the final podium spot.  This year event will again challenge all the kids with a 1 K run / 4 K mountain bike / 1 K Run. 

The 5th Annual God’s Country Duathlon returns to the popular Lawrence River Trails this Saturday, April 1st.  Kid’s event gets underway at 9:00am.  Adult event starts at 10:00am.  This year there is a Long Course option for the more experienced participant and a Short Course for the beginner and first time participant.  Over 150 athletes have already registered for the event.  Come out and enjoy this fun event, grab a Go Fast and enjoy the free post race food.  This fine event is brought to you by Race Day Promotion, members of the Cow Town Cycling Team and the Lantern Rouge Volunteer Group.

Long Course: 2 Mile Trail Run / 18 Mile Mountain bike / 2 Mile Trail Run

Short Course: 2 Mile Trail Run / 9 Mile Mountain bike / 1 K run

Kids Course: 1 K Trail Run / 4 K Mountain bike / 1 K run