Shoes, Hooves, and Wheels Meet in the First Annual
Treadhoofalon Race in Anniston, Alabama
The Treadhoofalon Brings Mountain Bikers, Trail Runners, and Horseback Riders Together for the First Event of its Kind
ANNISTON, Ala—Aug. 2, 2022—The Back Country Horseman of America McClellan Chapter, Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association, and Anniston Runners Club Trail Running Division have come together to host the first annual Treadhoofalon team racing event on Saturday, November 5, 2022 at 8 a.m. at the Camp McClellan Horse Trails. The race will feature approximately three miles of horseback riding, eight miles of mountain biking, and four miles of trail running. A cookout for competitors and attendees will follow the event.
Lain Hawk, who spearheaded the concept for the event alongside his wife Julie, said, “[Julie and I] both ride horses, bike, and enjoy hiking all over the country and wanted to showcase the wonderful trails we have in our backyard here at McClellan. With an event this unique, we hope to have it grow in years to come and make McClellan a destination.”
A group with a competitor for each discipline can register for the event as a team, or individuals can register for a single discipline and be assigned teammates. Participants may also compete in more than one division. The race will begin with horseback riding promptly at 8 a.m., then mountain biking at approximately 9 a.m., and trail running at approximately 10 a.m., depending on how quickly each teammate completes their section. Faster teams will be sent out first, followed by more casual participants.
Mike and Kristi Miller, who represent the trail running division of the Anniston Runners Club, said, “We are excited to have an opportunity to participate in an event with bikers and horseback riders out here at McClellan. All the trails that have been built are in the same area and showcase the beauty of McClellan. We can’t wait to meet fellow trail lovers, no matter their mode of enjoying the trails.”
Chad Jones, Chairman of the Back Country Horseman of America McClellan Chapter, said, “[Our] hope is that the Treadhoofalon will be a great success for Anniston and will draw people from all over to come and experience the fun and create an economic impact. We invite spectators to come and watch the event and help grow [it] into an event that gets larger each year.” Jones also extended thanks to the Calhoun County Commission, the McClellan Development Authority, and the City of Anniston.
Teams and individuals can register for the event at https://rb.gy/auh4si. There is a limit of 50 participants per discipline. The cost of registration is $45 per person OR $100 for a group of three, which covers lunch, a Treadhoofalon t-shirt, and a medal (for those who finish). Non-competing attendees can purchase a $10 meal ticket at the Camp McClellan pavilion on the day of the event. A limited number of extra t-shirts will also be available for purchase the day of the event. There is no cost to attend the event as a spectator.
Julie Moss, Director of the McClellan Development Authority, said, “When approached about the Treadhoofalon, I was immediately struck by the excitement of the team putting this together. This is such a unique event and I look forward to seeing all the trail groups coming together and enjoying the beautiful trails at McClellan.”
About the Back Country Horseman of America
Back Country Horsemen of America (BCHA) is a nationwide organization that is committed to protecting the access of equestrians to public lands. They are a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit serving 194 chapters across the country. The McClellan Chapter of the BCHA utilizes over 930 acres given to Calhoun County by the McClellan Development Authority, featuring 26 miles of horse trails.
Contact
Chad Jones, BCHA McClellan Chapter Chairman
spottedhorsejones@gmail.com
About the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association
The Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association was founded in 1992 as a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting cycling in Northeast Alabama. NEABA proudly presents and supports great events and cycling venues including the Cheaha Challenge Gran Fond & ULTRA, Coldwater Mountain Fat Tire Festival, Noble Street Festival and Sunny King Criterium, Chief Ladiga Trail and the IMBA Silver Ride Center, Coldwater Mountain Bike Trail.
Contact
Tim Lindblom, NEABA President
tlindblom@jsu.edu
About the Anniston Runners Club
The Anniston Runners Club was formed in 1980 by local businessmen who ran together every afternoon. Today, the ARC has five speciality divisions: Youth Running Division, Ultra-Race Division, Triathlon Division, Women’s Running Division, and Trail Running. They are committed to promoting, encouraging, and fostering the love of running, and strive to promote the healthy benefits of running and mentor new runners.
Contact
Kristi Miller, ARC Trail Running Division Member Representative
kristimiller92@gmail.com
About the McClellan Development Authority
The McClellan Development Authority was authorized in 2010 as a public nonprofit charged with the future economic redevelopment of the former Fort McClellan Army Base. Today, McClellan encompasses 10,000 acres of master-planned property, featuring residential, educational, industrial, and recreational areas.
Contact
Julie Moss, MDA Director
(256) 236-2011
jmoss@exploremcclellan.com
Treadhoofalon Event Contact
Lain & Julie Hawk, Event Organizers
treadhoofalon@yahoo.com
