Bathurst readies for Nepisiguit Challenge adventure race

The first annual NepisiguitChallenge will see participants cycle, run, and paddle 130 kilometres from the mouth of the Nepisiguit River at Mount Carleton Provincial Parkto the beach at Daly Point Nature reserve in Bathurst.

The event is meant to showcase the area's natural beauty while promoting healthy, active lifestyles.

"The department decided to take up on this race to promote the area and the natural beauty that we have from the Appalachianrange down to the shorelines of the Chaleur Bay," said Ryan Hache, acting director of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism for Bathurst.

"We have 21 people signed up so far."

The two-day race on Oct. 8-9 has attracted athletes from across the province.

Day 1consists of 40 kilometresof cycling, 11 km of canoeing or kayaking, and 12 km on foot.

Organizers will meet the athletes at each checkpoint with gear needed for the next leg. Following Day 1, athletes will camp out at Rogers Lake Lodge, along the Nepisiguit Mi'qmak Trail, in tents.

Day 2 will have participants biking 30 km, trekking 13 km, and paddling 25 km to the finish line at Daly Point Nature Reserve in Bathurst.

Highest peak to lowest point in Bathurst

The adventure race is not for the faint of heart, but for athletes in relatively good shape, organizers say the challenge is possible to complete.

"I have people coming into the interpretation centre at Daly Point looking at the map and rubbing their chin, thinking 'You know, I'm working out at the gym and I bike,'" said Janet Doucet, who runs Daly Point in Bathurst.

"And I say 'Maybe you can do this! You should give it a try.'"

Doucetis part of the Nepisiguit Challenge committee and ensures the race followsCanadian Adventure Racing Association standards for an environmentally conscious racing event.

The committee's goal is to leave the smallest environmental footprint possible.

"It starts in Mount Carleton park and that's in the protected natural area," said Doucet.

"There is a small footpath cut through there that the competitors will be running. I believe it's 12 km. And that was done in the least intrusive manner possible, following natural contours."

Twenty-one athletes have registered for the event, though organizers have made room for 80 participants. Teams of up to four people, co-ed or single gender, are accepted.

While most of the athletes racing this year will be from New Brunswick, organizers hope to attract international talent and tourists in the coming years.

"We have natural beauty inBathurst. We didn't have to build it or pay for it. It's here," said Doucet

"And what better way than an outdoor event like this, a challenge to showcase what we have in the North, from the highest peak, down to the lowest point near the water?"