Teams of 4 will complete a trekking course that includes hiking, score orienteering, mountain biking and paddling. The event will be staged over two days, and Saturday evening will include a BBQ, campfires, beer and entertainment!

The course will cover a variety of intermediate terrain, including paddling sections across Barrier Lake. The route will not be excessively difficult, and has been designed to ensure accessibility to a wide range of competitors, specifically first-time adventure racers.

Teams will compete for top times each day and best overall time for the event. Challenges will test more than just athletic ability, and will encourage teamwork and cooperation. The course will cover approximately 30km each day including hiking, mountain biking and canoeing sections. Throughout each day there will also be a few interesting challenges/obstacles that will require some teamwork to negotiate.

The principal goals of the event are to raise money for Alberta Ecotrust and to build awareness of environmental issues in Alberta’s mountain parks. The event has been designed to provide a fun outdoor experience while educating participants on responsible recreation in Alberta’s wilderness. We are committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience that promotes outdoor recreation while reinforcing the principals of environmental stewardship and conservation.

Anyone! Alberta Ecotrek is designed as the adventure race for beginners and more advanced racers. We encourage corporate teams, family teams and groups of friends. Bring together a team of four, anyone interested in a great weekend outdoors, some fun, adventure and friendly competition.

Alberta Ecotrek will be hosted at the YMCA’s Rocky Mountain YMCA/Camp Chief Hector near Canmore, Alberta, and will utilize the existing trail system in Bow Valley Provincial Park. The participants will pass along the lower reaches of the Kananaskis River, across Barrier Lake and will continue along to the East side of Hwy 40. Day 2 will utilize the trail system and orienteering course around Mt. Yamnuska on the west side of the Trans-Canada highway.

The race will take place over the weekend of September 10th and 11th 2005. The following schedule shows the breakdown of the racing days:

Saturday, September 10th

07:00 Participant registration and accommodation check-in
09:30 Day 1-Race briefing
10:00 RACE START
10:00 ­ 17:00* RACE
17:30 ­ 19:00 Evening BBQ Dinner and Drinks
19:00 ­ 24:00 Evening entertainment

Sunday, September 11th

07:00-08:00 Participant breakfast
08:00 Day 2-Race briefing
08:30 RACE START
08:30-2:30* RACE
03:00-3:30 Awards ceremony and wrap-up
* Mandatory cut-off

1. What is an adventure race?
Like a triathalon, an adventure race is a multisport race that combines the disciplines of mountain biking, hiking, canoeing/rafting, orienteering, and ropes. Adventure races can range from a few hours to a few weeks.

2. Can I do this race if I have never done one before?
Absolutely. This race is geared towards those that want to see what adventure racing is all about and is designed for those with little to no experience with the sport.

3. Do I need to take an orienteering course?
Not if you don’t want to. In order for your team to place higher in the rankings, a good understanding of orienteering would be an asset. However, if you are just out to have some fun, training will be provided at the race.

4. Do I need to bring my climbing gear?
No. The Alberta Ecotrek will not have a ropes section and therefore, climbing gear will not be required for the race.

5. How much do I need to train for this race?
Training is a matter of personal preference and it all depends on how comfortable you want to be on the course. This will be more strenuous than a 5km run. But, it will not be as difficult as a marathon. The race will take an average of about 4-5 hours per day for a team, so gauge your physically ability around that.

6. Will food be provided at the race?
Dinner will be provided both Saturday and Sunday night of the race and a small breakfast will be provided on Sunday morning before racing starts. You are in charge of all your food during the race.

7.Is there a minimum age to race?
Yes. You must be 18 in order to sign up for this race.

8. Can I sign up for the race by myself first and find teammates later?
Yes. Simply fill out the registration and place the other competitors names as “TBD” and send us an e-mail when you have found more teammates.

9. How do I cancel a registered team?
You must provide at least 1 month advance notice of race cancellation or risk loss of entry fees. Prior to 1 month, race registration can be cancelled through an email.

10. Do I need a support person for my team?
Yes. Each team is required to bring a race support person. This person will act as the team driver and will help the team transport equipment around the race site in their vehicle. The team driver can also stay overnight on Saturday at Camp Chief Hector for an additional fee of $50.00. This includes accommodation, meals and entertainment Saturday night.

Please note that each team can bring ONE VEHICLE only to park at the site. We suggest that you bring a vehicle large enough to accommodate the four race participants and the required race equipment (bikes). Any teams that bring more than one vehicle will have to find their own off-site parking.

11. Can I bring my own canoe?
No, Canoes will be provided by the race and due to transportation and transition zone requirements it will not be possible to use your own canoe.

12. Can I bring my own bike?
Yes. You must use your own bike for the race.

13. What are the accommodations for the race?
There are 2 types of accommodations at the Rocky Mountain YMCA, indoor dorms and outdoor teepee’s. These will be booked on a first come first served basis (based on team registration).

14. What are the race fees?
Race fees will be $250 per person or $1000 per team.

15. What other gear do I need for this race?
Check out our gear page on this website for a listing of all other mandatory and recommended gear for the race.

16. How many people do I need on my team?
4 people per team is required for the Alberta Ecotrek. There will be no teams of 2 or solo entries.

17. Do the teams have to be Co-Ed?
No. Teams can be mixed, all male, or all female. All will be racing for the same title as there will be no separate category for different team composition.

18. How do I sign up?
Visit the registration page for more details. Hurry! Racing spots are a hot commodity in this race.

19. How do I make a donation for the race?
Please visit our donations page on this website or drop us an email.

20. How can I volunteer for the race?
Please visit our volunteer page or drop us an email.