120 km distance. 3,000 m elevation. 12-hour time limit.
The 6th annual MTB endurance race in Merritt, BC.
Steep climbs. Loose downhills. Rolling grasslands. Join 300+ riders for a punishing ride on some of Merritt’s best trails.
This race is part navigation, part stamina.
For those of you using Trailforks to way find, you will want to update the BC region on your app.
2023 Full Crown (Trailforks)
2023 Tiara (Half-Crown) (Trailforks)
For everyone else, please download the GPX Files here.
All riders must carry a phone and call in to report a DNF.
More Details
Race Routes: 120 km Full-Crown / 60 km Half-Crown / Relay
The Full-Crown and Half-Crown: The race starts and finishes 4.8km Southwest of Merritt on Mid Day Valley Rd at the Coutlee Plateau Mountain Biking Recreation Area.
RELAY: The Relay Sections page has directions to start and endpoints for each of the 4 relay sections.
*** There have been a few small updates to the course for 2023, so please be aware of the changes. Outside of these changes, the routes remain the same as 2022. ***
JP Cool has had some rerouting in 2 areas to give it more flow. The first reroute is ~20 Meters into the trail and it now goes LEFT instead of right.
The bridge is the main line and it is looking fantastic with some nice new berms!!
The second reroute on JP Cool is about halfway down the trail and it easily flows right into the new section with some fresh berms and optional jumps. Yeoowww!
Registration fees
CROWN Closed
Online registration closed-
Take on 3,000 m of elevation over 120 km of riding. Steep climbs. Loose downhills. Rolling grasslands. A punishing ride on some of Merritt's best trails.
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$150.00
Early bird pricing
Jan. 15 – Apr. 30 -
$170.00May 1 – Jun. 14
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HALF-CROWN Closed
Online registration closed-
A little more forgiving than the Full Crown. 1,500 m of elevation over 60 km of riding. If you want to cut the misery in half, this one's for you.
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$150.00
Early bird pricing
Jan. 15 – Apr. 30 -
$170.00May 1 – Jun. 14
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RELAY Closed
Online registration closed-
Each racer will complete approximately 750 m of elevation over 30 km. A great way to share the load with friends. The relay requires you to have a 2- or 4-person team. 4P - each racer rides 30-40k segments of the course. 2P - each racer rides ~60k.
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$120.00
Early bird pricing
Jan. 15 – Apr. 30 -
$140.00May 1 – Jun. 14
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What's Included
Official 2023 Race Plate and Merritt Crown Entry
Timing
Finisher Item
Professional Medical Team
Admission to Apres party
Beer garden
Live music
Apres race meal & drink
Race entry fee includes a donation to MMBA and SAR
$10 Gift Card to Mr. Mikes Steakhouse
Free camping (subject to capacity)
A chance to win prizes from our amazing sponsors
Access to aid station snacks/refreshments
RAD VOLUNTEERS
Fee Notes and Deferral Policy
- $10-$15 from every registration will go directly toward Merritt Mountain Bike Association and Search and Rescue
- All prices listed above are subject to sales tax (5% GST in BC). All fees are payable in Canadian Dollars.
- An online processing fee will be applied to your registration for this event.
Deferral Policy
60 days before race day - 100% of your entry fees can be deferred to another Heads or Trails event
30 days before race day - 50% of your entry fees can be deferred to another Heads or Trails event
21 days before race day - No deferrals. No Refunds. No Exceptions. At this point, all of our race expenses have been incurred to put on a fantastic event! We cannot offer any exceptions beyond this point and we appreciate your understanding.
*All deferrals are redeemable within one calendar year from the deferral date, and an entry may only be deferred once
Race Cancellation Policy
If the race is unable to proceed in person for any circumstances including, but not limited to, weather, acts of nature, covid-19, or other circumstances, the event will move ahead virtually.
Bibs are non-transferable to another racer under any circumstance.
Also, please note that we do not provide transfers or refunds under any circumstances.
Thank you for your understanding!
Check out last year's race video
Event schedule
- Fri., June 16, 2023 7:00 p.m. - Race Plate Pickup Starts (@ Mr. Mikes)
- Fri., June 16, 2023 9:00 p.m. - Race Plate Pickup Closes (@ Mr. Mikes)
- Sat., June 17, 2023 6:00 a.m. - Race Plate Pick Up @ Starting Line (Coutlee Plateau)
- Sat., June 17, 2023 6:45 a.m. - Pre-Race Briefing - Full Crown + Relay Riders
- Sat., June 17, 2023 7:00 a.m. - Full Crown + Relay Race Start
- Sat., June 17, 2023 8:30 a.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #1
- Sat., June 17, 2023 8:45 a.m. - Tiara Pre-Race Briefing
- Sat., June 17, 2023 9:00 a.m. - Tiara Race Start *UPDATED*
- Sat., June 17, 2023 11:00 a.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #2
- Sat., June 17, 2023 12:00 p.m. - Bevie Garden Opens
- Sat., June 17, 2023 12:15 p.m. - First Tiara Finishers Expected Arrival
- Sat., June 17, 2023 12:30 p.m. - Racer Meals by Mr. BBQ (available upon arrival until 7:30 PM)
- Sat., June 17, 2023 12:45 p.m. - FIrst Racers Expected at Aid Station #3
- Sat., June 17, 2023 2:30 p.m. - First Crown/Relay Finishers Expected
- Sat., June 17, 2023 5:00 p.m. - Awards Start
- Sat., June 17, 2023 6:00 p.m. - Aid Station #3 Cut-Off - All remaining riders (DNF) diverted to Mid Day Valley Road to finish line
- Sat., June 17, 2023 6:45 p.m. - Last Racer Group Ride-In
- Sat., June 17, 2023 7:00 p.m. - Prizes Given Out, Music, Bevie Garden Open
- Sat., June 17, 2023 8:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies
Contact information
- Event contact
- Kara Delwo
- kara@headsortrails.ca
- Phone
- 7783444184
