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Test of Humanity mountain bike race returns Saturday

Sep 22, 2017 | 5:31 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — After a successful first event last fall, the Test of Humanity is back to tear up the mountain bike trials in Redcliff.

The race, now in its second year, takes over the bike trails in River Valley Park in Redcliff on Saturday.

“We’re really, really excited,” said Daniel Haughian, one of the organizers of the event. “It’s basically for everybody of all ages, everybody from three years old to however old you are. It’s a great race.”

The race sees mountain bikers from across Western Canada coming out to the trails to race on several routes. The race for kids gets underway at 9:30 a.m., while adult races begin at 10 a.m.

There are two categories of trails available; a single lap which will take between 30-50 minutes to complete, and the four-hour test, where racers attempt to complete as many laps as possible.

While the event is about athleticism, it’s also about helping those less fortunate. The race will raise proceeds for Canadian Humanitarian to assist children overseas with housing and education.

“It’s really sweet, it’s a really good cause to support,” said Haughian.

Last year, more than $6,000 was raised for the organization, a number Haughian is hoping to break.

“The longer you do it, the more people you get, and hopefully it grows into this giant race,” he said. “We want it to be huge.”

Although the online registration closed on Wednesday, organizers are accepting participants right up until start time.

The race course can be viewed here.