The Atmosphere Mind Over Mountain Adventure Racing (MOMAR) series is set to end its 12th season in Cumberland on Sept. 24.
There will be over 300 racers on the start line, with a large number coming from the Comox Valley. Race director Bryan Tasaka loves the strengthening regional representation. ''I'm so impressed with enthusiasm of all the locals that participate in this race, whether as a sponsor, volunteer or racer,'' says Tasaka.
''Mostly, I love that MOMAR has helped, even a little bit, in getting so many locals out to enjoy the beauty and adventure in their own backyard.'' Comox Valley participants will be joined by racers from Alberta, Ontario, Washington State, all over B.C. and from as far away as Spain.
Final plans are being made for this year's race course. ''We found some great new terrain that will be in the race – even most of the locals will be very surprised,'' says Tasaka.
According to Cumberland's Sarah Seads, owner of ELM Health, surprises during a MOMAR are the norm. ''On race day I am expecting the unexpected as usual,'' says Seads. ''I try not to anticipate the course layout too much because chances are it will be completely different from what I imagine. In previous years it has been an awesome mix of Cumberland's best single track and as long as there is more of that we will all be grinning from start to finish at this year's race.''
Christina Willard-Stepan, owner of Cumberland's Seeds Natural Food's Market, is both a third year sponsor of the race and a racer. '' We are so excited to do this race every year – it brings a lot of energy to our little community and is a really challenging, good time,'' says Willard-Stepan. ''The quality of scenery and trails for this race is outstanding!"
In addition to their typical 50 km sprint race, MOMAR offers a short course that will provide less seasoned racers with an opportunity to participate in a world-class adventure race. Both the enduro (50 km) course and short (30 km) course will include mountain biking, kayaking, trail running, orienteering, and bushwhacking.
MOMAR organizers are still looking for some volunteers to assist with the coordination of this event. All volunteers receive a MOMAR T-shirt, entry to the infamous post-race dinner and party and the thrill of experiencing adventure racing up close. For information on volunteering, contact elaine@mindovermountain.com.
Participating in a MOMAR, either as a racer or volunteer, also means you'll be supporting MOMAR's official charity, the Make-a-Wish Foundation. More information on racing, volunteering, MOMAR training clinics and their official charity is available at www.mindovermountain.com/momar or call 1-866-912-3331.