by Christi Mathis
CARBONDALE, Ill. — The Catalyst Race Series, a popular bike race, returns to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center this fall with a twist. Bikers are encouraged to wear costumes for the Spooky Catalyst Race as they compete on one of the Midwest’s premier, professionally designed and built mountain biking trail systems at 10 a.m. Oct. 26.
A racer competes in a previous catalyst race at Touch of Nature. (Photo provided)
Register online by Oct. 4 to receive a Spooky Catalyst T-shirt. Advance registration is $40 for all divisions except the youth age group, which is $25. Registration includes a snack and drink along with a T-shirt for those who sign up in time.
There will be several race divisions on the fast-flowing singletrack that features a few creek crossings and small rock gardens:
- Youth (ages 12 and younger) with divisions for ages 4-8 and 9-12 – will compete on a course covering less than 2 miles.
- Beginner (ages 13 and older) – will complete one lap of the 8- to 9-mile racecourse.
- Intermediate (ages 13 and older) – will complete two laps of the 8- to 9-mile racecourse.
- Advanced (ages 13 and older) – will complete three laps of the 8- to 9-mile racecourse.
Raceday registration begins at 9 a.m. with the race beginning at 10 a.m. The youth race is at 11 a.m., and the awards follow at about 1:30 p.m. The top three male and female finishers in each category will be recognized.
For more information, call 618-453-1121 or email ton@siu.edu.