A trail race is coming to Manning Park July 15-16 and organizers are looking for volunteers.
Fraser Valley Trail Races (FVTR) is holding the event at Lightning Lake, with 263 people registered to compete as of July 4.
“Volunteers help in various ways such as racer check-in, set-up and take-down, course sweepers, and more,” said Tasha Mijinke, Volunteer Manager with Valley Race Productions. “My favourite is when I see volunteers really get in the spirit and come up with costumes and decorations for their aid stations and course marshaling positions. It really brings a sense of enjoyment and community to everyone involved. It’s high energy at a race, and the atmosphere is contagious. As a racer, you rely on these volunteers to help guide and support you in a safe and successful race.”
All volunteers receive a Fraser Valley Trail Races Trail Crew t-shirt, and anyone who volunteers for a shift of six hours or more earns free entry into a future FVTR event.
”Our volunteers are the heart of our running and biking events. They are a catalyst in making this a memorable race for the first-time racers and the experienced racers on the course,” Mijinke said. “We really appreciate those who choose to share their time and skills with us as we would not be able to put on these races without their support.”
RELATED: Manning Park one of B.C.’s most-popular destinations
RELATED: Agassiz trail runner looks to conquer local mountains
To donate your time to the event, email volunteer@valleyraceproductions.com
For athletes, the Manning Trail Race offers four distances. Runners can choose to do a one mile ascent on July 15 or opt for shorter 10 and 21 kilometre runs on July 16. The most ambitious can tackle the double header, doing the one mile ascent on day one and the 21k race on day two.
“Our trail race begins at Lightning Lake and follows the lake through beautiful rolling, single-track trails and mossy trees, up to the ski hill area where we celebrate with snacks, Old Yale Brewing beer, and high fives,” the event web page said. “No matter the distance you choose, you can expect to see stunning views of snowy peaks, including Hozomeen Mountain, and many others in the Northern Cascades.”
A free kids race follows the start of the 21k, with youngsters covering one kilometre of trails.
Pre-registration is required for the adult races, and can be done online at raceroster.com/events/2022/27017/manning-park-trail-race.
For more info, email info@fraservalleytrailraces.com.