Over 4500 people are expected to hit the trails at Sun Peaks this summer, competing against each other, their personal bests and the mountains’ diverse terrain in five separate races. The events range from a 1 km walk, to 50 km run to a 26 feature obstacle challenge. In recent years Sun Peaks’ alpine community has evolved into a top quality race venue by partnering with growing, world class race companies.
The world’s leading obstacle race event series will return this fall, drawing over 4000 participants to two Reebok Spartan Races on September 27 and 28, including a Spartan Sprint Race and Western Canada’s only Spartan Beast at 21 km with 28 obstacles.
“We are very excited to bring two great Spartan Race events back to Sun Peaks this year,” says Dean Stanton, regional director of Spartan Race Western Canada. “We love the location and so do our competitors. Sun Peaks truly is the best ski mountain in the Interior and it makes for a fantastic setting for Spartan Races.”
Voted Outside Magazine’s Best Obstacle Race in 2012 and featured in Men’s Health Magazine as one of the Five Best Obstacle Races of 2014, Spartan Race is first of its kind to have global rankings. It’s a timed event series featuring races at three escalating distances in worldwide locations that culminate in a World Championship Finale in 2014 with cash and prizes for the champions. While featuring competitive elite heats, Spartan Races are also for athletes of all levels and abilities and are designed to appeal to everyone from beginners to hardcore warriors and marathon runners alike.
“We are pleased to continue our partnership with Spartan Races,” says Aidan Kelly, director of sales and marketing for Sun Peaks Resort Corporation. “Our location adds diverse mountain terrain and variables to their Western Canadian events, allowing racers to experience a myriad of conditions and obstacles, such as the 15 cm of fresh snow encountered in the alpine by last years’ Beast participants. Spartan Races are all about rising to the challenge put in front of you, so it was actually a perfect fit.”
The weekend also includes a 5 km 15 + obstacle Spartan Sprint and a Junior Spartan Race on Sunday, September 28.
“Word has spread about how great this event is and as a result we expect to welcome more participants and spectators than ever before,” says Stanton. “As well, Sun Peaks will play host to the only Spartan Beast event in Western Canada – and only one of two in Canada! Everyone that comes to Spartan in 2014 can expect to be a part of a truly awesome experience.”
Top B.C. Interior race organizer, Dirty Feet Races, will also return to Sun Peaks this September drawing an expected 300 trail running athletes from across the country. The North Face Ultra Dirty 50 km & Relay on Saturday, September 6 is open to both individuals and teams. The course utilizes all three Sun Peaks mountains including mountain bike trails on Sundance Mountain, high alpine hiking trails on Mt. Tod and backcountry cross country mountain bike trails on Mt. Morrisey.
“We want to provide a fun and comfortable environment for people to get off the road,” says Dirty Feet Races owner Phil Hiom. “At all of our events we offer a few different distances and multiple terrains options to allow everybody to be able to participate.”
Sunday, September 7 is the 16 km North Face Dirty Feet Mountain Run where The Dirty Feet King and Queen of the Mountain will be crowned for the best male and female times of the day. A 5 km run/walk and kids race will also be held on the resort’s extensive Nordic trail network.
Dirty Feet Races is known for their welcoming sense of community among regional racers and their great product giveaways at events.
“It’s been a pleasure to partner with Dirty Feet Races and watch their organization and races grow,” says Christopher Nicolson, president of Tourism Sun Peaks and occasional Dirty Feet racer. “Their first 50 km Ultra at Sun Peaks last summer attracted an entirely new level of trail running athlete and we are excited to build this event in partnership with Dirty Feet. Racers are attracted not only by the professionalism of Dirty Feet Races and caliber of the race course, but also the level of amenities and accommodation available in the village.”
The high energy ‘Get Retro’ at Jo’s Road Race on Saturday, August 16 is the perfect addition the 5th Annual Retro Concert Weekend featuring six free tribute band performances. Get Happy Events from Kamloops is known for their family friendly approach to fitness and activity, encouraging runners and walkers of all ability levels, kids and even parents with strollers to join in.
The morning starts with a fun group warm up and a 1 km Mini Retro kids’ race followed by a 5 km and 10 km run on paved trails. Costumes are optional but encouraged!
For complete race listing and registration information go to www.SunPeaksResort.com/Sport.