**Important Announcement**
After much consideration, we’ve decided to cancel the 2019 Mighty Quail Trail race. Quite simply, we just don’t have enough runners signed-up. Everyone registered will receive a full refund (minus service fees).
We have absolutely LOVED putting on this event and are proud of what we’ve created and the $4,000 we’ve raised for Penticton Search & Rescue and the Penticton & Area Cycling Association.
At this point, we don’t know if we’ll bring the race back next year as it is or consider other distances, dates or formats. If you have any helpful feedback in that regard, please let us know!
Sincerely,
The Covey Race Crew - Andrew, Dave, Magda and Stacey
The Mighty Quail Trail 100k
The Mighty Quail Trail 100k is a challenging and scenic point-to-point race for adventurous runners who are comfortable on rugged and remote terrain. The primarily singletrack course includes obscure, technical and, occasionally, lonely trails as well as some doubletrack for a reprieve from the relentless, calf-straining climbs and quad-pounding descents. Parts of the course are steep, rocky, dusty and unforgiving. Expect sweeping valley views with massive elevation gain and loss on a variety of trail surfaces as you travel through areas of the South Okanagan unknown to most two-legged creatures.
This race is not for beginners. Seriously, we cannot stress this enough!
The finishing rate is usually around 60% so consider yourself warned.
Registration at ultrasignup.com.
The Mighty Quail Trail 100K is a non-profit event. All proceeds are donated to local charities.
RACE DETAILS
Your entry fee includes: a Mighty Quail souvenir, a finisher's prize, fully-stocked aid stations, a hot meal with local beer at the finish line and AMAZING volunteer support.
Our Race and Crew/Spectator Guides will be posted here once they are updated for 2019. Please check back later.
Refunds & Transfers: This is a non-profit event. We are not issuing refunds or transfers. If you can’t race, you’ll be happy to know that your unused race entry fee will be going to support a local charity. Past race proceeds have gone to Penticton Search & Rescue and the Penticton & Area Cycling Association.
Race date: September 28
Race start: Skaha Lake Park
Start time: 6:00am
Race finish: Okanagan Lake
Finish line cut off: midnight (18 hours*)
*Yes, we know 18 hours isn’t very generous, but we’re not extending it so please don’t ask us to!*
For the safety of racers and volunteers, on-course cut-offs will also be enforced.
These cut-offs will be provided to runners prior to race day.
Can’t get enough MQT 100k news? Check out our past race updates:
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
Registration at ultrasignup.com.
ABOUT THE MQT
Are you Mighty enough for the Mighty Quail?
Have you run an ultra before? This should not be your first; believe us when we say you are probably not ready. This is a challenging 100 kilometer event designed for truly adventurous and experienced trail runners who are comfortable on rugged and remote terrain. It is not a beginner-level ultra.*
While not mandatory, we highly recommend all Mighty Quail participants successfully complete a tough 50+ kilometer race within the past year. You should be a self-sufficient backcountry user with experience running alone and with limited resources. Cell service is intermittent, aid stations are infrequent and water sources are few and far between on the course.
*We don't want to make anyone feel bad. There are a lot of great newbie-friendly ultras out there, ours is just not one of them.
We want to support you (but not too much)
There will be aid on the course; however, it will be more limited than many races. Plan to be self-sufficient in terms of hydration and nutrition, and prepared to go 3-5 hours between aid stations. We will also be providing a mandatory gear list for all racers and expect you to adhere to it. There will be random checks along the course.
Who are we and why are we doing this?
Your race organizers are Penticton-ites who crave adventure and wanted an excuse to spend more time on the trails. We are putting on this race because we love our local backcountry and wanted an excuse throw an all-day running party. Yes, we take some pleasure in the fact that you might not finish, but we’re mainly just interested in sharing our beautiful trails and drinking a pint with you at the finish whether you ran 100 kilometers or not!
We’re also a non-profit organization, and proceeds from the race support local groups that share our values. The 2018 recipient(s) will be posted shortly.
(Not exactly a) Course Description
If you’re looking for a detailed description of the course, you’re not going to find it here. Sure, we could outline every rock, turn, hill, downed tree and moose dropping along the way but then it wouldn’t be much of an adventure now would it. We realize this approach might be disconcerting for some runners, and if that’s the case, well, then maybe this isn’t the race for you. Better to find that out now then on race day, right.
