A fall challenge on character trails. Often muddy, wet and slippery. Two distances to choose from, with a classic climb to the summit of Stewart Mountain on the long course.

Returning to the traditional weekend in early December in 2019 was a great success, so expect to see us back then in December.

December 5, 2021

NOTE: DUE TO COVID, THE RACE WILL HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY PROVINCIAL HEALTH AUTHORITIES AND BY BC ATHLETICS BEFORE PROCEDING

Course Description

The races begin at the main beach of Thetis Lake and quickly take you off into the character single-track sections of the park. The long course summits Stewart Mountain for some beautiful views; pause to enjoy! The short course follows similar trails out and then turns back toward the beach at the Aid Station.

Location

Thetis Lake Park, Victoria BC. Start and finish near main beach.
Park in the main lot at the end of Six Mile Road.

Distance / Sanctioning

The classic long course is approximately 10 Miles (16 km) and the shorter course approximately 5.5 Mile (8.8 km). This cross country event is sanctioned by BC Athletics.

Start Times

The main start for the long course is 11:30 a.m. An early start option of 11:00 a.m. is available for those expecting to take over 2h15. If you are new to the race, we suggest using your road half marathon time as a guide.

The start for the short course is 12:00 noon. No early start.

Course

The short course is relatively flat with undulations and a mix of main trails, technical single track, and forest double tracks.  The long course adds more tracks and a significant climb and descent.  It should not be your first trail race, and you should be in half marathon shape.  Depending on the weather there could be mud, deep puddles, flowing streams, downed trees, snow, ice, and rain – whatever it's all good!

Courses will be well-marked and marshaled but participants are responsible for watching for directional indicators at all times.

Registration

Please pre-register online or by mail with a paper entry form. Early bird rates until October 31st. Note: Online Registration closed at 7am Saturday, December 4th, 2021.  In-person race day — cash or cheque only.  Limit of 600 entries.  For a 2019 Printable ENTRY FORM, please see attachments at the bottom of this file.

Entry Fee

• $ 30 Early-bird registration fee until October 31st, 2021
• $ 35 November 1st to December 4th, 2021
• $ 40 Race day — cash or cheque only, no discounts

Age Categories

Men's and Women's:

• 19 and under
• 20-29
• 30-39
• 40-49
• 50-59
• 60 and over

Package Pickup

• Sunday, December 5th, 2021 10:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Thetis Lake main beach, with a cut off 15 minutes before each start.

Amenities

Port-a-potties at the start/finish area.  Tents with heaters.  Warming food and beverages at the finish (save a disposable — bring your own cup or mug).   Free massage and physio by Saanich Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic available at the beach for participants.  Overall and age-group awards. 

 

Harriers Foundation

The Harriers Foundation has awarded many bursaries and scholarships since its inception: the Gunner Shaw Athletic Bursary, John Thipthorpe Computer Science Scholarship, Susan Reid Civil Engineering Bursary, Arthur Taylor Track and Field Award, Ken Smythe Cross Country Bursary, Rosamund Dashwood Fine Arts Scholarship and Sandy Auburn Environmental Studies Scholarship. Stewart Mountain is one of four running events that is designated to annually support Harriers Foundation initiatives including new scholarships, bursaries, medical research, athlete travel, our youth development program and many other charitable projects within the community.

Race Results

Complete results will be available on the Prairie Inn Harriers website pih.bc.ca and at racestats.org.

• 2019 results: 10 Mile   5 Mile | photos: by Joseph Camelleri on Facebook
• 2018 results: 10 Mile   5 Mile | photos: album on FB by Joseph Camilleri, on GD by John Sampson | Victoria Sports News story: Andrew Russell and Patricia Roney win 2018 Stewart Mountain Challenge
• 2017 results: 10 Mile   5 Mile
• 2016 results: 10 Mile   5 Mile
• 2015 results: 10 Mile   5 Mile
• Complete List of Stewart Mountain Race Winners

Information

Visit pih.bc.ca/stewartmountain (this page), e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

https://www.facebook.com/PIHStewartMountain ◊