From Friday night through Saturday morning, July 29 and 30, the third annual 12 Hours of Sun City Challenge, sponsored by the Sun City Cycling Club, showcased Sun City with an event that ran through the community following an eight-mile loop starting and ending at the All Saints of the Desert Episcopal Church.

In addition to many Sun City residents, there were 48 registered participants with most of the Valley communities represented and one rider from Prescott. They started their first eight-mile loop at 8 p.m. Friday and each loop ended at the church where they had restrooms, homemade cookies from Sun City Cycling Club members and spouses and a variety of snacks and sandwiches provided by Oroweat Baking Co. outlet.

Bicyclists rode the eight-mile course loop in Sun City as many times as they desired. The last cyclists finished their loops at approximately 8:14 a.m. July 30.

The participants rode a combined total of 2,500 miles or more. Many rode a full century (100 miles) and several did more than 150 miles and one participant did 25 laps for a total of 200 miles. Mary Anderson used the event to celebrate her 80th birthday and rode 80 miles.

Each participant received a Sun City Cycling Club drawstring bag sponsored by Bikers Edge Cycling, a medallion provided by The Husband & Wife Law Team and a coin bag, hand sanitizer and lip balm from Western Bank.

The club extends its gratitude to all Sun City residents for their patience and cooperation sharing the streets with the riders for the safety of all.

The Sun City Cycling Club is committed to promoting safe and enjoyable cycling for the community and to partner with local groups and organizations to better Sun City and Valley communities.

Find more information about the Sun City Cycling Club on their Facebook page and at suncitycycling.com.