Bow Valley residents aren’t ones to hole up for winter, however, when it comes to recreational racing weekends, summer is still king.
Grizzly Mountain Events owner Tony Smith hopes to change that by launching three new races in February, held in conjunction with the Canmore Winter Carnival - World Cup edition.
The Winter Triathlon, Fat Bike Marathon and Ski Marathon will all be held simultaneously on Feb. 21, finishing at the Canmore Nordic Centre, and are the result of a partnership between the Town of Canmore, CNC and Grizzly Events.
“The events will fall right in between the two world cups – the world cup biathlon, Feb. 1-7 and Ski Tour Canada, March 8-12,” said Smith.
Built specifically for the winter carnival, the events are designed to attract a wide swath of competitors, as team options make the events accessible for the entire family.
“We need to embrace winter and get out there and enjoy it, rather than hibernate all winter,” Smith said.
The Fat Bike Marathon is attracting the most buzz thus far, Smith said. The race measures 42 kilometres in distance, and will link together EKG Orange Loop, the Orchid and Canmore Trail for five loops at the CNC. Held in partnership with Rebound Cycle, the race will capitalize on the growing number of fat bikers in the valley. Rentals are also available.
“There is a lung-busting climb to get to the high point, but then lots of descending to the meadow, and the second half is rolling,” Smith said. “The sport is really exploding, and we expect many of the mountain bike clubs to come out for this one.”
Smith believes, depending on conditions, it will take the top riders 45 minutes to complete a loop. There is a six-hour cutoff for the event.
The Winter Triathlon will begin in downtown Canmore, and will include a five-kilometre trail run to the CNC, an 8.5 km fat bike loop and 8.5 km cross-country ski. Most of the skiing will take place on the biathlon trails below the Banff trail.
“There is a relay component to this, so friends and family can get together to pick a runner, biker and skier and submit a team. It will be an exciting course.
The Ski Marathon is the final event. Measuring in at 42 km, athletes can choose skate or classic technique, and also enter a relay team. To date, the Rocky Mountain Ski Challenge has been the only recreational long distance race in Canmore, so the 42 km ski marathon fills a niche.
For more information, visit grizzlyevents.ca, and visit www.tourismcanmore.com for information on the Canmore Winter Carnival.
