RiverRocks, one of the most anticipated events of the year for outdoor enthusiasts, is rolling out a new format as an Adventure Sports Games event and will be held Oct. 2-13 in downtown Chattanooga. Individuals, including some of the nation's most elite athletes, will compete in what has become the fall's premiere adventure sports competition.

In addition to the 10 sports games, RiverRocks will feature a number of entertainment events including the opening ceremonies on Oct. 2 at Center Park, Over the Edge, an urban rappelling fund-raiser, Oct. 3 at Center Park and the 3 Sisters Bluegrass Festival Oct. 4-5 at Ross' Landing. The RiverRocks Adventure Games will conclude on Oct. 12 with closing ceremonies including a preview of The Block, a new urban outdoor climbing wall, 30,000-sq. ft. climbing facility and shops located in the heart of downtown.

Under the new format, the RiverRocks Adventure Games will feature a wide range of competitive outdoor sports games including a rock/creek stump jump 50K and 11 mile trail race; the Sequatchie Valley Century; a canoe/kayak race; the Chattanooga Head Race; the Triple Crown of Bouldering; the Five Points Fifty; a 10-mile swim; the Urban Nature 10K; the Duathalon; the ChattaJack and much more. The winners of these events will receive medals featuring actual river rocks made by Set In Stone.

The public can add their own twist to the fun of RiverRocks by creating a new outdoor adventure game or event. RiverRocks will be making a call for community events in the coming weeks.

"RiverRocks happens at the perfect time of year, when people are more inclined to get out and enjoy the beautiful fall weather," said Bob Doak, president and CEO of the Chattanooga Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Because of the city's outdoor appeal and amenities, we've seen some incredible accolades such as 'Best Town Ever' by Outside magazine, one of the 'Best Adventure Towns in the U.S. to Live + Play' by National Geographic Adventure magazine and Men's Journal named us one of the 'South's New Adventure Mecca's' as well as one of the '50 Great American Places. Over the past three years, we've seen an increase in visitors and we're expecting tens of thousands of people to attend this year's festivities. It's no surprise that people are traveling great distances to experience our outdoor opportunities."

For more information on events and activities, visit www.RiverRocksChattanooga.com .