With 7 successful years now under its belt, the Subaru Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race (the "Multisport Race") is set to launch it's annual summer race weekend for August 11, 2018. Although the festivities are based in Wiarton's Bluewater Park, the race practically spans the entire Bruce Peninsula and employs the services of over 150 volunteers with proceeds going to local non-profit Peninsula Adventure Sports Association.
This year's incarnation will see a course-capacity 300 racers conquer the secret Bruce Peninsula racecourse by paddling, biking and running. The racecourse is tailored slightly every year by local racer Jack Van Dorp to provide a scenic, interesting and challenging race for the participants, typically resulting in an all-day 100km challenge as well as a 25-30km "sprint" challenge. The course is marked the day before along a route that traverses both private and public land, so it differs from a traditional adventure race in that it does not require orienteering skills, but a focus on speed.
The Buff Long Course starts at dawn in a remote location unknown to the racers until race weekend, and finishes at Wiarton's Bluewater Park throughout the afternoon. The Suntrail Source for Adventure Course (paddle-bike-run) and Subaru Duathlon (paddle-bike-paddle) begin in a spectacular flurry of kayaks offshore from the Wiarton pier at 10:00am that's not to be missed. These sprint-distance racers also finish back in Bluewater park after a few hours in the woods.
There is a kids obstacle race in Bluewater Park in the early afternoon sponsored by Summer House Park that sees kids from 5 to 10 years of age run, then bike, and then finish under the official race archway. All obstacles can be substituted with jumping jacks. Interested kids need to bring a bike and helmet and $20 to cover the fee, with 100% of the proceeds going to New Hope Community Bikes. Pre-registration is encouraged as the event will sell out after approximately 80 registrations.
The live music, local food and vendors village celebration at the finish line - featuring fun Subaru swag giveaways - is back again this year, but with a twist.
Spectators in Wiarton will get an extra treat this year with the "Celebrate your Achievement" enhancement to the finish line. A live broadcast of the race with instant results and exclusive interviews will be shown on a large LED video screen at the finish, putting the race broadcast coverage on par with any major sporting event. Additional artists have been added to the entertainment as well. The racers have been busting their guts on rugged trails all day and will require the whole community to come to Bluewater Park to cheer them across the finish line!
The majority of the race disciplines are now sold out, however there are (fewer than 20) Buff Long Course relay and Subaru Duathlon entries still for sale at the time of writing. A great way for non-racers to support the event is to visit the merchandise tent on raceday or stop at Suntrail - Source for Adventure in Hepworth to purchase an official Multisport Race souvenir.
All volunteers will be handsomely rewarded with a fresh and locally-sourced hot meal from DeJong Acres, plus a gift. There are some exciting roles for those who can lend a hand either Friday August 10th or Saturday August 11th and all volunteers are interconnected with the organization's safety plan.
The race organizers would like to acknowledge the event takes place on the traditional land of the people of the Saugeen Ojibway Territory, and the event enjoys the support of the Chippewas of Nawash unceded First Nation council, over 50 private landowners, as well as many other partners. Please visit the race website at www.brucepeninsulamultisportrace.ca and click on "support" for an extensive list of the sponsors and volunteers, as well as links to their businesses. The organizers thank everyone who helps to pull off this epic annual event.
source: media release, Subaru Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race
