Be. The. Bear.
Welcome to the P.A.C.E Trail Race Series where we host a variety of events in beautiful British Columbia. We are a small, family owned series who's goal is simple. To offer runners a professional, memorable, scenic and challenging race series that feels inclusive, welcoming and rewarding.
We work hard to keep our events on the 'grass roots' side of things. We are all about those special handmade, home grown touches; apple pies, jams, handmade ceramic finishers medals, handmade stained glass, coffee (roasted by the race director and her husband) and ensuring runners have an experience that feels more like coming home or a family reunion.
We have strong environmental & community values, such as composting, recycling and we support local charities and donate a portion of our race fees back to the trail groups that build, maintain and advocate for the trails we are so privileged to enjoy.
In terms of our courses - our series is very diverse. We have 3 totally different races that we host in the Okanagan and 1 race we host in the high alpine mountains in the Kootenays. The terrain and landscapes are all unique and not one race course will leave you feeling like the other. They do have a few things in common, however. They're all really challenging and scenic, combine all the best trail networks each area has to offer.
We want to thank you for taking time to visit the P.A.C.E. Trail Runs website and we hope to welcome you into the #pacefamily in 2023.
We work hard to keep our events on the 'grass roots' side of things. We are all about those special handmade, home grown touches; apple pies, jams, handmade ceramic finishers medals, handmade stained glass, coffee (roasted by the race director and her husband) and ensuring runners have an experience that feels more like coming home or a family reunion.
We have strong environmental & community values, such as composting, recycling and we support local charities and donate a portion of our race fees back to the trail groups that build, maintain and advocate for the trails we are so privileged to enjoy.
In terms of our courses - our series is very diverse. We have 3 totally different races that we host in the Okanagan and 1 race we host in the high alpine mountains in the Kootenays. The terrain and landscapes are all unique and not one race course will leave you feeling like the other. They do have a few things in common, however. They're all really challenging and scenic, combine all the best trail networks each area has to offer.
We want to thank you for taking time to visit the P.A.C.E. Trail Runs website and we hope to welcome you into the #pacefamily in 2023.
Nimble Bear was the second race we added to our series in 2014. It takes place in beautiful West Kelowna and has become known for its stunning views, sweet single track and of course, the "monster climb." It's a very challenging race with huge rewards and many use it as a rewarding early season "A" race or as an early season prep for some of their bigger goals ahead.
The majority of the race takes pace on incredible single track that has been built and maintained by our friends on the West Kelowna Trail Society and a portion of your entry fee goes back to supporting this awesome trail group. PACE also sponsors the trail called "sweet street" which couldn't be more perfect for us, as that's exactly how we feel about the course, the community and our commitment to creating a positive and unforgettable experience for everyone in the Nimble Bear family. It's all sweet stuff.
Our team would like to acknowledge that Nimble Bear takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx people and we celebrate and honour all the history that exists within this amazing park.
Our team would like to acknowledge that Nimble Bear takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Okanagan Syilx people and we celebrate and honour all the history that exists within this amazing park.
REGISTRATION OPENING FALL 2023.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS.
STAY TUNED FOR MORE DETAILS.
Date: April 13, 2024
Events: 25k, 50k Nimble Bear has an unforgettable course that circumnavigates Rose Valley Reservoir, that is ran twice in our 50k event. Double the challenge, double the views and double the fun! Runners leave the start/finish area at Rose Valley Elementary school and quickly funnel through the school gates before hitting the first of many climbs. Runners can expect 95% single track trails and our friends at West Kelowna Trail Society are the one's who work so hard behind the scenes to build and maintain such high quality tracks. |
The first 3.5km of the course climbs near 500m and the first descent is just a sample of what's to come, such as Swamp Donkey, Cattywumpuss and Rooster Tree just to name a few of our fav's. Some say the crux is the "Monster Climb" (formally named City on the Edge of Forever) but we feel that Bare Bones is where runners make it or break it, as the final 5km is not walk in the park.
One big loop (or two). One big family. One big celebration. It's the perfect early season race to prime you for what's ahead later in the season.
Kids Race
The distance is about 1.5km and all ages are welcome, however we typically see kids aged 5 to 10 participate. Kids under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult. It's fun event and not timed. Each kid gets a bib and finishers treat. The entry is $5 and 100% of the proceeds go towards the Canadian Mental Health Association, more specifically Georgia's Wish. Registration is online or in-person the morning of the race.
One big loop (or two). One big family. One big celebration. It's the perfect early season race to prime you for what's ahead later in the season.
