The annual Tears & Gears Mountain Duathlon will be returning to Fernie for its fourth year, with some new activities and fun being added to the yearly race.
Since its commencement, the race has seen riders sweat through the tears on the mountain course, both on their feet for 10 kilometers and on wheels for an additional 12.
Last year, a new enduro course was added as an extra challenge for downhill riders looking to up the stakes with a 20 km run and 25 km bike course.
This year, the race has expanded even further to include Fernie’s littlest riders, with a kid-friendly four-kilometer loop through the Ridgemont Trails catered to kids eight and older.
Co-founders and friends Abi Moore and Kristi Turcasso, one a runner, the other a biker, established the event.
Moore said, “Tears & Gears was born in 2010 and has been, and always will be, an approachable and fun race for runners and bikers of all ages and abilities, with the Fernie competitive aspect thrown in there for good measure!” she added.
Turcasso, agreed noting, “I think the heart of this event is that it is such a supportive environment. Competitors wait until everyone crosses the finish line, cheering one another on.”
The race kicks off on Saturday, September 6 outside the Fernie Aquatic Centre with registration closing that day.