THE MERRITT CROWN
120KM, 60KM & RELAY
3,000M of Elevation. 12-Hour Time Limit.
The 7th Annual MTB Endurance Race in Merritt, BC.
June 14, 2025
Experience the Crown as a Solo. Team of 2. Team of 4.
Registration fees
Prices are inclusive of mandatory charges, items, and fees
CROWN - 120 km
Price changes in 23 days 19 hours-
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.
-
Register for CROWN - 120 km$201.35
Solo Early Bird + processing fee
Now registering Nov. 28 – Jan. 31 -
$217.50
Solo Late Bird + processing fee
Feb. 1 – Jun. 11
-
HALF-CROWN - 60 km
Price changes in 23 days 19 hours-
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.
-
Register for HALF-CROWN - 60 km$169.04
Solo Early Bird + processing fee
Now registering Nov. 28 – Jan. 31 -
$185.19
Solo Late Bird + processing fee
Feb. 1 – Jun. 11
-
4 Person Team - 120km Relay
Price changes in 23 days 19 hours-
$410.00 total for the team = $102.50 each team member. Complete the Full Crown with a 4 person relay team. Each racer will complete a 30km(ish) section of riding with approximately 750 m of elevation.
-
Register for 4 Person Team - 120km Relay$112.49
Per Team Member Early Bird + processing fee
Now registering Nov. 28 – Jan. 31 -
$116.53
Per Team Member Late Bird + processing fee
Feb. 1 – Jun. 11
-
2 Person Team - 120km Relay
Price changes in 23 days 19 hours-
$310.00 per team = $155.00 each. Complete the Full Crown distance of 120kms, riding 60kms each.
-
Register for 2 Person Team - 120km Relay$169.04
Per Team Member Early Bird + processing fee
Now registering Nov. 28 – Jan. 31 -
$177.12
Per Team Member Late Bird + processing fee
Feb. 1 – Jun. 11
-
Race Video from our Founders!
No need to book an Airbnb or an hotel.
-- ENJOY FREE ON SITE CAMPING --
Come with your tent, RV, or Trailer Access (no hook up or showers) and enjoy a great time with like minded peps.
Quick reminder:
- Tent & camping gear not provided, please bring all your equipment
- Sites are first come, first serve, but there is plenty of room for everyone
- Port O Potties Provided on site.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO YOUR HAVING AN EMPOWERING POSITIVE EXPERIENCE AT OUR EVENTS. PLEASE READ BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.
REGISTRATION POLICY
We love our community and know and understand that life happens, things come up and we want to be as accommodating as possible with our policies.
- Registration dates are pre set at the start of each season. There are early bird, late bird and day of event prices.
- During registration on race roster you have the opportunity to add on a cancelation protection plan. This is through Race Roster Enhanced Refund Protection Program.
- Heads or Trails is not responsible for managing your refund requests.
- Refund requests can be submitted HERE via Regshield.
- We do not offer refunds on registrations, we apologize for this but our event is a fundraiser.
- If an event or distance is SOLD OUT then it is SOLD OUT. Our event permits are based on specific participant numbers and we cannot adjust these. Thank you for understanding.
- Our events do not offer bib transfers.
- If you can no longer make it due to personal reasons you have the opportunity to transfer your registration type to virtual and your event package can be mailed to you, you are responsible for paying for the shipping.
- If you are switching to a shorter distance we do not offer refunds on the price change. If you are moving up in distance then you are to pay for the difference.
EVENT CANCELATION AND TRANSFER POLICY
- Bibs are non transferable under any circumstances.
- In the situation that our event has to be cancelled due to reasons including, but not limited to, weather, forest fires, acts of nature, war, strikes or other extenuating circumstances, Heads or Trails will provide the following:
- The option to convert registration status to virtual there are no extra costs associated with this. Your event package is mailed to you and you can run or ride where you live, track your run and upload results online; AND
- Early access to registration for the same event for the following year only; a 25% discount on registration for any distance in the same event for the following year only;
AND - A 25% discount in our online store along with early access for the same event registration for the following year only;
In addition: the option for a full refund on any event merchandise that has been purchased; and the option to receive the event shirt, purchased event merchandise or any other produced event items, for the cost of shipping.
