Second Annual Trail Running Conference Coming to Estes Park, Colorado

The very lovely Estes Park, Colorado will play host to the second annual Estes Trail Ascent Conference later this year, bringing trail runners from across the country together for three days of activities. The event is scheduled to take place October 9-11, with October 12 dedicated to racing on local trails.

The conference as a very successful launch last year, and in 2014 organizers are looking to expand on that momentum. The first day of the event, Thursday, October 9, will be specifically geared towards race directors who want to share ideas for running more successful events. The following two days, October 10-11, will be open to the athletes themselves, with plenty of seminars and panel discussions on how to improve performance and get more enjoyment out of the sport. And while the conference officially wraps up on that Saturday, there are already plans for a number of trail runs to take place on Sunday, October 12.

The Estes Trail Ascent is looking to position itself as strategic planning event for promoting trail running across the entire U.S. The sport is growing in popularity and event organizers hope to capitalize on that growth in order to continue to push it to new heights. With that in mind, this year they have partnered with Trail Runner Magazine to not only promote the conference but also the activity.

Even though the event is still months off, you can still find plenty of details about what will happen in Estes Park this October. Check out a preliminary schedule of events, a list of the  types of speakers that will be there, and more. Those details will fill in further as the date draws near, but this will give you an idea if this is the kind of even you'll want to attend.

I'm glad to see that last year's Trail Ascent was a success and organizers are bring it back for another go. Hopefully it will continue to grow and become a premiere trail running event in the U.S.

Motocross Champ Ryan Dungey Leads Cycling Event For A Cause

Cyclists looking for a good, single-day summer challenge should check MN Major River-to-River Ride that takes place later in the month. The event, which is headlined by motocross champion Ryan Dungey, will take place on Sunday, June 28 and will provide two unique and scenic courses for riders of all ages and skill levels. It also serves as a fund raiser for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The MN Major takes place in Hastings, Minnesota and begins at the St. Croix River and runs to the mighty Mississippi and back again. The course winds through a scenic river valley that serves as a beautiful back drop for the cyclists, who can choose to ride either the full 100K (62 mile) length or a shorter 20 mile route. Both courses present unique challenges and are designed to be fun and interesting to ride.

While the event is not meant to be a race, those riding the Major Course will get a chance to compete with one another and show off their leg strength. At the mile 57 marker there will be a Hill Hauler challenge during which each rider's climb will be officially timed up a steep hill. The rider with the best time will take home a prize from one of the event's sponsors.

The event is one that is near and dear to the heart of Dungey, who lost his grandmother to cancer in 2005. In response, he wanted to do something to help a great cause while also combing his love for cycling and his home state of Minnesota. Because this event is so important to him, 100% of the proceeds go directly to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

If you're going to be in the area and would like to take part in the ride, registration is now open with an entry fee of just $50. All riders are welcome and you can even register onsite on the day of the event.

Ladies Take Center Stage At Waikiki Classic

I don't cover surfing all that often on the Adventure Blog, mostly because it is a sport that I haven't had a lot of direct exposure to. But one thing I do appreciate is an event that goes out of its way to encourage people to get outside and try something new. Particularly if that event is aimed at young people who just might discover an activity that lights their own passion for adventure and outdoor pursuits.

One such event is coming up next weekend, June 8-9, on Queens Beach in Hawaii. That is when the Roxy Waikiki Classic is schedule to take place, pitting some of the best female surfers in the world against one another, including reigning Longboard champ Kelia Moniz. But what really sets this competition apart is that while the pros will be demonstrating their considerable skills out on the water, amateur surfers are invited to get in on the fun as well. The competition is open to all female surfers ages 6 and up and is absolutely free to enter. There will be appropriate categories for entrants, and prizes and awards will be given away too.

