As part of the 100th birthday of BC Parks, Mountain Equipment Co-op has joined with BC Parks to sponsor 100 Years of Adventure, a set of 12 special events in provincial parks across the province. 

The Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association (YORA) of Valemount, B.C., has been chosen as the host organization for one of these events, which will be held in Mount Robson Provincial Park. 

The event, called the Mount Robson Marathon, will feature two separate races on the Berg Lake Trail - a full marathon (42.2 kilometres) and a half marathon (21.1 km). Both races will start from the Mount Robson Visitor Centre and will be “out-and-back” runs. 

For the youngsters, there will be a pair of races; a one-kilometre race along the nature walk behind the Visitor Centre for kids aged eight to 12, and a three km race along the lookout trail towards Overlander Falls for teens aged 13 to 18. 

In addition to the marathon and the kids’ runs, there will be activities in and around the Mount Robson Visitor Centre throughout the day. Park rangers and local naturalists will be leading nature walks in the area of the Visitor Centre, at Rearguard Falls and on the Berg Lake Trail. Local artists from the Valemount Arts and Cultural Society will be leading “Paint Mount Robson” clinics on the deck at the back of the Visitor Centre. Local musicians will be performing all day long for visitors’ listening and dancing pleasure. There will be face-painting and other fun activities for kids of all ages, and the day will wrap up with a hot dog and marshmallow roast in the group campground area next to the amphitheatre where an awards ceremony for runners will also be held.

Jenn Meagher, event co-ordinator, said the event is free and will also feature a pancake breakfast to get everyone energized.

“There are only 100 spaces available at each event, so we encourage everyone to register early,” said Meagher. “We are also looking for volunteers and sponsors.”

Meagher said there has never been an event like this at Mount Robson before.

“Ideally, if it goes well, we would like to continue it,” she added. “Whether or not you are a runner, there will be something for you.”

For more information, contact Meagher at coordinator@mountrobsonmarathon.ca or visit the marathon website at www.mountrobsonmarathon.ca

Registration opened on May 24. The marathon kicks off at 7:30 a.m. on Sept.10, with the other events starting at 8:30 a.m.

Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in B.C.’s park system, is centred around Mount Robson. At 3,954 metres, Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies.