Extreme outdoor challenges have become incredible popular around the world.  Think Tough Mudder’s, Ironman competitions, and other grueling physical challenges attempted by the most elite athletes among us.  It’s no secret that Chattanooga is a top destination for the most elite of these athletes.  Chattanooga really does have it all when it comes to outdoor adventures.  To showcase that, Chattanooga holds a series of outdoor challenge events throughout the year.  We know that participating in these kinds of events requires a little advanced planning.  So, if you’re looking to challenge yourself this year, don’t overlook the incredible range of events happening in Chattanooga this year.  You’ll want a comfortable place to relax after these exhausting events, too!  Book your stay at our Bed and Breakfast before it’s too late.

Outdoor Challenges in Chattanooga

Athletes from around the world frequently descend on Chattanooga to run in marathons or triathlons, compete in rock climbing and mountain biking events, or paddle down the rapids of the Tennessee River.  Competing in these events is an excellent way to challenge yourself, and also a good way to sneak in a mini-vacation to one of the top travel destinations in the world.  Chattanooga is an incredible place for elite athletes to compete.  Here are the top 10 outdoor challenges you may want to consider when planning your adventures this year:

1. The annual RiverRocks Festival is undoubtedly one of the most popular outdoor challenges in Chattanooga each year, and draws competitive athletes from around the world.  This extraordinary weekend features rock climbing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, open-water swimming, trail running, and mountain biking, as well as film showings, live music, and nightly entertainment.  It’s the perfect way to celebrate the city of Chattanooga.  Get this event on your calendar!  It will be held from October 6 – 21.
2. Chattjack31 is part of the RiverRocks Festival, but is worth its own mention.  The Chattjack31 is an epic 31 mile race for paddlers on the Tennessee River.  There’s room for all kinds of paddlers, including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, and even rowboats.  Start building up your muscles now!
3. The StumpJump 50K/15K is perfect for the intense trail runner.  It features  a50K race across Signal Mountain and Walden Ridge, with more than 6,000 feet in elevation gain.  There’s also a smaller 15K race for those who don’t want the full experience.
4. For those who compete regionally, the Lula Lake Five Points 50 is one of the must-do mountain bike races in the Southeast.  The 50 mile trek across Lookout Mountain will include plenty of technical terrain and steep climbs via the Five Points Trail System.
5. The Ironman Chattanooga has a spectacular reputation.  Local and national athletes train for years to compete in this annual event, held each September.  This epic event includes a 2.4-mile swim in the Tennessee River, a 112-mile bike course, and a 26.2-mile run through Chattanooga.  Coming up next month in May, the IRONMAN 70.3 series will also come to Chattanooga. The distances are half as long as the original Ironman, but athletes will enjoy the same intense level of competition as the regular Ironman.
6. Beginning from right here on the top of Lookout Mountain, the Lookout Mountain 50-Miler will take runners over a wide variety of challenging trails.  Also with a 21-miler, 10K, or 5K, there is something for every runner during this race.
7. Rock climbers love the Triple Crown Bouldering Series.  Chattanooga hosts the second leg of the three-stop series in the Southeast, and will be held at Stone Fort Bouldering.
8. The 3-State 3-Mountain Bike Race is coming up next month in May.  This year, the 100 mile (century) ride will be a little different.  While it will still include the 3 mountains–Suck Creek, Sequatchie and Sand–it will only include 2 states, Tennessee and Alabama.  The ride will still be incredibly beautiful and challenging.  There are also shorter rides available.
9. Though the Chattanooga Marathon is already over for the year, runners can still compete in the Seven Bridges Marathon in Chattanooga this October.  Talk about a challenging way to see the Scenic City!
10. Swim the Suck, a 10-mile race on the Tennessee River, is one of the top ultra-distance swimming events in the country, and is an incredible sight to behold as the simmers depart downtown Chattanooga.

This list is overwhelming, but you should try and make at least one stop in Chattanooga for these exceptional outdoor challenges.  It’s the only way to get a true taste of Chattanooga’s unbeatable outdoor scene.  Our exceptional Bed and Breakfast, conveniently located on Lookout Mountain, is the perfect place to relax and recoup after an event, too. Book now, as we fill up quickly for these events.