** Deferrals (with the 25% discount) are only applicable for one calendar year from the event you transfer out of (meaning the event entry can be deferred to any OTHER event, but not the same event one year later). Entries can only be deferred a single time, to a single event. - If you have extenuating personal circumstances please email info@headsortrails.ca
OUR GENDER POLICY AND COMMITMENTS
- We are committed to welcoming and celebrating every human being at our events.
- All paces included!
- We do use chip timing for those who are looking for a competitive experience and some of our events do have cut off times, however we will do our absolute best to get everyone to the finish line!
- Remember when you cross the finish line let's chat about your experience and not compare times to others.
- We know that signing up for an event, daring to dream of a goal, getting out of the house and even believing in yourself can be hard and intimidating. Do not worry we are your community! We welcome you, we believe in you, you deserve to work hard for your goals and we are going to celebrate you for being you!
- If you are nervous to sign up to participate in your first event... a great way to start is by volunteering first!
- Our events are committed to participant equality and therefore host a podium/awards ceremonies for the top 3 men, women and non-binary categories. We are also committed to equal award prizes across all genders.
- We have a kids zone table with kids activities at each of our events. (Babysitting or kid watching is not available at this time)
- Our events are committed to providing accessible washrooms.
- All of our aid stations and start/finish lines have female hygiene products available.
- Our event and store merchandise includes Unisex sizes and womens sizing.
- We do not take down our finish line and finish line food until the final runner has crossed the finish line. In the case that our permit time has reached our event we as a team are dedicated to your finish and will be there to welcome you and celebrate you in. The "stuff" around us may have had to be taken down but WE will be there for your finish!
PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM POLICY
- Whether planned or unplanned, an expected or unexpected start or end to a pregnancy, healing and recovery time are required for a women’s overall health. We are committed to this please email us info@headsortrails.ca if pregnancy has become part of your journey. We are committed to offering you event deferrals.
EVENT RULES AND VALUES
There are a few things that we must have at our events:
- Kindness - to everyone and a magnitude of gratitude for our volunteers!
- There is no reason... ever... to be leaving waste of any kind on the ground.
- Sharing the trail with other users. All of the trails and paths we event on are public trails used by mountain bikers, walkers, hikers, horseback riders and runners.
- We are courteous, respectful and share the space with everyone.
- We do not take down our finish line and finish line food until the final runner has crossed the finish line. In the case that our permit time has reached our event we as a team are dedicated to your finish and will be there to welcome you and celebrate you in. The "stuff" around us may have had to be taken down but WE will be there for your finish!
- Our core values:
Community: We believe in community as it is the fellowship, we create with others who share similar attributes, interests and goals. This community is a safe and welcome place that empowers people.
Passion & Perseverance: The strong emotion that drives you to do what you love. The endurance of never giving up, hard work and commitment.
Compassion: The simple act of loving and of caring for others.
Celebration: We celebrate and cheer for each other, our journeys, goals and accomplishments. It is the act of empowering and lifting each other up.
Diversity: A community that supports equality, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility.
Quality, Integrity & Trust: We believe that this is the quality of being honest, moral and of good character. We also believe that without truth, honesty, and reliability, we may fail. Our degree of excellence, the standard that we use to measure our objectives. It is part of what makes us who we are.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
We strive to be as green as possible. This includes:
- Being cupless events. Please bring something to drink out of at the aid stations.
- All of our event course markings are REUSED! Many times, includes all arrows, wrong ways, pink stake flags, pink flagging tape, aid station and course marshal signs.
- We DO NOT staple into any trees or live foliage.
- You can bring a reusable cup, bowl, plate and cutlery to the start/finish line to help us decrease finish line food waste.
- Serving snacks at our aid stations with tongs/grabbers. We don't want dirty hands in the bowels but our volunteers can help distribute snacks. This helps eliminate excessive paper cups or cupcake paper cups etc.
