The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race is opening up a free-of-charge virtual version complete with prizing.
Participants can accomplish either the Suntrail Course or Subaru Long Course distances safely in their own communities and then report it online on a dynamic leaderboard.
People attempting the race distances this summer between August 1st and August 31st, will be encouraged to do so while abiding by local Public Health guidelines, including proper social distancing practices, while participating.
The in-person event originally scheduled for August 8, 2020, in Wiarton’s Bluewater Park will, unfortunately, be cancelled in an effort to prevent community spread of COVID-19.
The BPMR, currently celebrating its 10th anniversary, had 265 registrants sign up prior to the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Pre-registered racers have their choice of a credit for the 2021 race, or a partial refund by the race organization, Peninsula Adventure Sports Association (PASA). PASA is a local non-profit on the Bruce that supports outdoor sport infrastructure. As a third option, racers can also donate the value of their entry directly to the event beneficiary, the Ride Smart bicycle safety & skills program, in return for a tax receipt.
“This year we are inviting people young and old to accomplish either the Suntrail Course or Subaru Long Course distances safely, in their own communities, on their own route, and then report it online on our dynamic leaderboard,” says Event Coordinator Bob Miller
“Registrants can tackle either course as many times as they please throughout the month of August and can rise up the leaderboard with every personal best. There’s a good chance a number of these categories will go back and forth between leaders as times improve throughout the 31 days of competition.”
“We're issuing a public challenge to get out and active," says PASA’s Leigh Grigg. "This is actually the first time we’ve been able to fully engage the communities in which we operate and provide an athletic challenge for all that has little - or no - financial barrier to participate. PASA is excited to re-focus on our civic duty of providing an exciting challenge that is safely executed."
“It is the honour system of course,” continues Grigg, “but our objective is to inspire people during a really tough time. When there is no personal fitness goal ahead of you, it can have some pretty negative impacts on both mental and physical health. Although this will be a fun & exciting opportunity, participants will be required to study the most recent Public Health guidelines for outdoor exercise in order to register.”
“Celebrate our 10th anniversary with us, and experience the gruelling challenge of the BPMR, presented by Bruce Power, for free.”
Those wishing to sign up for the virtual version of BPMR, presented by Bruce Power, can sign up before Aug 31, 2020, at www.brucepeninsulamultisportrace.ca
