Wells Gray Outdoor Club, based in Clearwater, is reviving the Wilderness Gateway Relay, a fun cycling/running event that was last held nine years ago.
After its cancellation in 2003 because of wildfires, the relay had not been held again until now – with the 2011 race scheduled for Sept. 17.
The relay will start at Clearwater Lake Campground in Wells Gray Park, will follow the Clearwater Valley Road and many side trails, and will end at Dutch Lake in Clearwater.
Nine years ago 23 teams, each with seven participants, took part in the event. Teams came from throughout the B.C. Central Interior. Each seven-person team has four runners and three cyclists, or teams can participate with fewer members if they wish.
The relay is a fun event with easy to moderate levels of difficulty. Runners will run 10-15 km, and bikers will bike 20-40 km. There will be Men’s, Women’s, Mixed, Family and Masters’ categories.
Organizers plan to make the re-established Relay an annual event. They cite a number of benefits for the community, including bringing visitors to Clearwater and showcasing it and the Wells Gray Park.