Kids Race
The distance is about 1.5km and all ages are welcome, however we typically see kids aged 5 to 10 participate. Kids under the age of 5 must be accompanied by an adult. It's fun event and not timed. Each kid gets a bib and finishers treat. The entry is $5 and 100% of the proceeds go towards the Canadian Mental Health Association, more specifically Georgia's Wish. Registration is online or in-person the morning of the race.
Course
Course Maps
- Interactive or printable.
- GPX File here.
- click maps below to enlarge.
- Interactive or printable.
- GPX File here.
- click maps below to enlarge.
Schedule & Details
Date: |
April 13, 2024 |
Distances: |
25k, 50k, kids race. |
Start Times: |
50km - 7:00am 25km - 9:00am Kids - 9:15am |
Pre-Race Briefing: |
Mandatory 15min before each race start. |
Early Package Pick-Up: ID must be shown by the registered runner. You cannot pick up a bib for someone else. No exceptions. Thank you. |
Friday April 12, 2024 Fresh Air Experience / 1656 Dilworth Drive, Kelowna 5:00pm to 7:00pm Sleep in and hit the express "nexus" check-in the morning of the race between 7:00 and 7:50am. Special swag for early package pick up & 20% off in-store shopping. Runners can enter a draw for a chance to win a free pair of Salomon Pulsar Pro shoes, Salomon 45L Outlife Duffle Bag and a Trailblazer 20L backpack. |
Day of Race Package Pick-Up & Check-In: ID must be shown by the registered runner. You cannot pick up a bib for someone else. No exceptions. Thank you. |
Saturday April 13, 2024 Rose Valley Elementary School - CLICK FOR MAP. 50km - 6:00am to 6:45am 25km - 7:00am to 8:30am Kids - 8:30am to 8:50am |
Parking: |
There is currently construction in-front of the school where we normally have ample room to park. You will need to park throughout the residential areas, however please be mindful and we ask you to please car pool this year as parking will be tight. Runners may need to get dropped off at the school and overflow parking can be found in the RDCO parking area across from Starlight Crescent, West Kelowna Rd or Lloyd Jones Road for street parking. |
Award Ceremony: |
Prizing will be handed out to the top 3 male and female in each distance as they finish. There is no official award ceremony. |
Aid Stations
Please bring a foldable bowl to receive food at the aid station and a race mug if you want coke or other fluids (no bowls, plates or cups will be at food stations).
Aid Stations also act as check points, therefore it’s mandatory that you check in at both aid stations. Please have your race bibs on the front of your body and visible.
Runner Assistance: Runners may not receive assistance outside of designated Aid Stations by anyone other than another registered active runner. This standard is enforced for fairness to all runners. You are, however, allowed to receive assistance from a crew within Aid Station boundaries so long as your crew does not impede other runners or race staff.
Aid Stations also act as check points, therefore it’s mandatory that you check in at both aid stations. Please have your race bibs on the front of your body and visible.
Runner Assistance: Runners may not receive assistance outside of designated Aid Stations by anyone other than another registered active runner. This standard is enforced for fairness to all runners. You are, however, allowed to receive assistance from a crew within Aid Station boundaries so long as your crew does not impede other runners or race staff.
DISTANCE |
25KM |
50KM |
DROP BAGS |
CREW ACCESS |
11km |
Aid 1 |
Aid 1 |
No. |
Vehicle access. |
20km Reservoir Road |
Aid 2 |
Aid 2 |
No. |
Hike or bike in only. |
25km Rose Valley School |
N/A |
Aid 3 |
Yes. |
Start/finish area. |
36km |
N/A |
Aid 4 |
No. |
Vehicle access. |
45km Reservoir Road |
N/A |
Aid 5 |
No. |
Hike or bike in only. |
Drop Bags
- 50km runners are allowed one drop bag at aid station #3.
- Drop bags are to be dropped off by you, on race morning at aid station #3 at the school. Directions and information will be supplies race morning.
- Please label clearly with your name, bib # and first and last name.
- Runners are responsible for picking up their drop bags after the race. If any belongings are left behind, it is your responsibility to pick up or pay any shipping fees to have it delivered.
- Do to leave any valuables in your bag as we are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
MANDATORY GEAR
There is NO mandatory gear at Nimble Bear. It is a very supported event with numerous check points and close proximity to residential areas. Having said that, we strongly encourage everyone to assume personal responsibility, and ensure you arrive prepared and carrying a basic first aid kit, emergency blanket, warm layers from head to toe and a hat/sunscreen in warm conditions.
There is NO mandatory gear at Nimble Bear. It is a very supported event with numerous check points and close proximity to residential areas. Having said that, we strongly encourage everyone to assume personal responsibility, and ensure you arrive prepared and carrying a basic first aid kit, emergency blanket, warm layers from head to toe and a hat/sunscreen in warm conditions.
