New Triathlon Challenges Participants to Explore Klamath Outdoors

Adventure race planned for Klamath Falls in October

Klamath Falls, OR. — If you enjoy biking, kayaking or running but have never considered doing all three at once, a new race coming to Klamath Falls in October might be a great way to challenge yourself this year or bring friends together to split the work and excel at individual talents.

Held Saturday, Oct. 13, the “Dirty Pelican” is an adventure race to enjoy this fall as a team or as a one person conqueror. Previously an informal adventure between off-duty firefighters, cops, nurses, 9-1-1 operators and other agencies challenging one another, participation grew each year and began to get unmanageable for the group. Luckily, local nonprofit organization, Pregnancy Hope Center, approached the group with interest in leading the event as a fundraiser for the Center.

Pregnancy Hope Center Executive Director Teri Cline took the idea, began planning and quickly received support from local businesses, including presenting sponsor, Pacific Crest Federal Credit Union. Working on the race path and activities, Cline and her team developed a course challenging enough for an ironman or ironwoman, but also approachable enough for beginners, especially those working in teams of three.

"Our overall goal for the event is to provide an exciting challenge for the frequent racer, but a course that wasn’t too daunting for someone wanting to pace themselves or looking for a fun event with friends," Cline said. “We hope that this event will also draw participants from other areas such as Medford and Bend and allow them the opportunity to experience the great outdoors of Klamath Falls.”

The race occurs on Oct. 13 at 9 a.m., starting from Veteran’s Park with 5.9 miles of mountain biking on Link River and Moore Park trails. Then participants paddle 1.6 miles on a square course on Lake Ewauna and conclude by running 2.9 miles, mainly through Moore Park trails. The race headquarters at Veteran’s Park will also include vendors and activities for families and friends cheering on racers. There will even be a Diaper Derby during the race for little racers who want to get involved.

Those familiar with the Pregnancy Hope Center may know of other fundraisers the organization hosts such as the bottle drive in the spring, which encourages people to collect spare change and donations in baby bottles to support the Center’s outreach and services. Proceeds from the race will help fund free pregnancy testing by a licensed nurse, pregnancy options counseling, pregnancy & parenting classes, and limited OB ultrasounds for expectant mothers.

To register for the Dirty Pelican Bike Paddle Run, visit www.bikepaddlerunrace.com. Want to participate in the event, but not ready to try your hand at the triathlon? The Center is also looking for volunteers to help with the event on race day: www.bikepaddlerunrace.com/volunteer-registration. Additionally, the Center is reaching out to local businesses as sponsors for the race. More information is available by contacting the Center at 541.883.4357.

What: Dirty Pelican Bike Paddle Run
When: Saturday, Oct. 13, 2018 at 9 a.m.
Where: Veteran’s Memorial Park, 10 George Nurse Way, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Cost: Early-bird pricing is $65.00 individual, $150.00 team of 3 (cost covers participation and event shirt) Prices increase Sept. 4 to $75.00 individual, $175 team of 3
Registration: www.bikepaddlerunrace.com

Press release provided from the Pregnancy Hope Center / Dirty Pelican.