Peninsula Adventure Sports Association (PASA), in partnership with Parks Canada, Blue Heron Co., and the Tobermory Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the inaugural Tobermory Trail Race Weekend on September 23-25, 2016.
The festival features a Trail Marathon with both solo and relay categories, taking place on Saturday, September 24th. The trail marathon will stretch from downtown Tobermory to the heart of Bruce Peninsula National Park at Cyprus Lake, and then back again for a downtown finish in front of the Tobermory Brewing Co. There will also be a half-marathon (21km) solo option, which with the rugged terrain of the Bruce as its racecourse will be a considerable achievement for any runner.
There will also be a spectacular trail run Sunday morning: The inaugural Flowerpot Island 5K will include transportation to & from the scenic island in Fathom Five National Marine Park by one of Blue Heron's tour boats, as well as a sunrise breakfast served by the Friends of Bruce District Parks Association at Flowerpot Island lightstation.
Tara Harpur is the race director for both races.
"As someone who frequently enjoys running this section of the Bruce Trail I am excited to be part of this," says Harpur. "It offers runners a supported chance to challenge themselves on the Bruce."
"It is a tough run, more of a scramble at times, but breaking it into 4 legs for relay teams makes it a very achievable goal."
"I can't describe how awesome the Flowerpot Island 5K is going to be," continues Harpur. "An island run with a sunrise breakfast, what could be better?"
This festival will also be a great way to experience all the fun & excitement that Tobermory and the surrounding parks have to offer.
During Friday night's registration in Tobermory a Pasta Dinner will be served. There will also be a self-guided fun run.
Saturday evening will be a Whitefish Dinner for all Saturday racers at the Tobermory Community Center, followed by an evening of music and dancing. The public can also purchase tickets at the door.
Proceeds from the event support the Tobermory Primary Place daycare. Board Member Tien Angus is volunteering on race weekend.
"The Tobermory Primary Place Daycare is excited to help bring edgy trail runners to the Bruce Peninsula for a challenging race that showcases the raw beauty that Tobermory has to offer," says Angus. "We look forward to sharing the weekend with our guests in our own little piece of paradise."
PASA was founded in 2011 and organizes the popular Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race and Groundhog Jog in Wiarton. The non-profit states its mission as "supporting outdoor sport on the Bruce."
Registration for all races will be capped at numbers that will ensure the event is low-impact to its surrounding environment. Both race events take place in the morning, which should avoid peak tourist crowds in both parks.
Race registration opens Monday April 11 at 7pm at www.runtheedge.ca & those who purchase both the Saturday and Sunday races will receive a discount of $10 on the 2nd purchase. Full details can be found at www.runtheedge.ca
Photo Credit: Muffy Davies
Source: media release, Pensinsula Adventure Sports Association
