Cumberland, BC to host ‘Canada’s toughest off-road triathlon’

It’s gnarly. It’s “climby.” It’s Canada’s toughest off-road triathlon, and it’s coming to Vancouver Island.

PACE Multisport Dodge City X, which will take place in the Village of Cumberland on September 9, represents the latest evolution of cross (off-road) triathlon, the world’s fastest-growing multisport category. How tough is it? Triathlon BC actually had to adopt new standards and a new classification system for cross triathlon courses to accommodate the race’s rooty climbs, rocky descents and narrow bridges.

To cross the Dodge City X finish line, competitors will first have to swim 1.5 km through the glacier-fed waters of Comox Lake. Then they’ll mountain bike over 23 kilometres of some of Vancouver Island’s most technical singletrack before capping it all off with a glute-busting, 9.5-km trail run that promises to “separate the truly committed from the woefully unprepared.” The entire standard course features approximately 950 m of elevation gain.

The unofficial epicentre of Vancouver Island trail sports, the rugged hills and verdant rainforest overlooking the Village of Cumberland feature more than 80 kilometres of world-class singletrack. With the recent signing of a formal land-use agreement that allows for the promotion of this “legendary” trail network, formerly unknown Cumberland is quickly becoming the talk of the trail across the Pacific Northwest.

PACE Multisport Dodge City X is a community initiative organized by local nonprofit Steam Donkey Racing and spearheaded by local cross triathlete Ryan Parton. Net proceeds will benefit the United Riders of Cumberland, a grassroots organization that maintains and manages access to Cumberland’s trail network.

Black Press is proud to support PACE Multisport Dodge City X as official media sponsor, helping to get the word out about this much-anticipated community event.

To register, or to learn more, visit www.dodgecityx.ca. If you’re looking for a swimmer or other teammate to join your relay team, or if you’d like to join a team, visit Dodge City X – Need a Relay Partner?” on Facebook.