The 2024 USA Obstacle Course Racing National Championship, known as The Phoenix Race, will take place this Saturday and Sunday in Whitfield County at Rocky Face Ridge Park, 2209 Crow Valley Road in Dalton. Admission is free for spectators, $10 parking.
"This national event will draw top athletes from across the country, including those competing for a chance to qualify for the next Olympics. For the first time ever, para-adaptive athletes will also be competing, highlighting a new era of competition inclusivity in obstacle course racing," officials said.
Julie Ply, a Ringgold, native and race director, is excited to bring the event to the region.
"Hosting the national championship in Dalton-Whitfield is a great opportunity for the community and for the sport. I never could wrap my head around us hosting an Olympic qualifying event here in our backyard, and I’m really excited to see it all come together,” Ms. Ply said.
Margaret Thigpen, director of Tourism for the Convention and Visitors Bureau also expressed her excitement on the event, “We are so excited to welcome the USAOCR to the Dalton-Whitfield Community. This type of event not only utilizes our natural resources while introducing our community but provides economic impact that benefits Dalton-Whitfield.”
The two-day event will feature professional and open heats, with athletes facing a variety of challenging obstacles, and special precautions have been taken to ensure the history and aesthetics of the park are preserved and protected.
Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on the athletes during this exciting weekend of competition. They’re also accepting volunteers or inquiries to have a vendor booth in the area for the athletes and spectators.
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