Sports

Ultracyclists From Around The World To Finish Race In Annapolis

Racers leave Oceanside, California, and travel 3,000 miles across the country to wrap up their race in Annapolis at City Dock.

 For the 10th time, the Annapolis City Dock marks the end of the Race Across America.
For the 10th time, the Annapolis City Dock marks the end of the Race Across America. (Renee Schiavone/Patch)

ANNAPOLIS, MD -- For the 10th time, the Annapolis City Dock will be the end of the journey for racers participating in Race Across America, which started in Oceanside, California, as solo bicyclists took off June 11 and teams will leave June 15. The cyclists will be making their way across the country to Annapolis.

During the week of June 17, the racers will begin crossing the finish line at Annapolis City Dock. To welcome racers, Annapolis will be hosting a street party on Sunday, June 23. There will be live music, food and drinks. This free event is open to all to attend. Free parking will be available at the Calvert Street Garage (19 St Johns Street) with a free shuttle running every 20 minutes to the event.

For 36 years, RAAM has been challenging ultracyclists from around the globe to push their physical and mental limits to the farthest reaches. Starting in Oceanside, under one of the longest piers in California, RAAM spans 3,000 miles, climbs 175,000 feet, crosses 12 states and finishes at City Dock.

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The route travels west to east, traversing three major mountain ranges (Sierra, Rocky and Appalachian), crosses four of America’s longest rivers (Colorado, Mississippi, Missouri and Ohio) and the Great Plains. Also, it passes through such iconic American landmarks as the Mojave and Sonoran Deserts, Monument Valley, Great Plains and Gettysburg.

Open to amateur and professional racers, in solo, 2-, 4- and 8-person relay teams, there is no other race in the world comparable to RAAM. The race has become a global icon, having had over 35 countries represented. Not only has RAAM proved to be one of the most challenging races in the world, but has become a huge platform for racers to raise awareness and money for charities of their choice. Racers have raised more $2 million per year over the past 5 years.

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