The East Kootenay has long been an athlete’s paradise. Endless trails to discover, mountains to climb, targets to attain and races to either check off the list or set out to dominate.

Over the past few years, an increasing number of trail races have appeared on the map, all growing in popularity year‐on‐year, resulting in capped entries, exciting challenges and increasingly tough competition. With continuous improvements to courses and race developments, each independent race ensures fantastic race day experiences and memories.

Within this ever‐growing collection of trail races making their mark throughout the East Kootenay lies a small number who have recently joined forces for the 2012 Spring/Fallrace season. Subsequently, this five race collaboration is excited to present TREKS: Trail Races of the East Kootenay Series.

The five races in question? Staring off the season is Round the Mountain in Kimberley, a 20-km trail, new in June 2011 offering both running and biking. Then a race favourite but in a new timeslot, the Crazy Soles Nipika Trail near Radium Hot Springs, a 25-km – predominantly single track – and stunning trail race in late July.

Next comes the toughest challenge in the form of Heiko’s Hellish Half in Fernie, a deceptively difficult 25-km trail run utilizing the well known and mind‐blowing Heiko’s Trail in late August.

Fourth is Tears & Gears: Enduro Trail Run again in Fernie, showcasing a new 22-km route added to the existing T&G Mountain Duathlon route in early September.

And lastly comes the much loved Headbanger Trail Challenge in Radium; a quick paced and competitive 10-km race along the Columbia River.

Each race showcasing what the East Kootenay have to offer – impressive, varied and challenging terrain.

Despite being primarily individual races with separate race entry systems and entry fees, organizers, timing systems, sponsors and formats, this new and exciting series creates a connection between these well organized and much loved trail running events, which hopefully will benefit both race organizers and most importantly, racers. As with many other race series, participants will collect points for running each race’s TREK certified distance (shown below), which will accumulate over the five races. Each race will have four categories – Men under 40, Men over 40, Women under 40 and Women over 40, of which, upon entry, racers can opt to have results count towards TREKS.

In short, 2012 is set to bring about an exciting number of additions to many a racers’ season. More information, race entry details, developments and updates are yet to come. But for now, to be a part of TREKS: Trail Races of the East Kootenay Series this coming season, mark the below in your calendar:

Round the Mountain – Kimberley (24th June – 20-km) – www.roundthemountain.ca

Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run – Radium Hot Springs  (21st July – 25-km) ‐ www.nipika.com/crazy‐soles‐nipika‐trail‐run

Heiko’s Hellish Half – Fernie (25th August – 25-km) ‐ www.heikoshalf.com

Tears & Gears: Enduro Trail Run – Fernie (9th September – 22-km) ‐ www.fernietearsandgears.com

Headbanger Trail Challenge – Radium (22nd September – 10-km) ‐ www.headbangertrailchallenge.ca .

Then check out www.trekseries.com for more information, ‘Like’ us on Facebook for regular updates or check out the individual race sites for registration opening dates, fees, individual race and contact details.

Here’s to an exciting 2012!

Submitted

Above image of the east side of the Columbia Valley Wetlands, part of the Headbanger Trail Challenge.

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