The Yellowhead Outdoor Recreation Association celebrated the 100th anniversary of B.C. Parks on Sept. 10 with a marathon event to Mount Robson’s Berg Lake and back. 

The race was well attended, and YORA secretary Darryl Polyk hopes to see the event return in the future. 

“We’re hopeful that B.C. Parks will allow us to hold the event,” Polyk said. 

About 200 people came out under beautiful blue skies to run either the full marathon, half marathon, five-kilometre run or the kids race. About 15 to 20 kids participated in the kids race. The full marathon went all the way up to Berg Lake – a difficult run that all of the racers completed. 

“It is a pretty tough trail,” Polyk admitted. 

The trail sees about 800 metres (2,600 feet) of elevation gain and is the most well-used backcountry trail in the Canadian Rockies. Each year 2,000 backpackers use the trail to access the spectacular lake that sits at the base of Mt. Robson. Polyk said that although it is a tough trail, the volume of use means it is well maintained and perfect for a marathon. 

“Everybody finished,” he said. “Everyone was ecstatic about it, it’s a spectacular place.”

Polyk said that one woman unfortunately took a tumble – because she couldn’t take her eyes of the scenery. 

“She said she wouldn’t have fallen if she had been looking down and not up,” Polyk laughed. 

The positive feedback was also extended to the many volunteers that made the event happen. 

The race that celebrated the 100th anniversary of B.C. Parks was made possible by a program launched by Mountain Equipment Co-op called 100 Years of Adventure. The program invited outdoor groups in B.C. to send in proposals for funding to help celebrate the anniversary. YORA was one of 12 recipients of the funding. 

Polyk said the inaugural event had great support from local sponsors across the region. More information on the race can be found online at www.mountrobsonmarathon.ca