Southwind Cycle and Outdoor is hosting a running and biking event utilizing portions of the Prairie Spirit Trail, the Southwind Rail Trail, and the Lehigh Portland Trails. The September 14th event features a 5K run, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. All events start and end at Riverside Park in Iola.
John Brown, fighting abolitionist, envisioned Kansas as an alternative endpoint to the Underground Railroad. He spent years in eastern Kansas fighting for a Free State and to send slavers packin’ back to Missouri and other disreputable parts. Pay homage to our most kickass state father with a quick lookout 5K to make sure no border ruffians are about, a ride on the Prairie Spirit Trail (the railroad North-ward!), and finally a 10K run to and from John Brown’s Cave (location top secret) via a winding, wooded track. Complete the whole thing on your own, or recruit your own Generals and Lieutenants for a relay. (maximum ten people!)
We’ll tell you your time if you really want, and keep track of who gets where and when, but this is an event for fun and shenanigans, and John Brown would never submit to timer chips. Make some plans to camp, bring some beverages Charley Melvin would’ve disapproved of, and, of course, BEWARE THE LEHIGH MAN.