What we will tell you is this: The course will be well flagged on the day of the event but there is little to no signage otherwise so keep that in mind if you have plans to pre-run the course. (Anyone training on the course should also be aware that sections cross private property and the landowners are wonderful people but they do not appreciate trespassers so please don’t be one!)
Still want to be a Mighty Quail? Let us deter you some more…
As race organizers, we reserve the right to enforce cut-off times as we see fit, route the course the way we like and make it as difficult as we want. We MAY share a general course map with you prior to race day but it will not be finalized until we say it is so please don’t bug us about it before then. Nagging makes us Grumpy Grouse and Grumpy Grouse do unpredictable things like bump up cut-off times and add vertical.
Know that you will suffer. The route is never flat, always difficult and just when you think you're done climbing, you're not, and when we say it's all downhill, we might be less than truthful. For our inaugural year, we failed to mention that there was a creek crossing (or “major river” crossing as some described it) so this is us, telling you right now, that at some point your feet will get wet and we don’t feel bad about it.
Don't take our word for it. Read what past racers have said:
Running on Thoughts
Along a Path
Burn Trail
Canadian Ghost Runner
So who should sign up?
Well, if you've read this far without getting frightened or offended, then YOU probably should. You're likely to be our kind of runner i.e. you love a challenge and don't mind suffering alone on difficult trails in the middle of nowhere. If that sounds like you, then by all means sign up and we'll see you in September!
Register now at ultrasignup.com.
VOLUNTEERS
The only thing as good as running the Mighty Quail 100k is volunteering at it! Below is a list of the jobs available. If you're interested in volunteering, please email mightyquail100@mail.com.
Start (5-6:10am): racer check in, set-up and take down
Finish (6pm-midnight): finish line timing, post-race food/drink prep, general racer assistance
Aid Station duties include: checking racers in/out, feeding and hydrating racers, cheerleading, photos, first aid
Aid Station 1 Wiltse
Aid Station 2 Morris Creek FSR
Aid Station 3 Garnet Fire Site
Aid Station 4 Campbell Mtn
Aid Station 5 Rusty Muffler
Sweep Leg 1 - 15km (start to Aid Station 1)
Sweep Leg 2 - 23km (Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 2)
Sweep Leg 3 - 14km (Aid Station 2 to Aid Station 3)
Sweep Leg 4 - 19km (Aid Station 3 to Aid Station 4)
Sweep Leg 5 - 16km (Aid Station 4 to Aid Station 5)
Sweep Leg 6 - 13km (Aid Station 5 to the finish)
FAQS
Where can I get a more detailed course map?
The 2018 course is available though Trailforks. Any changes for 2019 will be uploaded prior to the race.
What's the elevation gain?
Approximately 4,500m meters.
Is there a maximum number of participants?
Yes, the race is capped at 80.
Do you offer refunds or transfers?
Nope.
Where does my registration fee go?
After we've paid for permits, porta potties, aid station and post-race food and drink, and racer schwag, all proceeds will go to local non-profit organizations.
Can I do the race as a relay?
No, this is strictly a solo event.
Are pacers allowed?
Pacers are allowed for the final 29kms after you’ve completed the Campbell Mountain section.
How many aid stations are on the course?
There will be five full aid stations located on the course.
What is provided at the aid stations?
Food (the usual ultra fare), water, medical aid and cheerleaders.
Can we use drop bags?
Yes, drop bags will be available at aid station #3 which is around the halfway point.
What are the cut-offs time?
There is an overall cut-off time of 18 hours, as well as cut-offs at each aid station.
What happens if I don’t make the cutoff?
Try again next year.
Are dogs allowed?
No, for the safety of your pet we are not allowing dogs to run the event. There are limited water sources for your furry friend so this might not be the best race for your trail buddy to tag along.
After much consideration, we’ve decided to cancel the 2019 Mighty Quail Trail race. Quite simply, we just don’t have enough runners signed-up. Everyone registered will receive a full refund (minus service fees).
We have absolutely LOVED putting on this event and are proud of what we’ve created and the $4,000 we’ve raised for Penticton Search & Rescue and the Penticton & Area Cycling Association.
