Kelsey Legault finished strongly in last year's Ridge Ramble event. Greg Amos photo.

By: Charles Helm, Wolverine Nordic Mountain Society

The Ridge Ramble Biathlon will take place in Tumbler Ridge on Saturday, May 26. One of the community’s longest-standing events and now in its 23rd year, the combined cycling and running event is hosted by the Wolverine Nordic and Mountain Society, the community’s outdoors group that is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles in a fun setting.

There are kids’ events and adults’ events. The kids start at 9 a.m., cycling a paved two kilometre out-and-back route twice, then running it once (4 km cycle, 2 km run). Roads are temporarily barricaded for the race to ensure a safe event for the kids. Helmets are mandatory for the cycling section.Adults go at 10 a.m. They complete two 5 kilometre laps on the smooth paved town roads, then run it once (10 kilometre cycle, 5 kilometre run).

Both kids and adults can enter as individuals or as teams (men’s, women’s or mixed) in which one person does the cycling and one the running. For the kids there are three age categories: 7 and under, 8 to 10 years, and 11 to 15 years.

The start is near the corner of Monkman and Northgate, near the Skate Park. Registration opens at 8:15 a.m., and entry fee is a nominal $5. Medals will be awarded for the first three finishers in each category.

The Ridge Ramble Biathlon, actually a “duathlon”, usually attracts a field of around fifty participants, from serious racers to those just beginning a fitness program. Its fairly short distances and flat terrain make for a fast course that is easily completed by most participants.

All are welcome to come out and enjoy this fun event; call Linda Helm at 250 242 3984 for further details.