The organizers of the Miner's Mayhem event are jumping on the Kivi Park bandwagon.
For the seventh event, taking place June 23, the venue has changed from Adanac Ski Hill to what is fast becoming a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
More than 400 participants are expected to run, dig, crawl and laugh their way through the five- to six-kilometre course, with 18 obstacles to challenge anyone's mettle.
“Kivi Park is so new and so popular right now,” said race director Jessica Sheppard-Baxter, during the media launch on Thursday. “There are so many possibilities, and Kivi Park has a lot of potential.”
By bringing Miner's Mayhem to a new area of the city, organizers are hoping to draw in new participants, too.
“We've been at the same place with the same obstacles for six years,” Sheppard-Baxter said. “Participation was down last year.”
Kivi Park will offer new challenges, and organizers are excited, because it's “nothing like we've ever had before,” Sheppard-Baxter said.
In partnership with Adventure365, Miner's Mayhem provides athletes of all levels the opportunity to challenge themselves while having fun.
The change in location isn't the only difference this year.
The race is now open to anyone 14 years of age and older, although anyone under the age of 18 will need a parent's signature to participate.
As well, Stantec has joined the sponsors, and this year's event will include the Stantec Team Challenge, which promotes the spirit of mine rescue, were “no miner is left behind.” Groups of five will have to finish the line together in order to qualify.
While many participants want to challenge themselves in the race, there's no pressure to turn in a fast time, said Sheppard-Baxter.
“It's your race,” she said. “If you want to walk it, then walk it. If you don't want to tackle a certain obstacle, then don't.”
There will be two new obstacles this year, although there won't be any stairs to climb, Sheppard-Baxter said.
Event details and registration are now available at Adventure365 at 444 Barrydowne Rd. and online at theminersmayhem.com. Anyone interested who hasn't already registered is encouraged to do so before the next price increase at midnight on June 3.
After registering, participants can get in on the four-week bootcamp starting May 22. They will run Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Funds raised this year will support the Northern Cancer Foundation, as well as the Professional Firefighter's Association's fundraising efforts for Muscular Dystrophy Canada.
Miner's Mayhem will be part of Kivi Park's Move Fitness Series.
