DAHLONEGSA - Once a year, the U.S. Army's Camp Frank D. Merrill Ranger training facility opens its gates to welcome the public for a day of racing and first-hand experience in Ranger military training. <br />
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The 17th annual Mountain Ranger Run offers a "challenging and scenic" cross-country/trail course, and it takes place on Saturday, April 26. <br />
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There are two running options, a 15k and a 5k, with both courses starting at Camp Frank D. Merrill and winding through the Chattahoochee National Forest in a hilly loop along non-paved forest service roads and trails. For mountain bikers, that will be a 34k Mountain Ranger Bike Race. Organizers say the bike course is "challenging enough for advanced riders yet forgiving enough for beginners."<br />
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One of the three phases of Ranger training, known as the toughest of all military leadership training, takes place at Camp Merrill. It is the mountain phase and only about half of those who enter pass the 61-day course. <br />
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There will be a Battalion Open House during the Mountain Ranger Run where guests will be treated to a Rangers-in-action demonstration, as well as a hands-on display of U. S. military equipment and weapons. Many of the open house events will take place on the airfield and there will be fly-bys of Black Hawk helicopters, a military free fall parachute jump, and a "spies and fries" demonstration in which Rangers will do an extraction by helicopter.<br />
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Participants can register online for any of the three races at RunSignup.com or in person at Totally Running & Walking (locations in Dahlonega and Cumming). <br />
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Cost:<br />
34k Bike Race - $40.00*<br />
15k Run - $40.00*<br />
5k Run - $25.00*<br />
* Registration fees increase by $5.00 for each race after April 1, 2014.<br />
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There will be early packet pick up on April 25, 2014 from 11am to 6pm at Totally Running & Walking, 28 North Grove Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533.<br />
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34k Bike Race starts at 7:00am<br />
15k Run starts at 7:45am<br />
5k Run starts at 8:00am<br />
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Awards will be presented to Overall male/female 1st, 2nd, 3rd. Overall masters male/female. 1st place age groups ages 10 & under-65+. <br />
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Contact race director, Kim Hall at
[email protected] with any questions.
