Racing over Burnaby Mountain was an idea dreamt up by the organizers of Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR), which launched its 12th season on May 28.
The race began and ended at Burnaby’s Barnet Marine Park. As the sun came out and the sky cleared, a large energy-filled crowd awaited competitors at the stunning oceanfront finish line.
Powell River’s Graham Cocksedge, Chris Bratseth, Lucien Ervington and Wil Schur took the top spot in the team of four, male division, finishing the 50-kilometre enduro course in an impressive five hours, 20 minutes and 47 seconds.
“I had to laugh out loud when I received the email from Graham inviting me onto the team, stating ‘You don’t have to be fit,’” said Schur. Last time he participated in the event it was against Cocksedge’s team. “It was such a good event though, with camaraderie and competitive banter among the teams, not forgetting some incredible mountain biking and trail running.”
Bratseth added, “It was both exhilarating and exhausting trying to keep up with the rest of my team.”
Sechelt’s Lisa Allen and Maude Leduc of Halfmoon Bay completed the 30-kilometre sport course in four hours, 18 minutes and 51 seconds, placing third in
their division and 10th overall.
Both the 30-kilometre and 50-kilometre routes were unknown to participants until race morning. Racers were required to reach 36 checkpoints along the 50-kilometre enduro course, which began with a 10-kilometre kayak up Indian Arm. There were three mountain biking stages up and around Burnaby Mountain, totaling 28 kilometres, and a three-kilometre trek. There was also a nine-kilometre orienteering section that required racers to use a map and compass to find checkpoints around Simon Fraser University (SFU). The sport course had all the same elements, only 20 kilometres shorter.
MOMAR is one of Canada’s most popular adventure race series. It is a one-day event that challenges the bodies and minds of racers over rugged and visually stunning West Coast terrain.
The next MOMAR will take place in Cumberland on September 24, 2011. This is a great opportunity for more Powell River teams to participate. Interested readers can find more information on racing, volunteering and MOMAR training clinics or through calling 1.866.912.3331. Participating in a MOMAR also means supporting MOMAR’s official charity, the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
