Residents of the Flint Hills region will have an opportunity this fall to become part of a nationwide effort celebrating America’s 250th birthday as the American Discovery Trail Society brings the American Discovery 250 Relay through Kansas.
The coast-to-coast relay will carry a baton containing a copy of the Declaration of Independence across approximately 6,800 miles using only non-motorized transportation. The 21-week journey begins July 4 in California and is scheduled to conclude at the Atlantic Ocean in Delaware during the Thanksgiving season.
According to organizers, thousands of participants from across the country are expected to take part by walking, running, hiking, biking, or riding horseback along portions of the route. Organizers emphasize that the event is not a race, but rather a nationwide community celebration of American history, the outdoors, and public trails.
The relay route will pass directly through portions of Kansas in late September, including the Flint Hills region and Council Grove, where organizers are currently seeking additional baton carriers and volunteers for that leg of the journey.
Kansas-area stages currently listed on the relay calendar include: Monday, Sept. 21 — McPherson to Council Grove, approximately 86.6 miles by bicycle.
Tuesday, Sept. 22 — Council Grove to Lawrence, approximately 98.7 miles by bicycle. Wednesday, Sept. 23 — Lawrence to Olathe, approximately 39.9 miles by bicycle and running.
Thursday, Sept. 24 — Olathe to Trailside Center in Kansas City, approximately 17.5 miles by hiking. Organizers note that individuals do not need to complete an entire stage to participate. Community members may join for as little as an hour or as long as several days.
Volunteers are also needed to assist with logistics, welcome events, and support activities along the route.
Additional information, the full relay calendar, and participation forms are available through the American Discovery Trail Society website discoverytrail. org/america-250-relay.
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