Oak Ridge Today

Rock and Root 30K at Haw Ridge on Saturday

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Haw Ridge Park Entrance

The parking lot entrance at Haw Ridge Park off Edgemoor Road is pictured above.

Proceeds from a Rock and Root 30K at Haw Ridge on Saturday will be donated to Friends of Haw Ridge, a press release said.

The 30K is the first big event for Peak Mountain Sports LLC. It’s the company’s premier trail race this year, the press release said.

“A 30K trail running race—the Rock and Root 30K is an epic adventure of trail running that recreational athletes, elite runners, and everyone in between will not want to miss,” the release said. “Using the technical and hilly terrain of Haw Ridge Park in Oak Ridge, runners will conquer a wild journey through single track trails of short steep climbs, and breathtaking lakeside views.”

The release said the course is a challenging two-lap loop course that will consist of meandering “rock and root” trails that traverse in and around the 780-acre park. [Read more…]

Spotlight: Oak Ridge welcomes travel writer tour

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Travel Writers at ORNL Wall of Flags

Travel writers take a break at the Wall of Flags at ORNL that features flags for all home countries of current employees. Pictured left to right, front row, are Tori Cuddy, Lisa Sonne, Scott Cochran, Tricia Szulewski, and Clement Salvadori; and, second row, Nicole Elliott and Wayne Newton. (Photos courtesy ORCVB)

North American journalists experience adventure in America’s Secret City

Travel writers from across North America were in Oak Ridge on Thursday, researching interesting stories to help promote tourism to the area. With a focus on outdoor adventure and heritage tourism, the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development partnered with the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau, along with surrounding tourism organizations, to host the group.

The team of 17 journalists spent the first day of spring with local experts in heritage tourism and outdoor recreation. Each writer had the opportunity to ask many questions while experiencing both the natural beauty of Oak Ridge and the importance the city plays in scientific and technological discovery. Due to the excellent presentations given at each of the stops on the tour, all journalists left with a newfound love and appreciation for the exciting tourism opportunities Oak Ridge has to offer.

“Working with our partners in the capital and around East Tennessee helps Oak Ridge leverage our exposure in larger markets and reach out to broader audiences,” said Katy Brown, executive director of the Oak Ridge Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We rely heavily on our tourism partners in Oak Ridge as we roll out the red carpet for these visiting writers.” [Read more…]