Local endurance coach and runner Rene Unser will be the guest speaker Saturday at the 12th edition of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival in Kelowna.
The ‘Best of the Fest Tour’, showcasing six outdoor adventure films, will begin at 7 p.m. at the Kelowna Community theatre.
Unser recently completed her second Gore-Tex Transalpine Run through the mountains of Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy.
This year’s route covered 320 km and 50,000 feet of climbing through, around and over all types of terrain, which Unser conquered in 51 hours.
Midway through the program, Unser will present a slide show and share her many experiences as an endurance athlete.
“I hope my stories will enlighten and inspire more than just runners,” said Unser, 36, who grew up in Kelowna. “I’ll share examples of how I’ve learned lifelong lessons, the challenges I’ve taken on, and how I’ve grown from my two biggest athletic finishes.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity and hope people will get something out of my presentation, as much as I have from guest speakers in the past.”
The films in this year’s VIMFF program will feature mountain culture, skiing, biking, climbing, paddling and outdoor adventure from around the world.
Advance tickets are $15, or $20 at the door. Students are $18 at the door (I.D. required)
Tickets can be purchased at : Island Snow, Outdoor Adventure Gear and Travel Outfitters, Mosaic Books, Fresh Air Concept, Wild Mountain, Far West Outfitters, Kelowna Cycle, Beyond the Crux Climbing Center, Leo’s Video, Cycle Path, Free Ride Board Shop and True Outdoors (formally Valhalla Pure).
For more information, visit www.vimff.org
