As off-road endurance events gain popularity throughout the country, Life Time announces plans for the ‘Rad Dirt Fest, an off-road cycle and trail run event based in Trinidad, Colorado.
The ‘Rad marks the newest event by the Life Time Events team, which owns and produces the UNBOUND Gravel, the Leadville Race Series and the Bentonville-based Big Sugar NWA Gravel.
‘Rad Dirt Fest features impressive views of the Spanish Peaks, small town charm and miles of smooth gravel and trails. The inaugural event, scheduled for Oct. 2-3, 2021, offers three gravel cycling distances and two trail run distances. It also coincides with a town celebration commemorating the 200th year of the Santa Fe Trail.
With 30-plus premier events across the nation, Life Time identifies emerging geographic areas within outdoor communities where these sports are likely to boom. Integral to The ‘Rad Dirt Fest are the yin and yang of ride and run, as endurance athletes from the cycling and trail running worlds will be able to add The ‘Rad to their list of anticipated events each year.
“2020 gave our team the opportunity to reflect on our unique ability to help people live healthier lives through our endurance events. We’re passionate about creating events that enrich the lives of our participants and enrich the communities where we host them. We believe the future of cycling and running is on dirt, where it is safer for the athlete and easier on the body. The launch of The ‘Rad allows us to create an endurance festival experience, catering to both the trail runner and gravel cyclist,” said Kimo Seymour, President of Events and Media at Life Time.
“While searching for a new host site, we were looking for a community that was equipped for a large-scale trail running and gravel cycling event, but also had a cool vibe. We found that in Trinidad, whose local officials have welcomed us with open arms and an invitation to join them on their journey toward becoming the next big outdoor recreation location in Colorado. The gravel and trail running community is rooted in successful partnerships, and we are excited and confident about the potential of growing alongside Trinidad,” Seymour added.
Located along I-25 in southern Colorado, Trinidad is becoming the newest destination for outdoor enthusiasts who are immersed in the town’s rich history, emerging eclectic arts scene and breathtaking landscape. Once vying to become the state capital and known to continually reinvent itself, Trinidad offers stunning views of surrounding peaks, endless dirt and a reputation of never giving up.
Town leaders—led by the newly established Office of Outdoor Recreation—have begun working to transform Trinidad into a new mecca for outdoor exploration, developing trails throughout the community.
The off-road cycle race will offer three distance options for athletes on fast, fun and clean gravel; a short 38-mile loop with 2,720 feet of elevation gain, a 90-mile course with 5,000 feet of climbing and a 162-mile grind with 10,800 feet of elevation gain.
In its inaugural year, the trail run will take athletes on two scenic routes on the outskirts of Trinidad; an approachable half-marathon option with 1,000 feet of elevation gain and a 50k route with 3,200 feet of climbing.
As the town evolves and grows its trail network, the trail running courses will also evolve, allowing The ‘Rad to grow. Registration for The ‘Rad will open at 9 a.m. MDT on April 13. To learn more and to register for The ‘Rad, visit www.theraddirt.com.
