If your New Year’s plan to start training and exercising isn’t going so well, it might be worth adding a little motivation to the mix. And there may be no better motivation needed than knowing in a few months you’d be hiking, running or biking Round the Mountain, at Kimberley Alpine Resort, says one of the event organizers, Jim Webster.
The phenomenally successful Round the Mountain event has evolved from a run around North Star Mountain to a full day of outdoor activities, music and food.
It has grown from 200 entries in its inaugural year, 2011, to a cap of 500 this year.
The sixth edition is scheduled for June 26 this year and now is the time to get in your early bird entry.
“Initially a day that attracted mostly local participants, it has now become an event which draws people from across western Canada, the northern USA and this year, even Hawaii,” Webster said. “Nearly 50 per cent of this year’s participants are expected to be visiting from out of town, which is not only good for Round the Mountain but also a boost to the local economy and the vibrancy of Kimberley.”
Participants can choose from a variety of seven hiking, running, and mountain biking challenges around North Star Mountain, plus kids races, live music, and food and drinks will provide fun and entertainment for everyone. All events start and finish at the Kimberley Nordic Centre.
“Many of those participating will be back for their sixth trip round the mountain,” Webster said. “Each season the trail gets just a little better through the on-going efforts of the Kimberley Trails Society and volunteers from the other host organizations; the Kootenay Freewheelers and the Kootenay Orienteering Club. Last season saw the addition of over two kilometres of new single-track trail and more improvements are in store for 2016.
“To kick-start your training, you can register by January 31st and you’ll also save yourself $5 to spend that final donut and coffee, before the training begins.”
Round the Mountain is an event for all ages with courses ranging from two to 40 kilometres in length.
Register on-line at http://roundthemountain.ca