taylorsville

Are you ready for �The Vertical Mile Challenge�? If so, you need to register for this extreme running event at Rocky Face Park in Alexander County set for Saturday, June 20 at 8:00 a.m. Cost is $30 (or $25 with a �green credit� for those who agree to not litter), with online and race-day (6:30-7:30 a.m.) registration only. The course is approximately a two-mile loop beginning and ending at the bottom of the cliff face directly behind the parking lot. The course is paved for a short distance and then becomes typical single-track trail. After approximately 1/2 mile, runners will begin the 500-foot climb up the side of the mountain. At the top of the climb, the course reaches the Hollow Rock Trail and follows it down to the top of the lower rock face. At this point, runners will follow the Buzzard Loop trail to the end of the loop at the start/finish area. Runners will complete the loop eight times, equivalent to approximately 16 miles, and a vertical mile up and a vertical mile down.