Gary Robbins is launching new 100K race in B.C.

Canadian path working stoke is about to hit new heights this summer time with the arrival of the Alpenglow 100, a difficult but breathtaking race hosted by Gary Robbins and Geoff Langford, the masterminds behind Coast Mountain Path Operating (CMTR) and widespread occasions just like the Squamish 50. Set in Valemount, B.C., on July 4th and fifth, this race presents an opportunity to push your limits, whereas soaking in one among Canada’s most gorgeous landscapes. With Robbins and Langford on the helm, the Alpenglow 100 is sure to turn into an prompt traditional.

The Alpenglow 100—a race like no different

The Alpenglow 100 takes its identify from the mesmerizing pure phenomenon the place refracted mild paints mountaintops in hues of pink and gold simply after sundown or earlier than dawn. Robbins emphasizes the race’s distinctive nighttime begin: “Runners will hopefully get to expertise [alpenglow] firsthand as they embark on their journey at nightfall, working by the evening in one among Canada’s most spectacular mountain settings.” The course isn’t any simple feat, with the 35K race boasting 1,700 metres of elevation achieve, the 60K race that includes 3,300 metres of elevation achieve, and the 100K distance an actual leg-burner with 4,800 metres of elevation achieve.

The mountains of Alpenglow

“Valemount is principally the abbreviation of Valley and Mountains,” says Robbins, explaining that the small mountain city, about an hour west of Jasper and 20 minutes south of Mount Robson, is the perfect place for a lovely however powerful race. Robbins has spoken concerning the inspiration drawn from the towering peaks that encompass Valemount. The city sits on the assembly level of three mountain ranges—the Cariboo, the Monashee and the Rocky Mountains—making it a perfect residence for an epic race.

A community-driven occasion

The city, with simply over 1,000 full-time residents, has embraced the occasion with open arms.“We’ve by no means in these 15 years had such unbelievable response and want from the area people to make one thing occur,” Robbins says. “Each single native enterprise, native stakeholder, everlasting purposes—each dialog at each step of the best way has been met with resounding assist.”

This overwhelming enthusiasm has been a stark distinction to Robbins’ latest struggles with different race initiatives. “As is sort of publicly identified, we went by type of the precise reverse with Vail Resorts very just lately,” he says. “This has rejuvenated each of us and me particularly because the course designer.”

Journey meets sustainability

Past the problem and great thing about their races, Robbins and his staff are additionally identified for the measures they take to ensure their occasions are environmentally acutely aware. “We’re dedicated to minimizing our ecological footprint and preserving the pristine great thing about the Canadian Rockies for future generations,” Robbins says. Sustainability measures, corresponding to waste discount methods and Depart No Hint rules, will probably be a core a part of the race’s execution. Just like their practices in different races, CMTR plans to donate between 5 and 10 {dollars} per bib to native trails or search and rescue organizations; in 2025, they’ll eclipse $500,000 lifetime donations. 

“We additionally plant a tree for each race bib we promote,” Robbins says. “We’ve been doing that for many years now. We’ve planted over 20, 000 timber we do that by an Indigenous youth program in my hometown of Chilliwack.” Robbins says that CMTR dedicated to going carbon impartial a few years in the past, including that in addition they don’t use gasoline turbines, and go for battery packs wherever attainable.

Get able to occasion

All races will conclude by sunset on Saturday, with a vigorous post-race celebration deliberate for Sunday. Stay music, native meals and an electrical environment will greet runners as they recuperate from their mountain exploits. If you happen to’re fortunate sufficient to have raced at Squamish 50 or one of many different occasions that CMTR hosts, you’ll be eagerly anticipating the post-race festivities—should you’re a beginner, get able to occasion, trail-runner fashion. ” On Sunday evening, we’re gonna have an old school farm hoedown with dwell music and meals distributors and simply strive to have a nice time and have fun all the things with the neighborhood,” Robbins says.

Registration opens in February, with restricted spots out there in every race, so have your laptop useful to affirm your spot in what is certain to be a spectacular trail-racing expertise.