CUT-OFF'S
STRICTLY ENFORCED CUT-OFF
The 25km event has one cut-off time.
STRICTLY ENFORCED CUT-OFF
- The 50km event has 3 cut-off times.
- The 1st is at the 3rd aid station at 12:30pm. This gives runners 5.5 hrs to complete 25km of the full 50km course.
- The 2nd is at the 5th aid station at 3:30pm. This gives runners 8.5 hrs to complete approx. 45km of the full 50km course.
- The 3rd is at the finish line at 5:00pm. This gives runners 10 hrs to complete the full 50km course.
- If a runner arrives at a checkpoint after the published cut-off time, they will be discontinued and taken back to the finish area.
The 25km event has one cut-off time.
- The 25km event has 2 cut-off times.
- The 1st cut-off is at the 2nd aid station at 2:30pm. This gives runners 5.5 hrs to complete 20km of the full 25km course.
- The 2nd cut-off time is at the finish at 5pm. This allows participants 8hrs to complete the full 25km distance.
- If a runner does not arrive at the finis line within 8hrs they will receive a DNF.
Environment
Our team has a deep love for Mother Earth and we are committed to the following sustainable practices. Thanks for helping us make a positive impact on the environment.
- Our races are cup-less. Athletes need to bring a reusable cup, or hydration pack for replenishing at aid stations and at the finish line.
- Our aid stations use compostable & recyclable containers.
- Our races provide reusable bags at package pick-up.
- We have the option to opt out of a t-shirt when registering. We work with 100% sweatshop free & eco-aware companies who are socially and environmentally responsible.
- We offer consumables, such as coffee as race swag which have compostable packaging.
- Our race bibs are recyclable. Athletes can hand their bibs in to be recycled at the finish area.
- We course mark with reusable flagging and signs.
- Our waivers are all digital and online.
- We offer recycling & composting at all of our aid stations.
- We offer recycling & composting at our start/finish line.
REGISTRATION
DISTANCE |
NOV 6 |
RACE CAP |
25km |
$125 |
125 |
50km |
$160 |
125 |
Please visit our FAQs for our deferral & refund policy & read the race rules before registering. Racers have 24hrs to request a full refund after completing registration if they don't agree with our policies. After that time, our policy goes into effect and no refunds will be issued. Thank you for your cooperation.
Bird's Eye on our Policies
* We do not offer waitlists or refunds.
* Deferral options are available with specific timelines listed on our website.
* Registrations are non-transferable, and no credits will be issued.
* You can move down in distance until April 19th, however, you can not move up in distance.
* If you decide to move down in distance, no credit will be given.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of cancellation of the event for reasons including, but not limited to, weather, forest fires, acts of nature, war, strikes or other unforeseen circumstances, PACE Sports Fitness will provide a limited refund and credit towards the next year’s event.
Bird's Eye on our Policies
* We do not offer waitlists or refunds.
* Deferral options are available with specific timelines listed on our website.
* Registrations are non-transferable, and no credits will be issued.
* You can move down in distance until April 19th, however, you can not move up in distance.
* If you decide to move down in distance, no credit will be given.
PLEASE NOTE: In the event of cancellation of the event for reasons including, but not limited to, weather, forest fires, acts of nature, war, strikes or other unforeseen circumstances, PACE Sports Fitness will provide a limited refund and credit towards the next year’s event.
What's Included
- Custom soft-style cotton t-shirt custom design (option to opt out at registration if preferred).
- Speciality coffee, locally roasted by Rifugio Coffee Roasters
- Custom PACE shoe bag.
- Finish line snacks & lunch including vegan and GF options.
- Donation towards the West Kelowna Trail Crew efforts & membership.
- Custom home-made finishers medals.
- Beautiful hand crafted awards for top 3 male & 3 female in each distance.
- Special awards for anyone participating in their 5th Nimble Bear.
- A memorable running experience that the whole family can enjoy in beautiful West Kelowna.
- Custom soft-style cotton t-shirt custom design (option to opt out at registration if preferred).
- Speciality coffee, locally roasted by Rifugio Coffee Roasters
- Custom PACE shoe bag.
- Finish line snacks & lunch including vegan and GF options.
- Donation towards the West Kelowna Trail Crew efforts & membership.
- Custom home-made finishers medals.
- Beautiful hand crafted awards for top 3 male & 3 female in each distance.
- Special awards for anyone participating in their 5th Nimble Bear.
- A memorable running experience that the whole family can enjoy in beautiful West Kelowna.
We know there are a lot of really great race options out there for you to choose from and it means a lot to us that you're considering adding Nimble Bear to your 2023 race calendar and goals. Hugs! #PACEFAMILY