Off Track Events
Off Track Events owner Mike Denehy and his merry band of misfits are always looking for an excuse to create some crazy fun. With events like the MidMo BRR, the XCX Cross Country Extreme and the Pedaler’s Jamboree, adventuresome people from all over the state are taking part in cycling and running events that offer as many laughs as they do competition.
Offtrack Events was started to create social/athletic adventures for crazy fun-loving people of all ages and abilities. The concept was inspired by such epic Iowa events as RAGBRAI; a bike ride across Iowa, and the Living History Farms Race; a cross country run.
Denehy and friend Steve Taylor wanted to offer the same bit of fun here in Missouri and worked together to set up and promote the MidMO Bike Ride to Rocheport and the XCX Cross Country Extreme. A few years later Steve moved to Nashville, but Mike wasn’t about to give up and soon after decided to turn the tables on conventional athletic events even further by introducing the Mayor's Cup, Columbia’s first Urban Adventure Race, onto the scene.
Soon more events followed. Jim Linville and Denehy partnered up to present the Laughing Out Loud Run and the Chicken vs. Gorilla Air Guitar Competition to a very confused audience. Off Track participants were starting to understand that the event series was more about the experience than the actual results. Especially in light of the fact that the race directors are often seen running around in pink dresses, Pee Wee Herman costumes, Spiderman outfits, or Purple People Eater masks.
Off Track events has had an exciting 2009 so far with the debut of two new events. The Pedaler's Jamboree kicked off Memorial weekend with a two-day biking and music festival on the Katy Trail. Riders were treated to live music on the trail, a performance by Big Smith, and an overnight stay in the City of Boonville. In July, Off Track Events took it to the streets of Columbia with the totally awesome 80's Run. More than 100 participants, decked out in 1980’s attire, were seen running and dancing through downtown Columbia. A soundtrack of 80's music was blasted from cars, stereos and megaphones. Those who hung around after the run were treated to as much ice cream as they could eat and a rocking 80's dance party at Mojo’s.
Off Track Events heads into its fall season by working with Columbia Second Chance on the great fundraising event: Paws in the Park. Columbia Second Chance is an organization that Off Track Events has supported for years. This people-and-pets 5K run will take place on September 12 and offers a whole day of family fun.
Then, it’s time for the events that started it all. The Mid-MO BRR Ride Halloween day "Monster Bash" will feature the craziest costume events on a bicycle that Missouri has ever seen. The season then wraps up with the "Survival of the Fittest" XCX Cross Country Xtreme run in November.
With Off Track Events, you have to experience them to believe them. Better start working on your costumes now.
Check out all the fun at: www.offtrackevents.com
If you would like to nominate someone for Business Spotlight , please prepare a short article and photo and then contact us. Attachments cannot be sent to this address but Michelle will get back in touch with you directly.
