Kimberley is gaining recognition for its great trail networks, as evidenced by the increasing number of organized running and cycling events showing up on the calendar.
It began a few years ago with the Round the Mountain race in June, which has quickly grown to a very successful event, drawing runners and cyclists from near and far. This year’s Round the Mountain goes June 21 and registration is open at roundthemountain.ca. The race starts and ends at the Kimberley Nordic Centre and utilizes the Round the Mountain Trail around North Star Mountain.
Last August, the Sullivan Shakedown, also starting at the Nordic Centre, but run on different trails, was added. The race offered 22 k or 44 k cycling loops using Shape-Shifter, Southwest Passage, Skid, Duck Pond, Pat Morrow and Magic Line trails.
And now 5 Peaks Adventures has announced that they are bringing their race series into the Kootenays this year, including a race in Kimberley on June 7, 2014. 5 Peaks will offer races in Revelstoke, Golden, Invermere, Kimberley and Fernie. Kimberley’s race will feature the popular Lois Creek Trails in Townsite. 5 Peaks will make a donation to the Friends of the Lois Creek Trails to support trail maintenance.
“We’re very focused on family participation and introducing new runners (or new trail runners) to great trails,” said Magi Scallion, Chief Operating Officer for 5 Peaks Adventures. “The courses are “beginner” to “intermediate” level and we have a free one k event for kids under the age of eight.”
You can register online for 5 Peaks at http://5peaks.com/regions/kootenay-british-columbia/