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For one day a year in Calhoun County, local recreation groups partner together in a one-of-a-kind triathlon event at the Camp McClellan Horse Trails and Campground. This year, eight teams comprised of a horse rider, mountain biker, and trail runner joined forces to compete in the third annual Treadhoofalon at McClellan, a portmanteau of the treads of bike tires and running shoes, horse hooves, and triathlon.
The event founders, Lain and Julie Hawk, participate in all three activities recreationally, and wanted to bring an entirely new concept to the recreational landscape of this area. With the help of the Back County Horseman of America (BCHA), Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association (NEABA), and the Anniston Runners Club (ARC), their vision became a reality in 2022—with a lot of hard work and some amazing volunteers, that is.
"The first two years I lost sleep stressing about everything, wanting to make sure it went well. This year was less stressful!" said Julie Hawk. "We knew what needed to be done and when leading up to the event. We spend two full days setting up the course for the event, putting out signs for the routes, taping off sections so participants don’t go the wrong way, and blowing leaves off the mountain biking and running routes." Hawk added that something always comes up the day of the event, but now they've learned to bounce back from setbacks and just roll with it. "We try to make sure everyone has a good time!"
Wes Hodge, a three-time participant of the Treadhoofalon, took home 2nd Place Overall Mountain Biker in the individual awards this year. "Lain and Julie’s idea has developed into a fun event for everyone involved," he said. "I’ve made friends that I would never have known and continue to develop those friendships every year. It’s fun to race, but the camaraderie that’s built at the finish line cheering on other competitors and sitting around the table eating the delicious food provided by the BCHA is what the event is all about. I’m already looking forward to next year!"
LEFT: Event founders Lain and Julie Hawk pictured with Wes Hodge in the BCHA Pavillion.
RIGHT: Vicki Ashley photographed with her 19-year-old horse, Cinco, showcasing her first place trophy.
Horse riders lead the event every year, lining up beside the stables from fastest to slowest, then taking off at 30 second intervals. When they come out of the course, their mountain biker teammate is waiting on foot to tag off to maintain a safe space between the horses and bicycles.
Vicki Ashley, a horse rider who placed 1st in the Gaited Horse category this year, has participated in all three years of the Treadhoofalon, and is already looking forward to next year, as well. "This year was especially enjoyable because my brother, who is a mountain biker, came over from Georgia to compete on my team," she said. "The teamwork and camaraderie leaves all of us with a sense of admiration for the work we each put into our sports."
Co-founder Lain Hawk explained, "Our goal for the Treadhoofalon is simple, bring all the different trail user groups together to socialize and have a fun time together. I feel like we have been able to do that with this event. Hopefully by everyone working together we can grow the trail network in the area for more trail opportunities."
Proceeds from the Treadhoofalon are donated to various local charities, including the Sassy Tails Outreach Program, an initiative sponsored by the BCHA that connects special needs children with horses and nature. Hawk added, "We always love being able to help make a difference for our local kids!"
Plans for the 2025 Treadhoofalon are already underway. For more information, please visit the Treadhoofalon Facebook page or www.treadhoofalon.com.