What I absolutely love about this event is that the organizers have eliminated all the hurdles for entry. Amateurs can surf the same waves as the pros and while getting a sense of what it is like to compete in front of a big crowd, all without having to pay a hefty entry fee. That lets them go out and have some fun without having a major investment in how well they do and where they place. If this approach allows the event to draw in just a handful of new surfers to the sport, than it will be a success in my book. The fact that the Waikiki Classic is aimed directly at getting girls more active is just icing on the cake. Event sponsor Roxy is an active and lifestyle apparel brand for ladies, and should be commended for their efforts in this area.

If you happen to be in Waikiki next weekend and you're looking for something to do, drop by the Classic and get in no all of the fun. Not only will there be plenty of action out on the waves, there will be games and activities taking place on the beach as well. Plus, it'll be a good chance to cheer on these athletic ladies, both amateur and pro.

North America's First Trail Running Conference Comes To Estes Park Colorado

Trail running in one of the most popular and fastest growing outdoor sports in the U.S., so it seems only natural that the first ever conference in North America focused on the sport should take place later this year. The inaugural Estes Trail Ascent is scheduled to take place June 20-22 in Estes Park, Colorado - one of the premiere trail running destinations in a state that is known for its amazing locations for all mountain sports.

The event is tailored for athletes, event organizers and vendors alike, with something to offer everyone. The daily schedule, which is still being completely filled in, will include seminars, speaker panels, a gear expo and of course trail runs – including a 5.9-mile (9.5 km) race that features 1900 feet (579 meters) of elevation gain.

Event organizers will be especially interested in the Event Director College. This first of its kind event will run at the same time as the trail running conference and is designed to give race directors all of the tools they need to focus on and build a quality event. Seminars and panels will share secrets on finding sponsorships, event management, marketing, public relations and more. Managers of successful trail running events across the U.S. will share their wisdom and knowledge that will allow the sport to continue to grow in new areas.

Registration for the Estes Trail Ascent is now open. If you're interested in attending, book your plans now.

It is great to see this kind of event cropping up in the U.S. for the first time. Trail running is popular with outdoor enthusiasts, so its wonderful to see the sport growing to the point that a conference of this type can take place. Estes Park is also a beautiful setting for the event as well and well worth attending just to spend a little time in the area.

Off To The Running Event!

There will be few updates today as I'll be spending most of it at The Running Event, an annual convention that is a bit like Outdoor Retailer for runners. Although this is the third time that the TRE has been held her in Austin, Texas, this will be my first time attending and I'm looking forward to checking out everything that will be on display.

The TRE exhibit hall will be filled with a host of companies showing off the latest running shoes, apparel and other gear. Companies like Nike, Salomon, Saucony and more. Part of my day is filled with appointments with some of those companies and part of it free for me to stroll the hall to checkout the latest trends. Much like when I'm at OR, I'll be sharing images and impressions on Twitter throughout the the day. If you're interested in reports from the show floor, you can follow my Twitter feed by clicking here.  Also, if there is a piece of gear or shoes that you would like me to checkout, send me a note and I'll try to take to drop by the booth to take a peek.

Telluride Mountain Film Festival To Take Place May 25-28

The 33rd annual Mountain Film Festival in Telluride, Colorado is gearing up for another great year. In 2012 the event will run May 25-28 and as usual it will host some of the top adventure films from the past year while serving as a platform to discuss the important social issues of our time.

The full schedule of events is still being finalized and the final list of films has yet to be announced, but the list of guests who will be in attendance is already impressive. Once again this year the Festival will begin with its traditional Moving Mountains Symposium, which will focus on the topic of "Population."

On an annual basis this is one of the top adventure film festivals in the world and this year looks to be no exception. In addition to the great line-up of symposiums that will be held, the festival will also show approximately 75 films, including the premiere of House of Cards, a climbing film that documents Conrad Anker, Jimmy Chin and Renan Ozturk's first ascent of the Shark Fin last October.

To help everyone prepare for the upcoming film fest a handy guide entitled "Prepare To Mountainfilm" has been posted on the festival's official blog. That post offers ten suggestions on how to get ready for this year's event and provides links to where you can buy passes, find accommodations and much more. If you're interested in going to Telluride in May, you'll find it very helpful.

Looks like a great event as always.