The East Kootenays have long been an athletes paradise. Endless trails to discover, mountains to climb, targets to attain and races to either check off the list or set out to dominate. Over the past few years, an increasing number of trail races have appeared on the map, all growing in popularity year-on-year, resulting in capped entries, exciting challenges and increasingly tough competition. With continuous improvements to courses and race developments, each independent race ensures fantastic race day experiences and memories.

Within this ever-growing collection of trail races making their mark throughout the East Kootenays lies a small number who have recently joined forces for the 2012 Spring-Fall race season. Subsequently, this five race collaboration is excited to present TREKS: Trail Races of the East Kootenay Series.

The 5 Races:
Staring off the season is Round the mountain in Kimberley, a 20km trail, new in June 2011 offering both running and biking. Then, a favourite race, in a new timeslot is the Crazy Soles Nipika Trail Run in Invermere, a 25km predominantly single track and stunning trail race in late July. Next up comes the toughest challenge in the form of Heiko’s Hellish Half in Fernie, a deceptively difficult 25km trail run utilising the well known and mind-blowing Heiko’s Trail late August. Fourth is Tears & Gears: Enduro Trail Run again in Fernie, showcasing a new 22km route added to the existing T&G Mountain Duathlon route in early September. And lastly comes the much loved Headbanger Trail Challenge in Radium, a quick paced and competitive 10km race along the Columbia River. Each race showcasing what the East Kootenays have to offer – impressive, varied and challenging terrain.

Please note that there are two date changes from previous years: Nipika, previously in May, is now in July due to bridge reconstruction. And Tears & Gears, previously second Sunday in September, is now on Saturday 15th September due to unavoidable local race clashes. Same great races, different dates!

Download full TREKS Press Release HERE.