Battle of Bull Run

            Some of the East Coast’s top wakeboarders will converge on Smith Mountain Lake July 25 for the 7th Annual Battle of Bull Run. And this year, there’s more at stake than just bragging rights.

            For the first time, the event is part of the Atlas Wake Series, formerly known as the Carolina Wake Series. The six-event competition runs through October with prizes awarded in seven different divisions.

            “We’re trying to get back to a more competitive atmosphere,” said Wake N Skate Wakeboard Shop owner Micah Gaudio, who is organizing the event in conjunction with the Franklin County Parks and Recreation Department. “Being a part of the Atlas Wake Series will really improve the level of competition at SML.”

            Pros from Ronix, Hyperlite and CWB teams will compete, Gaudio said, along with local and regional amateurs. The event will also serve as the wakeboarding competition for the Coventry Commonwealth Games of Virginia.

            Divisions include Grom (boys and girls 13 and under), Wakeskate (men’s and women’s divisions, all ages), Wakeboard (women, all ages) and Over 40 (men’s and women’s divisions). For men only (all ages), the event features Intermediate, Invert and Outlaw divisions.

            Entry fee is $45 for members of the Water Sports Industry Association. Prizes will be awarded to the top three riders in each category. Pros will split a purse of $1,700.

            The competition will take place at a two-mile stretch at the end of Bull Run near channel marker B1. Registration starts at 8 a.m. with competition slated for 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. A houseboat with Wake N Skate signage will serve as the registration headquarters, Gaudio said. Participants may also pre-register by calling or stopping by Wake N Skate, which is located at Bridgewater Plaza.

            Gaudio said spectators may come by boat or view the competition from a parcel of land owned by AEP at the end of Penn Hall Road in Union Hall. To get there, take Rt. 40 east, turn left on Kemp Ford Road, turn right on Dillard’s Hill Road, then right on Penn Hall Road.

For more information, call 877.721.WAKE  or visit wakenskate.com, commonwealthgames.org or empirewake.com.