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Coal Burner Adventure Race tests competitors in inaugural year

Oct 1, 2018 | 6:54 PM

REDCLIFF, AB – Lungs and legs burned around the Redcliff area on Saturday, as outdoor enthusiasts tested themselves against the clock at the first Coal Burner Adventure Race.

Eleven teams of two took off from Echo Dale Regional Park at noon on Saturday, embarking on a 27 kilometre test of endurance and speed.

Racers trekked across the Badlands for a seven kilometre hike, before reaching the Gas City Campground and hopping on a bicycle to complete the remaining 20 kilometres.

The duo of Joel Heese and Robert Dyck used their mountain biking background to their advantage, taking the checkered flag at Riverview Golf Club in under two hours.

Heese said it was a great feeling crossing the finish line in top spot, joking they needed to take advantage of the largely inexperienced field.

“As the race builds and you get higher, elite athletes, we figured this would be the first year that we’d maybe have a chance to do what we did,” said Heese. “So, you got to get in these races early.”

The idea of the Coal Burner Adventure Race was sparked six months ago, as organizer Gregg Campbell and community partners in Gravity Sports and 670 Collective wanted to combine hiking and biking into one race.

Racers of all ages competed on Saturday, as one team featured an athlete as young as 10-year-old racing with his father.

Campbell said they weren’t sure what crowd they would draw out for the inaugural event, but he’s glad to see athletes young and old wanting to test themselves.

“It was really varied from I would say an elite athlete to [those] just enjoying the day and enjoying the experience,” said Campbell. “And, that’s kind of what we’re looking for.”

Getting into biking over the last few years, Dyck praised the event for featuring the area’s world class trail system and hopes more adventure enthusiasts will consider signing up next fall.

“It’s life changing to be honest,” said Dyck. “This is one of the most amazing places in the world. To be able to bike through these Badlands like this, it’s a gift.”

Campbell confirmed they will be planning to bring the Coal Burner Adventure Race back next year and will likely extend the length of the course to challenge racers even more.