With less than two weeks left until the 2023 Emperor’s Challenge, there are still about 200 spots open.
This is down from the heady days of 2019, when the 1000 person race completely filled up in under four hours.
But the next two races were cancelled due to Covid, and when the race came back last year, the number of participants was down by nearly 400.
This year, there are 790 people signed up for the 20 km race, and another 41 signed up for the kids’ race; 8 for the 4 km race, and 33 for the 2 km race.
The race only expanded to 1000 participants in 2013. Previous to that, the cap was 800.
Historically, some people have camped up at the Core Lodge, but the Emperor’s Challenge committee is asking that nobody camp there, just because parking is at a premium.
“We understand that it has been a tradition for some to camp there the night before the race and that accommodations are already full in Tumbler Ridge that weekend,” says Committee Member Cresta Tulpin. “Don’t Worry, we have a Plan B for those who initially planned to camp at Core Lodge. The Lion’s Campground has graciously allowed that their field be used for Emperor’s Challenge campers for only $160/night. This cost will be divided among the total number of camper/tent etc. to a maximum of 100 people.”
If you have are looking for camping for this year’s Emperor’s Challenge, contact Cresta at admin@fringefocusmedia.ca to book a space.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
