Former 719 Ride is Now 719 KOM Challenge and Remains Part of the Saurez National Gran Fondo Series

June 26, 2025

New Name, Look and Management and a Run Added for 2025

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 26, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The 719 KOM Challenge, formerly known as the 719 Ride and now celebrating its 10^th year, will re-launch appropriately on July 19 while also adding a running race, a new logo, new look and feel and new management team.

The 719 KOM Challenge will be part of the Saurez Gran Fondo Series like its predecessor the 719 Ride but feature three-timed segments up to King of the Mountain (KOM) points where riders will attempt to post the fastest time for each. Cyclists will contest climbs over a 12.9-mile lap circuit and have choices of 2, 3, or 5 laps. Each lap features 1,626 feet of climbing. One KOM ironically finishes at 7,190 feet altitude. The five-lap Gran Fondo will challenge cyclists with 64.5 miles and 8,650 total feet of climbing. It’s considered one of the most challenging one-day rides in Colorado based on altitude and amount of feet gained climbing.

The newly-added run will be 10k in distance and feature a unique and rare timed up a 1.7-kilometer climb plus two short, steep hills on a trail. The race features a mix of roads and trails.

Team categories will be offered for both running and cycling. The cycling challenge will offer one-of-a-kind elevation-themed endurance medallions for participants that complete the five-lap Gran Fondo in under 7 hours and 19 minutes. Runners will race for cash and prizes. Scheels of Colorado Springs has come on board as the first main sponsor. To register: www.719challenge.com. Sponsor queries: info@719challenge.com.

Runners Roost, Matheny Endurance and KOM Sports Marketing, all of Colorado Springs, Colo., have partnered to organize, manage and promote the 719 KOM Challenge. Runners Roost of Colorado Springs is owned and operated by Linda and Gary Staines, both former British Olympians in track and field. Matheny Endurance is owned and operated by Daniel Matheny, a former endurance Mountain Bike champion. KOM Sports, founded by Steve Brunner, has been a long-time promoter of world-class events, including many of the top professional road cycling races the past 20 years. The team has a combined 60+ years doing business in sports promotion and management, with several major events in the Pikes Peak region of Colorado.

719 KOM Challenge Contacts:

Gary Staines Daniel Matheny Steve Brunner, KOM Sports

garymstaines1963@gmail.com daniel@mathenyendurance.com steve@KOMsports.com

Social Media Platforms

Website: www.719challenge.com

Facebook = @719KOMchallenge

Instagram = @719KOMchallenge