Stride Into History with Two Inaugural Races at the Cradle of Forestry

PISGAH FOREST, N.C., Jan 31, 2013 - The Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA) announces that registration is now open for the Cradle to Grave 30k and the Rock-a-Bye 5k in Pisgah National Forest. Both races will start and finish at the Forest Discovery Center on Saturday, May 18, 2013. The 30k will begin at 8:00 a.m. followed by the 5k at 8:30 a.m.

Proceeds from the races will benefit the CFAIA, a local non-profit organization with a long-standing mission to promote educational, recreational, and interpretive opportunities about forest and water resources, natural history, and the Cradle of Forestry in America.

Although the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site has been hosting a variety of outdoor events for over 40 years, these two races will be the first of their kind to be held at the location. “We set out to design a unique event that will appeal to serious trail runners as well as beginners and families,” says Devin Gentry, Director of Programming and Partnerships for the CFAIA. “Many people don’t realize that there is more to the Cradle than the Forest Discovery Center and several historic buildings. It actually encompasses the entire 6,500 acre Pink Beds Valley, which we wanted to highlight. The Cradle to Grave 30k course will offer a true taste of what trail running in Pisgah is all about while the Rock-a-Bye 5k will have a lot of fun surprises and remain entirely on the Cradle’s paved trails, serving as the grand opening of the new Forest Discovery Trail.”

Sponsors to date include Columbia Sportswear, REI, Transylvania Regional Hospital, Oskar Blues Brewery, Hobnob Restaurant, The Hub, SylvanSport, and SkinFare. “We’re building a great lineup of partners that are going to make the entire race weekend a memorable one, and welcome any others that would like to join the mix,” says Gentry. In addition to some great trail running, an entire weekend of entertainment is being planned around the race. “Participants will have the option to camp and will be treated to some amazing food and live music while getting to experience Pisgah National Forest and the town of Brevard at a beautiful time of year.”

Early registration is highly encouraged and will be through Active.com. The early entry fee for the Cradle to Grave 30k is $60, and the Rock-a-Bye 5k is $30. Both races will include a commemorative race T-shirt, race packet, post-race lunch, and music entertainment at the Cradle of Forestry’s outdoor amphitheater. Registration is limited. For more information or to register for either race, please visit http://www.cfaia.org.

The Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA), based out of downtown Brevard, NC, is a 501c3 non-profit organization that strives to help the public better understand local ecology and the benefits of conservation through education and recreation. The CFAIA works to support their mission of recreation and education through campground and recreation area management, environmental education opportunities, the sale of forest-related gifts and educational materials, and by providing support to the Cradle of Forestry Historic Site.