JANUARY 4, 2012

Registration open for McDowell Sonoran Challenge

Take the McDowell Sonoran Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 28! Bike 20 miles, hike nine miles or run the 15K to support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy.

Separate courses lead you through the mountains and desert to explore beautiful, seldom-seen areas that Scottsdale hopes to acquire for preservation. All proceeds from this event support the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy's stewardship program. After the challenge, attend the fitness expo for food, beverage, merchandise and fun at 10 a.m. at Reata Pass Steakhouse.

For more information, visit www.mcdowellsonoran.org. Register at www.active.com/running/scottsdale-az/mcdowell-sonoran-challenge-2012.

About the preserve: Scottsdale's mountain preserve encompasses approximately 21,400 contiguous acres - more than 33 square miles. That is roughly 63 percent of the long-range goal to preserve about 34,000 acres, nearly a third of the city's land area. Preserving these lands protect an important wildlife corridor by moving the northern boundary closer to a planned connection to the Tonto National Forest north of Stagecoach Pass, an area targeted for possible acquisition in late 2012. Learn more at www.ScottsdaleAz.gov/preserve.