Whistler Blackcomb To Host Second Annual Salomon Valley To Peak Race On September 3
Participants Challenged With Tackling the Full Vertical Climb of Whistler Mountain.
Outdoor fitness enthusiasts and trail runners should mark their calendars for the second annual Salomon Valley to Peak trail running race.
Whistler Blackcomb and Salomon will host the race September 3 on Whistler Mountain. The Salomon Valley to Peak challenges trail runners with over 1,800 metres of elevation gain over a 23-kilometre course that showcases Whistler’s stunning alpine environment. Competitors who want to train are encouraged to register now and reap the rewards of early bird pricing.
“We were really happy with the turnout and response to last year’s inaugural event. We learned a lot from the first execution and are excited to bring this event back with some upgrades,” says Seb Fremont, Events Manager for Whistler Blackcomb. “Our pristine alpine trail network is an untapped trail running mecca. The course showcases some of the most iconic alpine trails we have so runners are rewarded with not only amazing running conditions but epic views as well. The race is a very unique way to experience Whistler Mountain.”
The course begins at the Salomon store in Whistler Village and climbs through the Whistler Mountain Bike Park towards the Roundhouse Lodge. It then follows the full length of the iconic High Note Trail, which leads runners to the Top Of The World Summit at the Peak of Whistler Mountain. New for this year, the final stage of the race will feature a downhill dash to the finish line outside of the Roundhouse Lodge. CLIF Bar, Whistler Blackcomb’s official energy bar, will also support the Salomon Valley to Peak this year, providing samples to participants and spectators alike.
This year, the Salomon Valley to Peak has become part of the Canadian Skyrunning Series, a national and international points based race series comprised of mountain trail running events, allowing racers to earn qualifying points for the International Skyrunning Federation events. Also new for this year is cash prizing with a total prize purse of $1,500 for the top three male and female racers to cross the finish line.
“The second annual Salomon Valley to Peak will build on the success of last year’s event,” says Virginie Murdison, Marketing Manager at Amer Sports Canada “It involves challenging terrain, epic views, great racing and especially if you sign up as a team, a sense of playfulness as you challenge yourself and others toward the finish line. Salomon is proud to support Whistler Blackcomb and Skyrunning Canada with the Valley to Peak as one of the premier trail running events in western Canada.”
In the lead up to the Salomon Valley to Peak, Salomon will be leading four Trail Running Clinics to help competitors prepare for the challenging course. The clinics will be led by Salomon athlete, Munro Duncan, and will run on June 18, July 9, July 30 and August 14. For more information visit http://www.whistlerblackcomb.com/events-and-activities/events/2016/09/valley-to-peak/#free-orientation-clinics.
Early entry is $50 for solo racers and $120 for a three-person relay team. For more information, or to sign up, please visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/valleytopeak.
