| Moose Mountain Trail Races Coming Up |
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The 16th Annual Moose Mountain Trail races will be happening on Saturday, August 29. The race is currently directed by adventure racers and ultramarathoners Jamie Nott, who also serves as race director of the Iron Lung 50 Miler Ultramarathon (www.j2adventures.ca), and Jen Silverthorn, who is also codirecter of Run the Wild (www.runthewild.com) Adventure Run, which couples navigation with trail running. A marathon distance has been added to the races this year. "There is only one trail marathon in the area. It is exceptional and it sells out each year. We really wanted to give athletes the opportunity to participate in the experience of off-road marathoning," says Silverthorn. All marathon finishers will be getting a custom medal crafted by Little Monkey Metal Works. For runners looking for shorter distances, a sixteen-kilometre trail run through the rolling hills of the Telephone Loop or a twenty-nine-kilometre mountain run to the saddle on top of Moose Mountain, taking runners up three thousand feet to an astounding 360-degree panoramic view of the entire area, are also offered. The race has become one of the best-known secrets amongst the trail running community. "I can only assume it is due to its amazing terrain, incredible grassroots feel, our environmental considerations, and its tremendous value," says Silverthorn. All finishers are treated to a fantastic lunch, including vegetarian soup made by the local Bragg Creek residents, the Diehls. Proceeds from the race go to the Greater Bragg Creek Trail Association. This volunteer-based association is responsible for maintaining the trails for both winter and summer enjoyment, clearing falling debris and building bridges over marshy areas and waterways. Some of their recent projects can be found on the Moose Mountain Trail Race Web site. The race is sold out for 2009, but online registration opens for next year on February 1, 2010. Visit www.moosetrailraces.com for more information. |
