The Mammoth Cave National Park Visitor Center.
(NPS PHOTO)
MAMMOTH CAVE — The 7th Annual Mammoth-on, “America’s only Cave, Hike and Bike Triathlon” will take place this Sunday at Mammoth Cave National Park.
The event on Sept. 25 consists of a two-mile cave tour along the popular Historic cave tour route, a two-mile woodland trail hike and a 9 mile bike ride along the Mammoth Cave Railroad Hike and Bike Trail.
The Mammoth-on was the idea of Colleen Olson and continues on in her memory. Colleen was a Mammoth Cave Park Ranger, who won multiple awards for her dedication. She had envisioned the Mammoth-on as a day of fun and outdoor exercise for all ages as part of her Hit The Woods for Health program, as well as a non-profit fundraiser for The Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park (FOMC). Many of the park’s programs such as the teacher workshops and virtual classroom presentations to students across the country, park clean-up activities, special events, and caverestoration and research are funded through FOMC.
“I think the neat aspect of it is it’s not really a competition and although it can be, you can also take it at your own pace. It’s just designed to get people out into nature and into the park. It’s great for individuals, families and for people of all ages.” said Rick DuBose, Executive Director of Friends of Mammoth Cave National Park. “Registration includes an event t-shirt, canvas tote bag, medal as well as a free ice cream scoop certificate for The Lodge at Mammoth Cave for Chaney’s ice cream. So it’s a pretty good package for the price and benefits a good cause.”
Check-in and t-shirt pick-up will begin at 7:30 a.m. central standard time at the FOMC tent near the entrance to The Lodge at Mammoth Cave. The event will begin at 8:00 a.m. after a brief welcome speech. Participants will see everything normally seen during a guided tour, but at a fast pace. This route showcases the historic areas that made Mammoth Cave famous for its “mammoth” passages. All three event sections are optional and will only be delayed or cancelled due to severe weather. Participants can come and go as needed and move at their own pace, except during the caveportion. Rest stops with food and water will be stationed along the route at no cost to registered participants, as well as food and drink options availiable for purchase at the Visitor Center and Caver’s Camp Store through The Lodge at Mammoth Cave.
Early registration is encouraged to ensure availability of t-shirt sizes and other items included with registration as supply is limited, however walk-ups are welcome. Registration is $35 for individuals over 12 years of age and $50 for groups of up to four. Larger groups are welcome and youth under the age of 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult 18 years or older. Covid-19 precautions have been lifted this year, however participants should monitor Mammoth Cave’s website for the latest on Covid-19 restrictions as required by the Park due to local community transmission levels.
Volunteers and in-kind donations are always appreciated, as are sponsors.“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 CaveNational Park, and the Bowling Green League of Bicyclists. We look forward to seeing all our friends and are excited to bring this event back to the park another year.”
For more information and to register, please visit the FOMC website at http://www.
For questions, email info@friendsofmammothcave.org or call Executive Director Rick DuBose at 270-791-8588.