Multisport races (that are not triathlons)

It’s summer and if you’ve been training hard this year to prepare for race season, you’re likely in great condition. Your big race may have passed. Why not try a multisport race?

These races are multisport but have nothing to do with triathlons. You’ve already mastered running, but how are you at kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding and cycling? Here are a few ideas if you’re getting interested in adventure racing.

The Bruce Peninsula Multisport Race

This event, held on Aug. 8 in Wiarton, Ont. offers two main options to participants. The 100K Buff Long Course is the more intense option which attracts the wildest contenders. Those signing up for the event have to test their endurance in a 16 km kayak in Georgian Bay followed by a 32 km bike involving climbs. After that, runners can make up space in the 16 km run along escarpment trail. Then it’s back on the bike weaving through forest trail for 30 km and a 5 km run to the finish.

Participants must bring along mandatory gear which they are responsible for. Signing up costs $170.00 for this event of participants sign up by Aug. 1. Winners receive a round trip flight to Whitehorse.

If this sounds daunting, there’s a shorter option. That’s called the 25K Suntrail Source for Adventure. Athletes start with a 4K paddle or a 5K shore run. From there, they hop on a mountain bike and explore some double track for 15K. A 5K cross-country run brings participants to the finish. Mountain bikes and kayaks are available for rent for anyone signing up for the event. Maps for both events are kept secret until race weekend.

Storm the ‘Scarpment

This event offers a 25K option for people newer to this kind of racing as well as a 42K option for runners who want something a little tougher.

This year’s event runs on Sept. 19 and has been revamped from previous years.

Set in Milton’s Kelso Conservation Area, participants have to be able to paddleboard, mountain bike, run on trails and canoe or kayak. The longer course has athletes tackle a 13 km run, a 700m paddleboard followed by 26 km of mountain biking and a 2.5 km paddle to the finish.

Those who sign up are responsible for supplying their own gear and paddleboard but kayaks and canoes can be rented for an increased entry fee.

Storm the Trent

This event is available to solo runners but many choose to participate in pairs or teams of four.

It’s located at Trudeau Park Resort where the race starts with a 60 km mountain bike ride. Once that’s completed, runners who sign up for the event will love the 14 km trail run. The course finishes with a paddle lasting 13 km. The total is approximately 87 kilometres.

Those who participate solo must arrange for their kayak themselves but teams looking to rent canoes can rent from the event.

For $49, teams get a canoe delivery at the event along with the required safety gear. Runners looking to sign up better have excellent navigation skills though as some of the sections are unmarked.