- Offering shuttle services where we can and HIGHLY ENCOURAGING CARPOOLING!
- Sourcing our event merchandise, supplies and food as local and as sustainable as possible.
FEEDBACK
Steep climbs. Loose downhills. Rolling grasslands.
Join hundreds of other riders for a tough 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.
THE FULL CROWN
120 km Full Crown - Trailforks Map
120 km Full Crown GPX File Download Link
Be READY on taking on the Full Crown! 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.
THE HALF CROWN
60 km Half Crown - Trailforks Map
60 km Half Crown GPX File Download Link
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?
FULL CROWN RELAYS:
Team of 4 riders:
Rider 1: https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501160027626286
Rider 2: https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501374335804052
Rider 3: https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501550937871150
Rider 4: https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501759777315476
Team of 2 riders:
Rider 1:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501160027626286 + https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501374335804052
Rider 2:
https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501550937871150 + https://www.strava.com/routes/3296501759777315476
CAMPING June 13-15
- Camping on site at the start/finish area is free.
- There are no hook ups or showers available.
- Port O Potty washrooms are provided.
- We respect the land we are on and are able to use. Garbage and recycling cans will be provided please ensure nothing is left behind on site.
- Please keep noise to a minimum from 9:00pm to 6:00am - our racers need some pre race sleep!
- **NO GLASS at campsite**
- Expect “wilderness” camping conditions.
- Camping will be on a first come first served basis(for best spots), though there is plenty of room for everyone.
- No camping within a 10m buffer of the trail and no blocking access to others. The land is owned by the Crown (of Canada) and we need to cooperate with other land users so we can continue to race and camp up there.
- Any racers may be asked to relocate nearby if they are blocking access.
- Camping is available Friday night and Saturday night.
- Any campers caught leaving garbage or causing a nuisance may be fined.
- The campsite is located here, right at the start/finish line. It is 5 km southwest of town on Mid Day Valley Rd. Please access the furthest camping areas first and allow latecomers to fill in remaining spots closer to the road as they arrive. See map here.
AWARDS & SWAG
- All finishers will receive a finishers SWAG. (TBA)
- Podium awards for 1-2-3 Male/Female/Non-Binary for each distance.
- Podium award times are TBA
CUPLESS EVENT
We are a cupless event. We do not provide cups for water or electrolytes at the aid stations, you must bring your own and carry a reusable cup or water bottle with you.
- We encourage the use of reusable plates, bowls and cutlery at the finish line.
PACKAGE PICKUP
TBA
CHIP TIMING - TBA
PARKING INFO
Parking is free and available at the start/finish line. Coutlee Plateau Mountain Biking Recreation Area, Thompson-Nicola, BC, Canada
DROP BAGS
There are no on course drop bags, however you are able to leave a drop bag at the start/finish line area.
EVENT GEAR NEEDED
- What should I pack?
- A: Below is a list of other items you are required to carry with you:
Cell phone (required)
Navigation device
Rain jacket
Water bottles/pack (min. 1L)
Food/snacks
Tools, tubes, patches, etc.
- Recommended Items:
Toilet paper
Money & ID
First aid kit
Chamois butter
Bug spray
Sunscreen
Sunglasses
Phone battery charger
OTHER
- There are 250 participant spots available for 2025
- Swag will be for sale at the start/finish line.
- We will have draw prizes from and other sponsors.
- There are washrooms located at the start/finish location.
- We have a kids zone tent set up with fun games and activities!
- Our event is CUPLESS please carry a reusable cup with you to grab water, F2C electrolyte nutrition or cola from our aid station.
- Our Aid Stations will be stocked with, F2C Nutrition Drink Mix, Water, Chips, Pickles, Watermelon, Bananas, Oranges, Cookies, Pretzels and Candies.
ON COURSE RULES
1.Carry a cell phone - you must be reachable at all times in case of emergency.
