May 26/09 11:16 am - MOMAR Adventure Race #1

Posted by Editoress on 05/26/09
 

Record Numbers, Beautiful Skies and a New Champion for MOMAR's First Race of the Season (May 23rd, Squamish BC)

Perfect spring conditions prevailed for the record number of racers who participated in the Coast Mountain Sports Mind Over Mountain Adventure Race (MOMAR), held this past Saturday in Squamish. Bart Jarmula of Revelstoke was crowned the new MOMAR champion, coming in just ahead of current MOMAR Cumberland champ, North Vancouver's Gary Robbins. Victoria's Shane Ruljancich was a close third overall.

"Bart Jarmula ran an incredibly clean race, finishing the 'enduro' course (57 km) in 4 hours and 53 minutes, almost 20 minutes in front of Gary Robbins", says Race Director, Bryan Tasaka. "Gary fought hard to get from 5th place to 2nd place, after losing time in the orienteering section, which was truly impressive."

Just as impressive was the first-class race course, planned by professional adventure racer Jen Segger of Squamish. With Segger's help, MOMAR became the first race authorized to use the very prominent 700 metre massive granite cliff face, the Stawamus Chief. "It was definitely the most spectacular setting we've had in our 27 race history, especially the rappel" says Tasaka. "If permitting allows, the Chief will remain a focal point of the MOMAR Squamish."

The MOMAR required teams to navigate through 23 checkpoints. Race stages included trail running, mountain biking, orienteering with bushwhacking, trekking up the Chief and a river crossing.

Although the enduro class course was on the long side for a typical MOMAR, the results were nonetheless remarkable. Team 2 Slow, Kevin Hodder of Whistler and LJ Wilson of Squamish, finished first in the 'team of two' category in 5 hours and 45 minutes. Team Helly Hansen Vancouver Island, consisting of Justin Mark, Jeff Riemer, Carey Sather and Kristenn Magnusson, all from Nanaimo, finished first in the 'team of four' category in 5 hours and 28 minutes. Sarah Seads of Courtenay is still the reigning solo female champ, finishing in 6 hours and 31 minutes.

At only fifteen years old, MOMAR's youngest competitor, Aaron Walmsley of Chemainus, with his teammate and dad, Roger Walsmely, placed 9th in the 'team of two, male' category, finishing the 'enduro' course in 6 hours and 50 minutes. Canadian adventure racing legend and seven time Eco-Challenge competitor, Bob Faulkner of North Vancouver, crossed the finish line in 7 hours and 15 minutes, with his teammate Jon Bula of Vancouver.

The 30 km 'sport' course was a new addition to the MOMAR Squamish this year, with 16 registered teams. Teammates Helen Johnston and Chris Mussell, both of North Vancouver, came in first overall for the 'sport' course, finishing in 5 hours and 2 minutes.

Huge thanks go out to the Squamish community and landholders for supporting this event.

The final event in the Coast Mountain Sports Mind Over Mountain Adventure Racing Series will be held in Cumberland, BC on September 26, 2009. In addition to experiencing a world class race course and superb post-race festivities, participating in a MOMAR also means you'll be supporting MOMAR's official charity, the Make-a-Wish Foundation. For more information on racing, volunteering and MOMAR training clinics, check out www.mindovermountain.com or call 1.866.912.3331.

Press release

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