Photo by Grizzly Events
Spokes, stoke and holy smokes!
Wait until you see this very long list of very sweet races going on throughout the Rocky Mountains this summer. From lung-busting hill climbs to smooth single track enduro races, these event planners sure have outdone themselves. We hope y’all get a chance to take in one of these events and grind it out on the trails this summer.
JUNE
June 15-Sept. 14, 2014
B.C. Enduro Bike Race Series, multiple locations
New to B.C. this summer, this series of events combines downhill racing with relaxed, fun cross-country terrain. For instance, this style of racing allows participants to get their race on by being timed in the competitive downhill sections, while enjoying the company of buddies along the more casual transition and climbing sections. Event listings and registration details are available on their website.
June 21, 2014
Waterton Glacier Relay, Waterton
Running 100 kms might be a bit of a challenge for the average runner, but with the options of a four, eight or 12-person team this multi-runner, multi-country event is one you won’t want to miss out on this summer. Don’t forget your passports! Registration is now open.
June 22, 2014
Stoked to get Spanked Mountain Bike Race, Revelstoke
Head on down to Revelstoke for this 35-km race through relentlessly rad single track terrain. Riders can choose to do the full 35-km circuit or do the 17-km sport route. Register online here.
June 22, 2014
Banff Marathon, Banff
This scenic marathon will start in Banff’s Central Park and will take runners along Vermilion Lakes, on to the Legacy Trail which will connect them with the iconic Bow Valley Parkway. Don’t miss out on this great race that not only connects you to the beauty of the park, but also takes you on a journey through the history of our country’s first national park. A half marathon is available. Register online.
June 28, 2014
Toonie Bike Races, Golden
It may sound like it’s for kids, but it’s not! It’s for the biggest of big kids and is designed to unearth Kicking Horse’s best riders. The five leg course is set on some of the best downhill terrain western Canada has to offer. $2 per race run and the winner takes all! More information here, or call the resort at 250-439-5425 to register.
June 28-30, 2014
Furious3 Fernie, Fernie
Three days of races featuring every kind of terrain possible makes this one of the premier bike events in the Rockies. Whether you like flowing berms, single track uphill, or technical downhill, this event will crush your craving. Race details and registration information is available here.
June 29, 2014
Canadian Mountain Running Championships, Golden
This regional qualifier features two races, an eight-km sport run and a 12-km enduro. Both races are sure to be fun for all involved but will still present a challenge for racers of all ages. Awards to follow at the Eagle’s Eye restaurant at Kicking Horse Resort. Check out qualification requirements here.
June 29-Sept. 20, 2014
5 Peaks Adventures Trail Running Series, multiple locations
This series of trail runs aims to get runners off the road and into the amazing trail systems in the spectacular Kootenay, Rocky and Columbia mountain ranges. With five races to choose from and the option to purchase a summer pass for all the races you’ll be able to run until your heart is content (and super, duper healthy)! Races details and event locations available here.
July
July 12, 2014
Lost Boys Lungbuster Hill Climb and Uphill Run, Fernie
Even the name is a tongue twister! This race, originally for the most intense hill climbers, is perfect for any climbers wanting to the join the ranks of the hardcore. After conquering the intense 2,100-ft vertical uphill by either biking or running, participants will be treated to a delicious brunch and award ceremony at the Lost Boys Café. Event details are available here.
July 18-20, 2014
Trailstoke Ultra Marathon, Revelstoke
This 60-km trail race starts at the base of the Revelstoke Mountain Resort and runners will climb 10,000 vertical feet to the summit where they will continue along 30 km of ridges, taking in the spectacular views from the top. Team options are available for those who don’t want to complete the 60-km race alone. Register here.
July 20-Oct. 12,2014
Grizzly Events, Canmore
With so many races to choose from, Grizzly Events is your one-stop-excitement-shop when it comes to rad stuff to do in the Rockies. From a SUP cup to a variety of adrenaline inducing enduro races, they have a competition suitable for anyone from beginners to the most seasoned of athletes. Check out the event listings, dates and registration information here.
July 19-20, 2014
Kicking Horse Cup, Golden
The 3rd annual Kicking Horse Cup is back at ‘er and better than ever. Racers will complete three events – prologue, uphill climb and Australian pursuit road race. Single event licenses are available. Registration will open soon and can be completed online.
July 25, 2014
2014 Western Open Downhill, Golden
Kicking Horse Resort will have its terrain in tip top shape for this event which will feature some of the fastest downhill racers around. The Western open features the Shimano kid’s race as well as the provincial championships for B.C. Details are available here.
