Penticton’s reputation as an adventure sport destination has earned the city a chance to host another signature event.
The 2025 Adventure Racing World Championships will be hosted by the South Okanagan city in September 2025.
The event will bring more than 440 athletes and 1,700 support crew to Penticton from around the world.
Jeff Plant, Penticton’s sport and event supervisor, called it “an exciting opportunity” to showcase the city and region to the world.
“We all know we’re so lucky to call such a spectacular setting home and this is a chance to promote Penticton and inject a serious economic boost during shoulder season,” he explained.
“Hosting this world championship will add to our reputation as the place to be for these types of events.”
This unique adventure race is an endurance event that will see teams of athletes trek, mountain bike and paddle through more than 700 kilometres of terrain in British Columbia.
It begins with a race sign-up, conference and expo in Penticton before the teams are transferred to a remote starting location.
The finish line, however, is back in Penticton and will be open for 10 days, meaning teams have that long to make their way back to the South Okanagan.
So, much like a long-distance dog sled race, there’s unlikely to be a photo finish and some teams will finish days apart, with the winners expected to complete the race in around five days.
Local adventure tour operator Hoodoo Adventures was part of the effort to bring the Adventure Racing World Championships to Penticton and CEO Lyndie Hill is certainly excited about it.
“The vibe and commitment these athletes and their crews bring is so special,” she noted.
“Teams come from around the world to test themselves and to embrace the culture of the community. We know Penticton will be an exceptional host and want to thank the City for their support.”
Penticton council is pitching in $50,000 in financial support for the event, which is expected to bring an estimated $2.5 million in direct and indirect economic impact for the city.
To learn more about what the Adventure Racing World Series is all about, click this link.
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