Events sponsored by Red Bull are known for pushing people to the extremes, and an endurance competition on the North Shore today was no different.
For the second year in a row, dozens of runners, bikers and kayakers put themselves through the ultimate test at Grouse Mountain this morning.
For a gruelling three hours, 23 teams made up of three members each tackled treacherous terrain, steep climbs and descents for the top prize at the second annual Red Bull Divide and Conquer endurance race.
The race consists of three events, beginning with running. Participants run 12 kilometres to reach the top of Grouse, ascending almost 6000 feet.
“It’s pretty gnarly – lots of roots and rocks,” says runner Joren Titus. “This year is good. It’s been dry for the week, so it will be a little more stable. Last year, the trails were totally saturated. You just plant your foot, and it will give way. So it is like crazy 52 minutes of trail running and then 30 minutes of steep Grouse Grind type terrain. It’s good fun.”
The next leg puts mountain bikers to the test, making their way 30 kilometers down to the Cleveland Dam.
“The descending is unbelievable,” says mountain Biker Ricky Federeau. “It is the North Shore of Vancouver. It is world renowned for its difficulty, and I am super excited to get out there and just slay those trails.”
Then for six kilometers, the kayakers are under pressure to take on the Capilano River and make it first to Ambleside.
“This is not the hardest river, not even in this area,” says kayaker Toby Roessingh. “But it is a hard thing to race down because it combines a lot of different skill sets. You’ve got to have the technical competencies to handle the white water.”
Teams are competing not only for bragging rights, but for a $3,900 purse that is divided among the top three teams.
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