Last weekend, in Temecula, California, at the inaugural Ethos Endurance Festival, hundreds of racers gathered under clear skies and warm weather to compete in two challenging endurance races and enjoy music from Grammy-award winning band Ozomatli.
Produced by Ethos, a mass participation event organization created to bring athletes together through challenging and unique sporting events, the event on Saturday 19 May combined two competitive races with live music from one of the US nation’s most popular urban-Latino bands.
“We were confident that two unique race events combined with top notch entertainment would be a winning combination, and the feedback we received has been overwhelming,” said Michael O’Neil, President of Ethos. “It was also wonderful to see that many of Saturday’s competitors opted to participate in both our Grand Prix swim-run event and 8K challenge race. We look forward to announcing more details about our future ethos events!”
The day kicked off with the Ethos Grand Prix, a spectator-friendly ‘swim-run-repeat’ race consisting of a 400m swim, 2-mile run, and a repeat of both legs. The Ethos 8K Adventure Race followed. This fast-paced challenge race tested the stamina and skills of athletes and featured challenging obstacles that took advantage of the rugged terrain. A shorter, fun-filled obstacle course was available for kids.
Following a day of racing, participants, families and friends were treated to a private Ozomatli concert, courtesy of Ethos. The stage was set against a beautiful backdrop of water and mountains making for a one-of-a-kind musical experience. In addition to the usual post-race beverages and snacks, Ethos participants were able to celebrate with delicious food, wine and beer from local vendors.
The event took place Vail Lake Resort, a privately owned, 11,000-acre oasis of rolling hills and quiet roads surrounding a pristine lake.
Ethos plans to expand its festival experience with future events that will grow to include triathlons and an expanded lineup of popular bands, creating an endurance festival that will appeal to all types of athletes and their families.