2. Do not rely on signage/ribbons, you must have your own source of navigation.
3. Close all gates with signage stating gate to remain closed.
4. Slower riders must let faster riders pass.
5. Racers must pass through all required checkpoints.
6. Racers must pass aid station 3 before 5:00PM to fulfill the 12-hr time limit.
THE 12 HOUR TIME LIMIT - 120KM
- The race starts at 7AM and all racers need to cross the finish line by 7PM to be eligible for prizes.
- After 5:00PM, all remaining racers will be cut off at the third aid station if they haven’t arrived yet.
- At this point racers will ride Mid Day Valley Road back to the finish line with a DNF or can be picked up by their own transportation.
- All racers who do not meet the 12 hour mark must self report a DNF or risk being barred from registering in future events.
HOW DO THE RELAY EVENTS WORK
- 4P - each racer rides 30(ish)KM segments of the 120km course.
- 2P - each racer rides 60KM of the 120KM course.
- The first rider will start at 7AM and “pass the baton” to the next rider on course at the first aid station, and so on.
- The anchor (last rider) must leave the final aid station by 5:00pm so that all racers are safely off course by 7PM.
- See relay sections and more info here.
- Each relay team member has their own plate and must pick up during set times (see above).
- Relay teams should decide who will race each section in advance and find their own transportation to/from the start/finish points.
- The start points are conveniently located at the aid stations and are all within 20km (driving) from the main start/finish line at Coutlee Plateau. Directions here.
Training Programs & Coaching
TBA
INCLUDED IN YOUR REGISTRATION
- Race entry and trail access
- Racer Podium
- Custom Racer Bibs
- Timing
- FREE ON SITE CAMPING
- Tent, RV, and Trailer Access (no hook up or showers)
- Tent & camping gear not provided, please bring all your equipment
- Sites are first come, first serve, but there is plenty of room for everyone
- Port O Potties Provided on site.
- Post-race Meal & Drink
- Complimentary Race Photos
- Donations to the Merritt Mountain Bike Association & Nikola Valley Search and Rescue
- Stocked Aid Stations
- Professional Medical Crew On Site
- Physio, massage, chiro (subject to availability)
- Tons of draw prizes to be won from our awesome sponsors
- Tunes, and GOOD VIBES
- Super rad volunteers!
Event schedule
- Fri., June 13, 2025 5:00 p.m. - Race Plate Pickup Starts (Location TBD)
- Fri., June 13, 2025 7:00 p.m. - Race Plate Pickup Closes (Location TBD)
- Sat., June 14, 2025 6:00 a.m. - Race Plate Pick Up @ Starting Line
- Sat., June 14, 2025 6:45 a.m. - Pre-Race Briefing - Full Crown + Relay Riders
- Sat., June 14, 2025 7:00 a.m. - Full Crown + Relay Race Start
- Sat., June 14, 2025 8:30 a.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #1
- Sat., June 14, 2025 8:45 a.m. - Half-Crown Pre-Race Briefing
- Sat., June 14, 2025 9:00 a.m. - Half-Crown Race Start
- Sat., June 14, 2025 11:00 a.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #2
- Sat., June 14, 2025 12:00 p.m. - Bevie Garden Opens
- Sat., June 14, 2025 12:15 p.m. - First Half-Crown Finishers Expected Arrival
- Sat., June 14, 2025 12:30 p.m. - Racer Meals (available upon arrival until 7:30 PM)
- Sat., June 14, 2025 12:45 p.m. - First Racers Expected at Aid Station #3
- Sat., June 14, 2025 2:30 p.m. - First Crown/Relay Finishers Expected
- Sat., June 14, 2025 5:00 p.m. - Awards Start
- Sat., June 14, 2025 5:00 p.m. - Aid Station #3 Cut-Off - All remaining riders (DNF) diverted to Mid Day Valley Road to finish line
- Sat., June 14, 2025 6:45 p.m. - Last Racer Group Ride-In
- Sat., June 14, 2025 7:00 p.m. - Prizes Given Out, Music, Bevie Garden Open
- Sat., June 14, 2025 7:30 p.m. - Closing Ceremonies
Contact information
- Event contact
- Heads Or Trails
- info@headsortrails.ca
- Website
- Visit website
