Second Annual Kismet Cliff Run September 19

WEDNESDAY, 1 SEPTEMBER 2010

North Conway, NH -- The second annual Kismet Cliff Run is slated for Sunday, September 19 at 10:00am in Echo Lake State Park, North Conway, NH. A benefit for Kismet Rock Foundation, the 5-mile trail race will follow last year’s inaugural route, including a grueling Cathedral Ledge uphill and some nasty downhills. Kismet Cliff Run event sponsor LaSportiva is donating a range of prizes, including gift certificates for trail running shoes, a jacket, hats and travel mugs. Local La Sportiva Rep Doug Madara is also offering this special challenge to racers, “If last year’s course record of 48:18 is beat, LaSportiva will make an extra donation of $200 to Kismet Rock Foundation!” Prizes are also being donated by Eastern Mountain Sports and Mountain Hardwear. Matty Braun’s Kearsarge Café will be providing post-race California-styled burritos. Race founder and volunteer director Gabe Flanders has created innovative recycled trophies for Kismet Cliff Run race winners- retired trail running shoes painted metallic colors and mounted on “granite” bases.

Out of last year’s field of 50 runners, the first to cross the finish line was nativeson and Olympian Nordic skier Carl Swenson with a time of 48:18, also the race’s only sub-fifty minute finish. New this year for the race will be a noncompetitive Walker’s Division, with the same route as the runners. Registration fee for runners and walkers is $20. For a race route description, please visit http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/kismet-cliff-run/. To register for the 2010 Kismet Cliff Run (and walk) please visit www.active.com or pick up a registration form at one of the following Mount Washington Valley businesses: Eastern Mountain Sports, International Mountain Equipment, Ragged Mountain Equipment, or Kearsarge Café in North Conway and Altitude 6288 Sports in Gorham, NH. To receive a race registration form via snail mail please call 603-383-9928.

Based in North Conway, NH, Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing. Kismet Rock Foundation currently offers programs to students from Boston, MA; Bartlett, Gorham & Manchester, NH; Portland, ME and Bolton, VT. To learn more about Kismet Rock Foundation, make a donation or become involved as a volunteer, email janet@kismetrockfoundation.org, call 603-986-9457 or visit www.kismetrockfoundation.org.