Vancouver Island's premiere adventure race series is coming to the Sunshine Coast.
The fifth annual Mind over Mountain Adventure Racing (MOMAR) Series is scheduled to hold an event on June 12 in the Sechelt area.
MOMAR is a one-day event that challenges the bodies and minds of racers over 35 to 45 km of rugged terrain. Competitors can race solo or in teams of two or four. From the most novice of racers to the most seasoned athletes, this adventure race will test racers' faculties and prove to be a sheer test of endurance.
The race includes kayaking, mountain biking and trail running with the aid of only a compass and map.
The race course is still being finalized, but it looks like the event will be staged in and around Sechelt Inlet and Porpoise Bay Provincial Park.
This year's race schedule also includes events in Duncan on May 8, Ladysmith on July 24 and Cumberland on Oct. 2.Race director Bryan Tasaka said he feels the Sunshine Coast is the perfect venue for the series and he's excited about coming to the Coast.
"I came out to the Sunshine Coast for a weekend last summer and I just fell in love with the area," Tasaka said. "I couldn't believe the amount of quality trails, mountain biking areas and kayaking opportunities in the area. I immediately said, 'wow, what a great place for an adventure race'."
Tasaka immediately got in contact with friend and colleague Jamie Mani from Alpha Adventures and Education in Roberts Creek and began initial planning for the event.
"We're still waiting the final word on land access and approval, but from our perspective, it's a go," Tasaka said. "Everyone we have talked with on the Coast has been very receptive to the idea and we don't anticipate any problems with pulling the event off."
Once registration is complete, Tasaka expects up to 200 competitors will take to the course.
"This is a huge thing for the community both from an economic and a tourism perspective," he said. "When you add in all the volunteers, support staff, friends and family of the competitors, there will be well in excess of 300 people coming to the Coast for the weekend. "This isn't a one-shot deal either. I've been looking to expand the race series outside of Vancouver Island, and I think the Sunshine Coast will be a permanent fixture on our race schedule."
Mani said he's had experience working with Tasaka in the past and feels this event is a real coup for the area."I went as a sponsor one year to Bryan's event and I was very impressed with the whole operation," Mani said. "The Coast is the perfect spot for an adventure race. I agree with Bryan that this is a win-win for tourism dollars on the Coast. This is the type of event where people will come back to the area again not just to race, but also for weekend getaways and holiday opportunities."This is the most popular adventure race series in the province and landing an event in the series, I feel, is a great feather in our cap."
For more information about the event and the racing series, check out www.mindovermountain.com.
