Green River Games offer ‘extreme’ race events | Charlotte Observer

Care for a heavy-duty mountain workout next weekend? The first-ever Green River Games, an “extreme” outdoor adventure competition will take place on and near the Green River, in the Saluda area (Polk County). The Sept. 7-8 multi-sport event is all about racing.

The Cove Climb 6K road-running race starts on Green River and follows 17 switchbacks on Green River Coat Road.

There are also a 10K and a half-marathon trail run.

The 4.8-mile SUP raft race is over a stretch of the river that includes drops, rocks and holes. The top 10 finishers will compete Sept. 8 in the Southern Raft Supply Mountain SUP Class III+ exhibition meet.

The timed Oskar Blues Enduro course is uphill and down for mountain bikers.

The difficult Sierra Nevada Silverback race starts with a 9-mile whitewater paddle down the Green River that includes a pass through steep narrows (Class V kayaking skills required), a transition to a 9-mile bike race on Green River Game Lands and wraps up with an 8-mile trail run.

Events on Sept. 7 are followed by a 4-8 p.m. beer festival at the Party Place in Saluda, where there will be music, locally brewed beers and an awards ceremony.

Beer festival admission: $20. Cost of events varies; space is limited and registration is required.

Details: www.greenrivergames.com.

Staff reports