Pisgah National Forest

The Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA) announces that registration is now open for the Cradle to Grave 30k and 5k in Pisgah National Forest. Both races will start and finish at the Forest Discovery Center on Saturday, May 17, 2014.  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, this marks only the second year that the permitted trail races will take place.  “Last year we set out to design a unique event that would appeal to serious trail runners as well as beginners and families,” says Devin Gentry, Director of Programming and Partnerships for the CFAIA. “The first-year event was a huge success.  We had an almost sold-out field of 200 runners from 12 states run the 30k and 125 runners registered for the 5k - we couldn’t have asked for more. The feedback we received was great and we’re looking forward to hosting another exciting race that revolves around an entire weekend of fun and well thought out logistics.”

The Cradle to Grave 30k and 5k Trail Races are being presented by Foot RX. Additional sponsors to date include Transylvania Regional Hospital, Looking Glass Realty, Oskar Blues Brewery, REI, Bracken Mountain Bakery, Food Matters Market, Nuun, Montrail, Foxworth Advisors, and the UPS Store Brevard. “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 $65, and the 5k is $30. Both races are expected to sell out and will include a commemorative race T-shirt, race packet, post-race lunch, beer for those over 21, 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 www.cradletograverace.com.

The Cradle of Forestry in America Interpretive Association (CFAIA), based out of Pisgah Forest, 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.