Getting into the annual North Shore Credit Union Test of Metal is almost as hard as the race itself, selling out for the last 10 years running. The speed at which the race sells out also gets faster every year, as fast as the technology will allow anyway, and last year the race sold 800 general registrations in just over 22 minutes.
If you're planning to race this year and missed the local registration, you're going to want to be online at least five minutes before registration opens at 6 p.m. on Jan. 1, and have your information handy including credit card numbers. Fast typing is also an asset. You can register up to four people so it makes sense to get together with friends somewhere with a fast internet connection to increase your chances of getting into the event.
Registration is accessible through www.testofmetal.com.
The NSCU Test of Metal is a 67-kilometre point-to-point mountain bike race in Squamish, with over 35km of singletrack.
Whistler Half Marathon registration on Sunday
The inaugural running of The North Face Whistler Half Marathon was a huge success, with all 750 spots selling out just hours before the end of the early bird rates. Organizers added another 50 spots, which sold out almost instantly.
There's a good chance that interest will be high again for this year's race, taking place on Saturday, June 2, so early registration is recommended.
The registration gets underway on New Year's Day, Jan. 1 at 9 a.m. The early bird rate is $78 until Feb. 29.
The run is 21.1 kilometres, starting and finishing at Whistler Olympic Plaza, following a mix of road and valley trail. The route will be similar to last year, weaving in and out of neighbourhoods.
For more information and registration visit www.whistlerhalfmarathon.com.
New this year, the organizers of the event have added a new component to the race — the Little Rippers kids run. This non-competitive fun run takes place at Whistler Olympic Plaza and will follow a one kilometre route through the village. The distance is designed for kids aged 5 to 9 but all ages are welcome. Younger kids can run with a parent at their side.
King of the Rail drops into Whistler
The opening King of the Rail rail jam is set for Friday, Dec. 30 at the base of Whistler Mountain. Registration is from 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. at Showcase, followed by a rider meeting. The jam session runs from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., followed by the awards — with the athletes themselves voting for the winners.
The cost is $15 to enter, with a portion of the fee going to the top skier or rider in each category.
As well as cash prizes, the participants are eligible to win draw prizes from Showcase, Burton, Atomic, Nintendo, Telus, DNA and others.
The setup will be similar to last year with a few different lines and options set up for participants. There's no limit on the number of runs you can take, but you'll have to wait your turn
Helmets are mandatory and mouthguards recommended, and minors need a waiver signed by a parent or legal guardian.
Future events are on Jan. 7, Feb. 11 and Mar. 3.
