Impressive Terrain and Blue Skies for the First Annual MOMAR Burnaby
News Release / 31.05.2011
Burnaby, BC - May 30, 2011. The Atmosphere Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR) launched its 12th season this past Saturday, May 28th, with its inaugural race on Burnaby Mountain.The race began and ended at Burnaby's Barnet Marine Park. "It was a perfect place to both start and end the race," says Race Director, Bryan Tasaka. "The sun came out and the sky cleared early in the afternoon, so there was a large, energy-filled crowd at our stunning oceanfront finish line."
The routes of both the 30km Sport Course and 50km Enduro Course were unknown to participants until race morning. Racers were required to reach 36 checkpoints along the 50km course, which began with a 10km kayak up Indian Arm. There were three mountain biking stages up and around Burnaby Mountain, totaling 28km; and a 3km trek. There was also a 9km orienteering section that required racers to use a map and compass to find checkpoints around SFU. The Sport Course had all the same elements of the Enduro Course, only 20km shorter.
Course Director, Gary Robbins, was confident racers would be pleased with the views and the quality of the trails that were utilized in the race. "There was incredibly positive feedback from MOMAR racers about the race route, especially the single track and the unique orienteering section that highlighted the architecture of SFU," says Robbins.
"The race for the top spots was extremely tight," says Race Director, Bryan Tasaka. Todd Nowack of Central Saanich took the top overall spot, coming in at 4:25:00. "With eight overall wins, Todd has set a new MOMAR record, formerly held by Dave Norona of North Vancouver," says Tasaka.
Bart Jarmula of Revelstoke came in second overall with a time of 4:33:00, with Shane Ruljancich of Victoria following only by 55 seconds. Sarah Seads of Courtenay took first place in the solo female category, coming in at 5:27:00. Mike Conway and Dave Viitakangas, both of Whistler, were top in the team of two categories with an impressive finish time of 4:47:29. The top team of four, coming in at 5:17:34, consisted of Jen Segger of Garibaldi Highlands, Geoff Langford of Nelson, Scott Covey of Vancouver and Damilo Caron of Kamloops.
Trevor Espenant and Don Grossman of Courtenay came in first overall for the Sport Course, with a time of 3:20:23. Teammates Chad and Jennifer Oatway of New Westminster came in first in their category and third overall at 3:29:44.
Over 170 racers and 90 volunteers came from Washington State, Oregon, Idaho, Alberta and all over BC to take part in the MOMAR. "Over 100 room nights were booked in Burnaby as a result of this event," said Matthew Coyne, Executive Director of Tourism Burnaby. "The MOMAR was an excellent opportunity to showcase the incredible terrain on Burnaby Mountain and promote the area to the adventure tourism market."
The next MOMAR will take place in Cumberland, BC on September 24th, 2011. Information on racing, volunteering and MOMAR training clinics is available at <a href="#" onClick="javascript:newsitewindow('http://www.mindovermountain.com/momar/')" class="main">www.mindovermountain.com/momar/</a>.
