Mammoth Cave National Park will be the location for the 6th Annual Mammoth-on on September 19th. Challenge yourself or just have fun with friends and family as you cave, hike and bike one of the most unique triathlons in the world! This fun family event grows larger every year and is great for individuals or teams.
The event begins at 7:30am in front of the Mammoth Cave Lodge with a quick check-in, progressing into a ranger-led hike underground, inside Mammoth Cave itself. Participants will walk the entire two-mile Historic Tour route. This classic route visits many of the historic areas that made Mammoth Cave famous for its “mammoth” passages. Those who choose to enter the cave will see everything normally seen during a guided tour. The pace is faster than a typical tour, so is not recommended for smaller children or those with mobility concerns due to 580 steps along the route. At this pace, however, it is a great workout, enjoyable at a comfortable cave temperature of 54 degrees! Upon exit, participants will hike unescorted for two miles on a beautiful woodland trail near the Historic Entrance. Lastly, cyclists will enjoy a fun and challenging self-paced 18-mile ride to Park City and back along the Mammoth Cave Railroad Bike and Hike Trail. The surface is gravel and does include some elevation change closer to Park City. All sections are optional, and participants can leave as needed. Friends of Mammoth Cave will provide rest stops and water stations along the way. Volunteers, financial or in-kind donations are always appreciated.
The Mammoth-on was the idea of Colleen Olson and lives on in her memory. Colleen was a Mammoth Cave Park Ranger, instrumental in the creation and planning of the event. She envisioned the Mammoth-on to be a day of fun and outdoor exercise and as a fundraising event for the non-profit Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park (FOMC). Proceeds support the FOMC who help to fund many of the park’s programs such as the teacher workshops and virtual classroom presentations to students across the country and beyond.
“We are excited to be able to bring this family event back to the Park this year after a year off due to the pandemic. This year we have added medals and canvas bags for each participant in addition to a T-shirt and a coupon for a scoop of ice cream from the grill at the lodge,” said Rick Dubose, Friends of Mammoth Cave Executive Director. “We thank our presenting sponsor, English, Lucas, Priest and Owsley, Attorneys at Law, and our other supporters, including Houchens IGA, Blue Cotton, Soul Gaze Photography, The Lodge at Mammoth Cave, Mammoth Cave National Park, and the Bowling Green League of Cyclists. We look forward to the day and are excited about being back.”
Participants are limited in capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic so early registration is encouraged, however, walk-ups are welcome. The rate for individuals over 12 is $30 with groups at $45 for up to a family of four. Larger groups are welcome. Participants can learn more and register on active.com (search: Mammoth On). For questions or help registering, reach out on social media @MammothFriends, contact us through our website www.friendsofmammothcave.org or call our Executive Director, Rick Dubose at 270-791-8588.
-by Amber Flowers
Photos by Soul Gaze Photography
