We are continuing the Rides & Reggae tradition of an uphill challenge. This will be the same course as 2023, contesting the main climb for 10 days up Talbott's Burning Mountain Trail. The climb is approximately 3 miles and 1500’ of elevation gain. Awards for the run challenge will be announced at 8:15 PM on Friday night after the trail race, and bike challenge awards will be presented at 12:30 PM on Saturday after the bike races.

Rules are simple:

1. To participate you must use Strava to record your ride/run.

2. Runners need to make sure they record their attempt as a run and riders need to make sure they record their attempt as a ride. There are separate segments for the Trail Running and MTB races.

3. It is your responsibility to make sure your Strava is working properly and that your ride/run is recorded.

3. To participate you must complete your ride/run at any point from Sunday 7/21 through Wednesday 7/31.

Winners will be announced on the evening of 8/2 during the trail race awards.

4. You must also sign a waiver before your ride/run. If you don't sign a waiver before, your attempt won't be counted. Racers can digitally sign the waiver and email back to us prior to your attempt. You can download the waiver above, sign and return to newcastletrails@gmail.com

5. You must be a Rides & Reggae ticket holder to participate in the challenge.

6. These are the links to the Strava Segment that will be used to crown the winners:

MTB: https://www.strava.com/segments/35045220

Trail Run: https://www.strava.com/segments/35043528

7. The segment will be marked with orange stakes indicating the segment start point and end point. The segment will start after you cross the bridge over the upper ditch and will end at the large rock cairn at the top of the major climb.

8. You can attempt the climb as many times as you want.

9. NO E-BIKES

10. Fastest male and female rider/runner each takes home $100 cash

11. No results disputes, top male and female riders/runners that appear on the Strava Segment leader board for attempts made between 7/21 and 7/31 will take home the cash.

12. Uphill racers have the right of way. After you finish your attempt and you are riding/running back down Burning Mountain, if you see someone coming up give them plenty of space so they have an opportunity to record their best time. The descent is not part of the race so take your time and enjoy the view.

A special THANK YOU to Dr. Roper from New Castle Dental for sponsoring the cash prizes.