This has to be the first and only race inspired by a hatchet. Think Grizzly Adams. He’d be the ideal contestant in the upcoming Rundezvous, set for July 14 at Lippold Park in Crystal Lake. Don’t know who that is? Think 1800s, mountain men, fur traders, frontiersman.

This is the atmosphere the organizers – two area middle school physical education teachers – hope to recreate with this first-of-its-kind event.

With adventure races, those that involve mud, obstacle courses or anything out of the ordinary, on the upswing and more popular than ever, they’re hoping the Rundezvous finds a strong following.