Coast Mountain Trail Running (CMTR), organisers of trail running events in coastal British Columbia, Canada, have announced a new paddle partnership with Blackfish Paddles for the second edition of the Conquer the Vedder 2023 event held on 27 and 28 May 2023.

Conquer the Vedder is designed exclusively for stand-up paddleboarding, trail running and gravel cycling/biking. Participants can choose between two race formats – SOLO (SUP – RIDE – RUN – RIDE course over 48km in total) and RELAY (SUP – RIDE – RUN course over 53km).

The current course records are 3h49m for the Solo race, and 3h23m for the Relay race, though that relay team had Lina Augaitis-Dye (Canadian SUP Champion) and Michael Van den Ham (Canadian Cyclocross Champion) so it’s a steep challenge to better that time for a team.

“We are excited to be partnering with Coast Mountain Trail Running and supporting their unique racing event in May. Conquer the Vedder brings together athletes from SUP, trail running and cycling into a multisport race and allows them to compete together,” said Peter Allen of Blackfish Paddles who competed in the last year event. “We think it is a great concept and are looking forward to attending with our own Team Blackfish.”

Cultus Lake and Vedder Mountain offer unparalleled trail and water access with hundreds of kilometers of singletrack trails guaranteeing unique sports experience in one of the most scenic parts of the world.

“Last year I had an amazing time racing at Conquer the Vedder and I can’t wait to yet again compete at such an amazing location. While it can be a very challenging course and test of endurance, the community and fellow racers make it a race I’ve had marked on my calendar all of the off-season,” commented Blackfish Team Rider Evan Gerbrecht. “For years I’ve competed in SUP racing but I actually grew up running cross-country and have gotten into biking a lot more since the pandemic so this race is a real blend of some of the best ways to get outside. As well, Cultus Lake and Vedder Mountain are two places I haven’t raced before but loved exploring throughout a great day of racing. Can’t wait to get back to the start line of this awesome event!”

Photo Credit: Scott Robarts / Conquer the Vedder