Door opens for athletes to enter Elevator Race
Athletes are rising to the challenge of Penticton’s second annual Ramada Elevator Race on March 23.
Lyndie Hill of Hoodoo Adventures said Thursday morning they have 125 people registered, including two people taking on the event alone. That helps them match last year’s figures and she expected another 50 to join the mix.
“It’s great,” said Hill, adding that 90 per cent of last year’s athletes have returned, including the winners. “We’re really excited about it.”
The athletes will complete 50-plus kilometres and 6,000 feet of elevation as they paddle, road bike, run, snowshoe, mountain bike, nordic ski and downhill ski from the lakes of Penticton to the mountain peaks of Apex Resort. This year’s event is raising awareness for cardiac arrest and has added support as teams have the opportunity to raise funds to get an automated external defibrillator placed in their workplace and/or community.
Hill said part of the buzz surrounding the event is because Steve King, former announcer of Subaru Ironman Canada and now Challenge Penticton, will announce the race. They will also have bands performing Saturday evening. Hill said overall it will be a great weekend.
Sponsors, organizers at Hoodoo Adventures and partners at the Penticton Indian Band are looking forward to growing the event and increasing fundraising opportunities as they encourage a healthier community. The Penticton Ramada is offering race-and-stay packages that will include race registration fees and accommodation.
“The Penticton Ramada is delighted to once again be the title sponsor for this exciting race,” said general manager of the Penticton Ramada Gordon Ferguson in a release. “Hoodoo Adventures have worked extremely hard to elevate this event including all of us making the trip to Vancouver this past weekend representing the race and the City of Penticton at the Outdoor Adventure and Travel Show at the Vancouver Convention Centre.”
Hill said for those who haven’t trained and would like to watch the event, there are good spots to do that. In Penticton, the race can be viewed at the start line which is the S.S. Sicamous as athletes transition to their road bikes in front of Loco Landing. At Apex Resort, spectators can watch the runners snowshoe up Keremeos Creek and pass in front of the Gunbarrel and onto their mountain bikes from the parking lot next to Apex accommodations. At Nickel Nordic Centre, mountain bikers can be found transitioning to their nordic skis, then head to the upper parking lot at Apex to watch the final transition to the downhill skier. Spectators are asked to try to stay clear of Green Mountain road between 9 to 11 a.m. as there will be cyclists on the road.
Hill is excited about it being the second race and how it unfolds. She said having bands adds a social side.
“Looking forward to everyone’s enthusiasm,” said Hill.
For more race information and to sign up for the Penticton Ramada Elevator you can visit www.theelevatorrace.ca.
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