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Johnson County’s ‘core4’ multi-surface bike race keeps growing
Participation has risen steadily since the race’s first running in 2021, and a new donation is expected to continue that growth
Aug. 25, 2024 5:00 am
John Wrobel took off his sunglasses, wiped a mixture of sweat and champagne from his face and declared: “I should finish last more often.”
He just had completed the more than 100 miles of gravel, pavement, single-track and minimally maintained roads that make up the annual core4 cycling race, culminating in a ceremonial champagne shower. Wrobel, of Iowa City, had earned the title “DFL,” awarded to the last rider to successfully complete the race.
Despite his last-place position, Wrobel was satisfied with his effort. “It was one of my goals for the year, to finish, and I was excited to get it done,” he said.
Nearly 1,000 participants rode Aug. 17 across the race’s home base at Wilson’s Orchard north of Iowa City in four different distances — 20, 40, 60 and 100 miles. Participation in core4 has risen steadily each year since the race’s first running in 2021, and, with a new donation, is expected to continue growing.
Race director Alex Buhmeyer was pleased with the growth, but wants to remain focused on maintaining the race’s existing character.
“Delivering quality over quantity is the target. We want to keep promoting active and healthy lifestyles within our community and having fun while doing it. We think we're doing a pretty good job with that last one” Buhmeyer said.
A total of $10,000 in cash prizes to the top 10 places of the men’s and women’s 100 mile field was made possible by a donation this year from the RPC Inc. Charitable Foundation to honor the legacy of Iowa City cyclist Chris Lillig, who was killed in an accident while training in March 1996. The foundation was started by River Products Company then-owners Tom Scott and Mick Lillig, Chris’ father, in 2000. Chris Lillig was the chief financial officer for the company.
The Iowa City-based company produces and supplies aggregates, including the crushed stone that make up the surface of many of the roads on core4’s route.
Scott remembers working evening shifts with Chris, who would train for races in the morning and then work late, and feels that core4 is a good fit for the foundation’s support.
“It’s one of the community events that not only involve community organizations, but also highlights the city of Iowa City, brings people into the community and honors Chris’ memory” Scott said. “It’s both an honor and a tribute. Not just to Chris but also to his parents. They were my business partners and my best friends. It’s to honor their memories, Mick and Jayne’s, as well as Chris’.”
RPC Inc. Charitable Foundation previously had supported local cycling events, with a title sponsorship for the Chris Lillig Memorial Cup, the elite division of Iowa City’s Old Capitol Criterium; and a sponsorship in the Jinglecross cyclocross events.
Women’s 100-mile winner Gabby Arnold, who races professionally for the LA Sweat cycling team, acknowledged the prize money and core4’s commitment to inclusivity as reasons she chose to make the trip from her home base of Indianapolis. Arnold, who typically races road and criterium-style races, was drawn to core4 after a conversation with Buhmeyer about the goal of involving more women in competitive cycling.
Buhmeyer “is really pushing hard to get more women on bikes and it definitely shows,” Arnold said.
Mason Wilson, 15, of Kalona, won the under-17 age group in the Men’s 100 Mile and finished in 10th place overall.
“It feels really good. I feel like it’s not very common for juniors to be racing for overall categories, but it’s a local race and I felt like this is a race I could do good at because I know the roads and the trails and all that,” Mason said. “I’m happy with my result.”
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