Cyclists Challenge 508 Miles through Southern California's Mojave Desert and Death Valley in 26th Anniversary Furnace Creek 508

Oak Park, CA - AdventureCORPS, Inc., an event production firm specializing in ultra-endurance and extreme sports events, will host the 26th Anniversary, and 35th edition, of the Furnace Creek 508 Bicycle Race on October 3-5, 2009. Held since 1983 and known as "The Toughest 48 hours in Sport," it is the world's premier ultramarathon bicycle race. This non-stop 508-mile bicycle race is revered the world over for its epic mountain climbs, stark desert scenery, desolate roads, and its reputation as one of the toughest but most gratifying endurance challenges available, bar none.

The Furnace Creek 508 race course is 509.58 miles long and has a total elevation gain of over 35,000', while crossing ten mountain passes, and stretching from Santa Clarita (just north of Los Angeles), across the Mojave Desert, through Death Valley, to Twenty Nine Palms.

Designed as an endurance challenge, no drafting or pack riding is allowed in any division at Furnace Creek 508. There is a 48 hour time limit for the solo division and a 46 hour time limit for the relay team division.

In an ongoing effort to minimize the environmental footprint of our events, as well as make them safer and less obtrusive on the highways, AdventureCORPS initiated a "Green Team" program at Furnace Creek 508 in 2007. More info. Additionally, AdventureCORPS is a member of 1% For The Planet and the Conservation Alliance. More info.

The Official Charities of AdventureCORPS, Inc. are Challenged Athletes Foundation and Major Taylor Association. More info.

The sponsors of the race are Hammer Nutrition, Sparrow Hawk Photography, Bicycle John's, Moeben Sleeves, Hilton Garden Inn of Santa Clarita, Furnace Creek Ranch, and the Best Western Gardens Inn of Twenty Nine Palms.

A live webcast of the race, including time splits, results, images, and more, will be available on this website at this link.

RECAP:

What: 26th Anniversary AdventureCORPS Furnace Creek 508 Bicycle Race

When: 7:00am, October 3 to 7:00am, October 5, 2009

Where: The start line is the Hilton Garden Inn of Santa Clarita. The halfway mark is at Furnace Creek in Death Valley National Park. Racers then pass through the Mojave National Preserve en route to the finish line at the Best Western Gardens Inn in Twenty Nine Palms, CA. More info.

Who: Approximately 220 bicycle racers from across the USA, Canada, Asia, and Europe.

Why: To challenge themselves in the world's toughest single stage open bicycle race. To experience an unparalleled spiritual odyssey.

Sponsors: Special thanks to Hammer Nutrition, Sparrow Hawk Photography, Bicycle John's, Moeben Sleeves, Hilton Garden Inn of Santa Clarita, Furnace Creek Ranch, and the Best Western Gardens Inn of Twenty Nine Palms.

For more information, contact:

Chris Kostman
Chief Adventure Officer, Race Director, and Totemizer
AdventureCORPS, Inc.
Oak Park, CA USA
www.adventurecorps.com
www.the508.com

2009 Webcast | Results & Time Splits (Searchable Database) | Race Roster | Post-Race Report
Race Magazine (PDF) | YouTube Channel