Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's "Opening Day for Trails" Unites Americans Nationwide

Opening Day is expected to bring together more than 20,000 people nationwide for shared hiking, biking and running events, and other outdoor activities, to celebrate treasured trails in their communities. These family-friendly—and often free—events are intended to inspire trail use across the country, and all participants who pledge to take part in any Opening Day activity are eligible to win prizes from event sponsors Fuji Bikes and Performance Bicycle.

"Trails connect people—whether it's getting together with friends and family on the trail or using trails to get where they want to go," said Brandi Horton, vice president of communications at RTC. "On Opening Day this year, we expect a record number of participants will bring that spirit to life at events across the country. We will celebrate the appreciation we share for trails and the connections they create in our communities."

Those interested in participating can find or register events via Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Opening Day website. Featured Opening Day events on April 8 include:

• In the Washington, D.C. region, "Opening Day for Trails Fun Run 5K" from 8 a.m. to noon at Bluemont Park Picnic Pavilion in Arlington, Virginia. The event is a free, family-friendly way to explore nature in the nation's capital and will feature live music by the Capitol Hillbillies and a chance to win an AlterCycle bike.  
• In Pittsburgh, "Three Rivers Art Drop: You Were Made to Bloom" from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 33 Terminal Way. Opening Day participants will be invited to discover—and keep—original art by former NFL player and artist Baron Batch along the Three Rivers Heritage Trail.
• In Philadelphia, the Circuit Trails invites people to join the quest to break the GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ for the longest fist-bump chain. Fist-bumpers will gather at Penn Treaty Park at 2 p.m.
• Every Performance Bicycle store nationwide will participate in a special "Great Ride Series" event to celebrate Opening Day.

For more information about Opening Day, and to enter the giveaway sweepstakes, visit rtc.li/Opening-Day-2017 or follow #RTCOpeningDay on social media.

Opening Day is an annual celebration organized by RTC that kicks off the spring trail season. RTC, a nonprofit organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Connect with RTC at railstotrails.org and @railstotrails on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Share Opening Day stories by using #RTCOpeningDay.

CONTACT: 
Patricia Brooks, [email protected], 202.351.1757 

SOURCE Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Related Links

https://www.railstotrails.org/