Get Inspired! Take a break from the Olympics and watch endurance athletes compete right here in Wiarton at Subaru Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race (a.k.a. Subaru BPMR.)
Be a spectator: Most of the action will be in Wiarton's Bluewater Park at this year's Subaru BPMR. From 9:45am until 6:00pm there will be a lot going on with the vendor's village, kids amusements, kids race (on-site registration available) plus a stage with live music, awards ceremony and an MC who will call the action ofapproximately 250 racers crossing between 11:15am and 6pm.
Other opportunities to view the race exist along the waterfront Bruce Trail in Bluewater Park Campground as the runners need that extra bit of encouragement to push to the finish (bring a big sign!), and at the Colpoy's Bay village pier (very limited parking, please bike or carpool.) There is also a live site on the website where you can track racer progress and watch up-to-the-minute video & pictures from social media all on one convenient page... all while the race is happening.
Be an uber-spectator: A locally-sourced BBQ meal from DeJong Acres and a 2016 Custom Buff (the same gift as the racers!) awaits volunteers that put in a 4 hour shift. One of the best feelings in the world is when you help pull off a massive event such as this one on your own community. The event brings a lot of civic pride and helps enhance sport tourism to Wiarton & surrounding area. The best spectator seat in the house is inside the transition area or right at the finish line.
The proceeds directly benefit the Wiarton Skateboard Park this year as the sole beneficiary. Yes, the Subaru BPMR is non-profit, funding various outdoor sport ventures and infrastructure on the Bruce.
Be a racer: The event is mostly sold out, but a few spots remain in some of the 25km categories and in the 100km self-supported relay. The Subaru BPMR is a real adventure, with the course tailored every year to create a great race experience. For kicks, all Suntrail Course, Buff Course, and Duathlon racers also get an equal shot at the Devinci mountain bike door prize, no matter how well they race. The solo 100km winners will each receive a round-trip airfare to the Yukon and an excursion to experience the Tatshenshini River. More prizes from VIA Rail, Grey Owl, Suntrail, and more await all podium finishers.
The 25km Suntrail Course is a 4km paddle, a 15.5km mountain bike ride, and a 5.5km run. If you're not into running there is a paddle-bike-paddle option and if you're not into paddling there's a run-bike-run option. Paddling can be done in a kayak (solo) or in a canoe (team) although there are very few spots in either remaining as of press time.
If you're already familiar with the race, here's what's new from the racing perspective.
What's new this year?
The Event: A great write-up exists here, courtesy of Adventure Racing Ontario. Also new, proceeds will benefit one beneficiary... the Wiarton Skateboard Park project.
The Buff Long Course: Minor changes from 2015 course, but chip timing means no punching in at checkpoints, racers just pass through. If this is your first time, check out the TV series Boundless' clip for a summary. Ps. the 7km bonus loop is back!
The Suntrail Course (paddle-bike-run) a few changes, 200m extra distance on the run, and most exciting of all, this year female racers will be in the same wave as all other solo females in the 25k disciplines (ie. those in duathlons below.) Also with new chip timing, no punch stations.
The Subaru Duathlon (paddle-bike-paddle) New this year, there is a short run that connects all the transition areas, but that's it for running! This will undoubtedly be some of the fastest racing yet because these paddling experts will surely be out front early!
The Run Duathlon: (run-bike-run) The race will be on to see if this crowd can cross the finish ahead of the rest of the racers, as was the case in 2015. Also with new chip timing, no punch stations.
Summer House Park Kids Race: (run-bike-sprint) This fun introductory race for kids aged 5-10 will feature a couple of wicked new obstacles. There is a welcome package and great prizes from Northern Confections, well worth the $20 entry fee. If you're a bit short on cash at the moment you can pledge your way in or even write a short essay. If you're not into obstacles, you can substitute jumping jacks. The Kids Race is scheduled so that parents can finish any of the 25km courses and still cheer their kids on.
source: media release: Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race