July 26-August 31, 2014
Single Track Six Transrockies, multiple locations
Six stages, spanning two provinces and some of the most grueling yet beautiful single track terrain is any bikers dream come true. This six-day bike adventure will take you through the most authentic mountain bike towns in Western Canada. Sign up online.
August
August 16, 2014
Iron Legs 50 Miler, Kananaskis
If the name of this race doesn’t scare you off, the terrain just might. If the terrain doesn’t scare you off, then we need your autograph! This mostly single track trail run starts at Moose Mountain in Kananaskis and runners will face nearly 20,000 ft of elevation change throughout the course of the race, with 15,000 ft occurring in the first 50 kms. Register online, if you dare.
August 16, 2014
Brian Mazza Memorial Trail Run, Rocky Mountain House
2014 marks the 20th year for this annual trail run at Crimson Lake Provincial Park. This event is a fun race for runners of all ages and abilities that promotes an active lifestyle while building an appreciation of our natural spaces. It’s a non-profit event, and any funds raised go toward the maintenance and development of the trail system at Crimson Lake. Registration details available here.
August 17, 2014
The North Face Dirty Feet Trail Run, Revelstoke
Winding through the MacPherson trail system in Revelstoke, this trail race has three distances for runners, ranging from 5 km to 21 km. After runners complete the flowy tracks, they will be greeted with yummy snacks, hydration products and a BBQ fundraiser put on by the Nordic Team. Racers can register online.
August 23, 2014
GranFondo Banff, Banff
This mass cycling event is the only one on the North American tour to be completely contained within the boundaries of a national park. The 142-km route winds through the heart of Banff National Park and takes its 1,500 participants on an exhilarating journey along winding mountain roads, steep climbs and thrilling descents. This event sells out fast so register while you still can!
August 23, 2014
Fernie Enduro, Fernie
With uphills to match the always grueling downhills, this intense race is sure to get your heart pumping and the adrenaline flowing. If you’ve never done an enduro race before, you can expect this event to be a good mix of downhill and cross-country biking, with sections that are long and punishing followed by thrilling descents that will test any rider’s limits. Register here.
August 30, 2014
Fernie Ultra, Fernie
This 80-km ultra-marathon isn’t for the faint of heart. With legs that cover the Tamarack trail and grind along Hyperventilation trail, you might consider joining up and running as a team! Teams of up to six are allowed and there will be a 16-hour time limit to complete the race. Sign up online!
August 30-31, 2014
BC Cup Dowhill Montain Bike Race, Fernie
Hosted by Fernie Alpine Resort, this three day event includes the Fernie Legendary Summer Race, as well as the finals for the B.C. downhill cup. The course will be marked on Friday and is open to both racers and the public, closing to the public on Saturday and Sunday as actual trials and races get underway. More information is available online.
September
Sept. 6, 2014
Subaru Banff Triathlon, Banff
Race lengths include Olympic, sprint, super sprint and team formats. With so many options how can you NOT compete in this triathlon? If you’re up for the challenge of swimming in (slightly) frigid mountain waters and completing one of the most beautiful bike and run courses of the entire triathlon series make sure you sign up while spots are still available.
Sept. 6, 2014
Tear and Gears, Fernie
This duathlon has gone through a few changes as its organizers sought to make their mark in the enduro races of Fernie. No longer allowing single discipline races, they decided that it’s time for competitors to find a partner or suck it up and tackle the whole thing solo. Registration details are still to come and will be available online.
Sept. 13, 2014
Fernie Kids Tri, Fernie
This 4th annual triathlon has race distances appropriate for races aged four-15. The swim will take place at the Fernie Aquatic Centre and the remaining legs will loop throughout the town of Fernie. Age categories, race information and registration details are all available here.
Sept. 27, 2014
Melissa’s Road Race, Banff
If you’re planning on running either the 10-km or 21-km road race this year and you haven’t yet registered it’s time to start your Kijiji search. This popular event is gearing up for its 35th consecutive year and the event is long sold out. If you need race details visit the event site.
October
Oct. 18, 2014
Banff Ekiden Relay, Banff
Ekiden is one of the most popular relay races in the world spreading out from Japan to Australia, Korea, New Zealand, Spain, Netherlands, China, Germany, France and Canada. Distances for each Ekiden are different ranging from 5km to 200km, and teams vary accordingly. One thing that is the same at every Ekiden though is the unforgettable feeling of community. Registration is now open.
Oct. 18, 2014
Root Romp, Jasper
Participants in this 10-km trail race can choose to run, walk or hike the course that takes them through alpine meadows and past pristine mountain lakes. The race starts in the town of Japser and winds up mountain trails, gaining nearly 2,000 ft as the course progresses. Registration forms are available online.