Annual Adventure Race set at Camp Tuscazoar
Runners and bikers prepare for the grueling Camp Tuscazoar Adventure Race, covering miles of difficult terrain, wooded navigation, river paddling and road bike trails.
The 2020 Camp Tuscazoar Adventure Race will offer a chance for serious runners, cyclists and paddlers to enjoy some challenging fun at a safe distance from others. The race is set for Saturday, July 18 at 9:30 a.m. and will help raise funds for the camp. Trails will be marked and the race hosted by The Dirt Line outdoor recreation advocacy group.
“Oh yes, this will absolutely help the camp,” Camp Tuscazoar director Nancy Schoenbaum said, “especially since many of the groups who usually book the camp have had to cancel due to the pandemic. But the Adventure Race is also an opportunity for us to help runners whose events have been canceled. We can offer complete social distancing for this. We have the space to do it.”
Dirt Line founder Jason Ricker said this year marks the fourth annual Adventure Race at the camp. “Money raised will help with trail development, and the trails are incredible right now. There are 2 new miles of trails just developed by Ohio Department of Natural Resources. It took a lot of work from a lot of volunteers and grants from REI Sporting Goods of Cleveland and the Cleveland Area Mountain Biker’s Association.”
The race will be overseen by Vertical Runner Race Management, which will handle timing.
Ricker said this year’s race is for hard-core athletes with a slightly gentler option for beginners. “We generally see about 25-30 racers. Not everyone can paddle. Not everyone can do bike trails or is a runner, so it’s hard to get people who do it all.”
There are no age categories this year, but Ricker said a new second skill level has been added. “The Sprinter level is for those who are maybe at the beginning of their training or at an intermediate level. The Ultimate level is more challenging.”
The Sprinter level will begin with running, then move on to the next section, shared with the Ultimate participants, who start out with orienteering, in which participants must strike out into the woods armed with simple navigation devices in search of previously set markers.
“Each marker is worth a point, and once you’ve found them all, you can move onto the next part of the race,” Ricker said.
Runners should find all the markers within 45 minutes to avoid time penalties.
The next section brings both Sprinters and Ultimates back together to paddle the Tuscarawas River back to the main camp before hiking over rugged terrain to waiting mountain bikes. Here, the two levels split: Sprinters go to the eastern part of the camp for a slightly easier ride while Ultimate participants stick to the more challenging western trails.
Participants must supply their own kayak, paddles and bicycle. Sprinters will traverse approximately 12.5 miles and Ultimate athletes about 16 miles.
“We’re doing a kind of low-key, staggered start for everyone,” Ricker said. “We’re able to keep everyone at a safe distance from one another that way. And once you get into the woods to begin, you’re pretty much separated anyway.”
Both levels will offer food and water along the way.
The cost for the race at the Sprinter level is $60 for a solo racer or $110 for a two-person team. For those taking the Ultimate challenge, the race is $65 per person or $120 for two teammates. Registration can be made at www.verticalrunnerrm.com.
Sponsors for this year include Smith Ambulance, which will be on hand to help keep everyone safe, as well as The Dirt Line, Northeast Ohio Orienteering Club, REI Sports and Camp Tuscazoar. Schoenbaum said more sponsors are welcome.
“Any organization who would like to contribute to our Go Bags for runners are welcome to become sponsors,” she said, adding she has not asked for sponsor funds in the tightened pandemic economy.
Schoenbaum said Camp Tuscazoar has been busy with plenty of people throughout the coronavirus lockdown. “It’s a place people can come and get exercise and fresh air safely. Our trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding have remained open,” she said. “Our parking lot has been full every weekend. Cross country teams are training with us this year who we have not seen before. Many parks in the Cleveland area have been closed, so they’re turning to us. We’re very glad to have them.”
Reach Camp Tuscazoar at 330-859-2288 or visit www.tuscazoar.org. The camp is at 6066 Boy Scout Road NE in Dover.