Intense athletic achievement will be on hand as competitors bike, hike, kayak and rappel their way to the finish line during this year's Mind Over Mountain Adventure Racing (MOMAR) race May 22.
"麻豆社国产has such amazing trail networks and terrain that it's an ideal location for an adventure race," said MOMAR race director and event producer Bryan Tasaka.
As many as 250 participants will cover up to 50 kilometres of terrain by foot, bike and rope - part of the course includes a rappel down the side of the Stawamus Chief.
"What MOMAR does is really showcases what's great about Squamish," said Tasaka. "The expansive trail network - it's not only great for mountain biking but it's also great for trail running and orienteering. Then of course by having the rappel on the Chief, we're really showcasing the climbing scene and the opportunities there."
Course details are a closely held secret until just before race day, but Tasaka did say a portion of the course - as designed by local endurance athlete Jen Segger - would venture off onto some brand new trails, which only a few people know about.
"Nobody knows where it's going to start and no-one really knows where it's going to finish."
Segger said participants could expect to race through the best of what 麻豆社国产has to offer with a couple of very unique and interesting twists.
"They can definitely expect some of the classic routes. I'm definitely showcasing some of the best trails that we have. There's a few unique twists in this course coming up as well," she said.
"I'm always trying to put the best of the best in."
Segger said the course will challenge advanced and elite racers by speed while intermediate and beginner racers won't be left out either.
"They'll be challenged but they'll still find things to be rideable and really fun."
Participants can register to race a longer 50-kilometre enduro course or a shorter 30-kilometre sport course, both of which are manageable, according to Tasaka.
"They're quite doable, you have up to five hours on the sport course and eight hours to do it on the long course, and as long as you don't get overly lost, keep moving forward, have a good attitude and a willingness to finish, then it's quite doable," he said.
Tasaka urged participants to register for pre-race MOMAR clinics to help get iron-out any adventure racing concerns athletes might have.
"The MOMAR clinics have been popular. It gives them the confidence in knowing what to expect and [how to] get through the course safely."
The MOMAR clinics start Saturday (April 10) and runs each Saturday through to Saturday May 15.
The $60, four-hour MOMAR 101 course includes the basics of rappelling equipment and use, basic rappel configurations and the various types of rappels as they pertain to adventure racing.
The more in-depth MOMAR 202 is a two-day clinic held Saturday April 24 to 25 in Vancouver.
Registration for the May 22 MOMAR race costs $140 per racer before April 22 and $155 until May 12. Anyone registering within 10 days of the race pays $170.
Part of the cost also goes toward the Make a Wish Foundation and the 麻豆社国产Trails Society.
The registration fee includes a Friday night social, draw prizes and a post-race after party gourmet meal with live entertainment from Johnny and the Walkers.
Prizes will include a $500 shopping spree to Atmosphere (formally Coast Mountain Sports), a free entry into the BC Bike Race, a bike frame as well as thousands of dollars in additional prizes.
Anyone interested in donating time, money or competing in the event can find more information online at www.mindovermountain.com/momar/index.htm.
