Crowders' 10K takes the scenic route

While I wait to hear back from the race director of the BluePoints 5K -- the big race set for uptown this weekend -- here's some info on the more-rugged (and far-less-crowded) Assault on Crowders Mountain 10K Trail Race, courtesy of Active.com:

What: The rare opportunity to run a Crowders Mountain trail race, and it's limited to the first 75 registrants. Crowders Mountain State Park -- with its rock outcroppings and magnificent scenery -- provides the perfect setting for a challenging inaugural event. This challenging trail course is an out-and-back with rolling changes in topography.

When: 8 a.m. Saturday.

Where: Crowders Mountain State Park, 522 Park Office Lane. Start and finish is at the Linwood Road access. The gate will not be open until 7 a.m., so please plan accordingly. Parking at the Crowders Mountain Linwood Access lot is limited, so carpool if possible.

Course details: Participants will start near the parking area and run the Backside Trail to the Crowders Trail, where they will cross Sparrow Springs Road/Freedom Mill Road and continue on Crowders Trail to the Visitors Center. At that point, runners will turn around and head back to the start.

How much: $55 until 9 a.m. Friday. There will be no race-day registration.

Swag: Event-branded, Dry-fit, full-color, short-sleeved T-shirts.

Beneficiary: A percentage of proceeds will be donated to the Friends of Crowders Mountain for direct support of conservation, preservation, and improvement of Crowders Mountain State Park resources.

Details: Click here. Registration page: Click here.