120 km distance. 3,000 m elevation. 12-hour time limit.
The 7th annual MTB endurance race in Merritt, BC.
June 15, 2024
Steep climbs. Loose downhills. Rolling grasslands. Join hundreds of other riders for a punishing ride on some of Merritt’s best trails.
This isn't just a race, it's a mountain biking experience like you've never had before.
Details:
Distances: 120 KM / 60 KM / RELAY
All riders must carry a phone and call in to report a DNF.
Course Maps:
120 km Full Crown - Trailforks Map
120 km Full Crown GPX File Download Link
60 km Half Crown - Trailforks Map
60 km Half Crown GPX File Download Link
Relay (2p/4p):
🗺 All Relay GPX Files can also be found on our website event page:
https://www.headsortrails.ca/merritt-crown-xc-2024
THE CROWN: If you're taking on the Full Crown, just know it's a beast to be reckoned with. Crush 120 KM in 12 hours, and prepare to ride the pain train while you climb to the peaks and gain 3,000 meters of elevation. It will demand mental resiliency as it tests your endurance and stamina time and time again and requires you to keep your wayfinding wits about you even when you're exhausted to stay on track.
HALF CROWN: The Half Crown promises to test your stamina and get your lungs burning with 1,500 M of elevation and 60 km of riding. The terrain isn't any easier than the Full Crown, but you'll experience a few less soul-crushing climbs. That counts for something, right?
RELAY: 2-4 person teams required, with approximately 30 km of riding for each section. Our Relay is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to come out for a damn good time with some buddies and still earn their post-race beers with a challenging 30 km of riding. A great opportunity to dip your toes in and get a feel for what we're all about. Test out the terrain, and choose the section that suits your riding style best. This one's a guaranteed good time.
Please Note: Due to the nature of a 120 KM & 60 KM distance race, you will be required to cross roads and highways as well as ride along stretches of road throughout the race. Helmets are MANDATORY and you must take the utmost care when crossing roads or riding alongside traffic.
Registration fees
CROWN - 120 km Closed
Online registration closed-
The Full Crown is a challenging 120-kilometer ride with a 12-hour time limit and an elevation gain of 3,000 meters. The route involves steep ascents, challenging loose downhill sections, and no shortage of wayfinding through rolling grasslands. Riders can expect a grueling experience along some of Merritt's finest trails, encountering punishing terrains throughout the course.
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$175.00
Early bird pricing
Nov. 30 – Dec. 31 -
$190.00Jan. 1 – May 14
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$210.00May 15 – Jun. 12
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HALF-CROWN - 60 km 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 climbs in half but still want your fair share of the sufferfest, this one's for you.
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$175.00
Early bird pricing
Nov. 30 – Dec. 31 -
$190.00Jan. 1 – May 14
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$210.00May 15 – Jun. 12
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RELAY ~30 km Closed
Online registration closed-
A 2- or 4-person relay. Join the 4-person relay where each racer will complete a ~30km section of riding with approximately 750 m of elevation. Or, join the 2-person relay where you'll each take on 60 km of the fun and embrace the suck a little more while you climb approximately 1,500 M each. A great way to share the load with friends, dig in your heels for your share of the ride, and be sure to have a damn good time.
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$125.00
Early bird pricing
Nov. 30 – Dec. 31 -
$140.00Jan. 1 – May 14
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$150.00May 15 – Jun. 12
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What's Included
INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION
- Race entry and trail access
- Finisher Medals
- Custom Racer Bibs
- Timing
- FREE CAMPING
- Tent, RV, and Trailer Access
- Tent & camping gear not provided, please bring all your equipment
- Sites are first come, first serve, but there is plenty of room for everyone
- Post-race Meal & Drink (beer/pop/juice)
- Complimentary Race Photos
- Donations to the MMBA & NVSAR
- Stocked Aid Stations
- Professional Medical Crew On Site
- Physio, massage, chiro (subject to availability)
- Awards ceremony with prizing for top 3
- Tons of draw prizes to be won from our awesome sponsors
- Beer Garden, Tunes, and GOOD VIBES
- Super rad volunteers!
Fee Notes and Deferral Policy
- Donations from every registration will go directly towards Merritt Mountain Bike Association and Nicola Valley Search and Rescue.
- An online processing fee will be applied to your registration for this event.
- All prices listed above are subject to sales tax (5% GST in BC). All fees are payable in Canadian Dollars.
Deferral Policy
60 days before race day - 75% 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 cannot 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.
If you purchased the Race Roster Registration Refund Protection during registration, follow the link to find out how to request your refund. This is a third-party refund process, meaning Heads or Trails is not involved and cannot help with any refund-related questions or issues.
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 a previous year's race video
Event schedule
- Fri., June 14, 2024 6:00 p.m. - Race Plate Pickup Starts (Location TBD)
- Fri., June 14, 2024 8:00 p.m. - Race Plate Pickup Closes (Location TBD)
- Sat., June 15, 2024 6:00 a.m. - Race Plate Pick Up @ Starting Line
- Sat., June 15, 2024 6:45 a.m. - Pre-Race Briefing - Full Crown + Relay Riders
- Sat., June 15, 2024 7:00 a.m. - Full Crown + Relay Race Start
- Sat., June 15, 2024 8:30 a.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #1
- Sat., June 15, 2024 8:45 a.m. - Half-Crown Pre-Race Briefing
- Sat., June 15, 2024 9:00 a.m. - Half-Crown Race Start
- Sat., June 15, 2024 11:00 a.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #2
- Sat., June 15, 2024 12:00 p.m. - Bevie Garden Opens
- Sat., June 15, 2024 12:15 p.m. - First Half-Crown Finishers Expected Arrival
- Sat., June 15, 2024 12:30 p.m. - Racer Meals (available upon arrival until 7:30 PM)
- Sat., June 15, 2024 12:45 p.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #3
- Sat., June 15, 2024 2:30 p.m. - First Crown/Relay Finishers Expected
- Sat., June 15, 2024 5:00 p.m. - Awards Start
- Sat., June 15, 2024 6:00 p.m. - Aid Station #3 Cut-Off - All remaining riders (DNF) diverted to Mid Day Valley Road to finish line
- Sat., June 15, 2024 6:45 p.m. - Last Racer Group Ride-In
- Sat., June 15, 2024 7:00 p.m. - Prizes Given Out, Music, Bevie Garden Open
- Sat., June 15, 2024 8:00 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies
Contact information
- Event contact
- Kara Delwo
- kara@headsortrails.ca
- Phone
- 7783444184