At this point, we don’t know if we’ll bring the race back next year as it is or consider other distances, dates or formats. If you have any helpful feedback in that regard, please let us know!
Sincerely,
The Covey Race Crew - Andrew, Dave, Magda and Stacey
The Mighty Quail Trail 100k
The Mighty Quail Trail 100k is a challenging and scenic point-to-point race for adventurous runners who are comfortable on rugged and remote terrain. The primarily singletrack course includes obscure, technical and, occasionally, lonely trails as well as some doubletrack for a reprieve from the relentless, calf-straining climbs and quad-pounding descents. Parts of the course are steep, rocky, dusty and unforgiving. Expect sweeping valley views with massive elevation gain and loss on a variety of trail surfaces as you travel through areas of the South Okanagan unknown to most two-legged creatures.
This race is not for beginners. Seriously, we cannot stress this enough!
The finishing rate is usually around 60% so consider yourself warned.
Registration at ultrasignup.com.
The Mighty Quail Trail 100K is a non-profit event. All proceeds are donated to local charities.
RACE DETAILS
Your entry fee includes: a Mighty Quail souvenir, a finisher's prize, fully-stocked aid stations, a hot meal with local beer at the finish line and AMAZING volunteer support.
Our Race and Crew/Spectator Guides will be posted here once they are updated for 2019. Please check back later.
Refunds & Transfers: This is a non-profit event. We are not issuing refunds or transfers. If you can’t race, you’ll be happy to know that your unused race entry fee will be going to support a local charity. Past race proceeds have gone to Penticton Search & Rescue and the Penticton & Area Cycling Association.
Race date: September 28
Race start: Skaha Lake Park
Start time: 6:00am
Race finish: Okanagan Lake
Finish line cut off: midnight (18 hours*)
*Yes, we know 18 hours isn’t very generous, but we’re not extending it so please don’t ask us to!*
For the safety of racers and volunteers, on-course cut-offs will also be enforced.
These cut-offs will be provided to runners prior to race day.
Can’t get enough MQT 100k news? Check out our past race updates:
September 2018
August 2018
July 2018
Registration at ultrasignup.com.
ABOUT THE MQT
Are you Mighty enough for the Mighty Quail?
Have you run an ultra before? This should not be your first; believe us when we say you are probably not ready. This is a challenging 100 kilometer event designed for truly adventurous and experienced trail runners who are comfortable on rugged and remote terrain. It is not a beginner-level ultra.*
While not mandatory, we highly recommend all Mighty Quail participants successfully complete a tough 50+ kilometer race within the past year. You should be a self-sufficient backcountry user with experience running alone and with limited resources. Cell service is intermittent, aid stations are infrequent and water sources are few and far between on the course.
*We don't want to make anyone feel bad. There are a lot of great newbie-friendly ultras out there, ours is just not one of them.
We want to support you (but not too much)
There will be aid on the course; however, it will be more limited than many races. Plan to be self-sufficient in terms of hydration and nutrition, and prepared to go 3-5 hours between aid stations. We will also be providing a mandatory gear list for all racers and expect you to adhere to it. There will be random checks along the course.
Who are we and why are we doing this?
Your race organizers are Penticton-ites who crave adventure and wanted an excuse to spend more time on the trails. We are putting on this race because we love our local backcountry and wanted an excuse throw an all-day running party. Yes, we take some pleasure in the fact that you might not finish, but we’re mainly just interested in sharing our beautiful trails and drinking a pint with you at the finish whether you ran 100 kilometers or not!
We’re also a non-profit organization, and proceeds from the race support local groups that share our values. The 2018 recipient(s) will be posted shortly.
(Not exactly a) Course Description
If you’re looking for a detailed description of the course, you’re not going to find it here. Sure, we could outline every rock, turn, hill, downed tree and moose dropping along the way but then it wouldn’t be much of an adventure now would it. We realize this approach might be disconcerting for some runners, and if that’s the case, well, then maybe this isn’t the race for you. Better to find that out now then on race day, right.
What we will tell you is this: The course will be well flagged on the day of the event but there is little to no signage otherwise so keep that in mind if you have plans to pre-run the course. (Anyone training on the course should also be aware that sections cross private property and the landowners are wonderful people but they do not appreciate trespassers so please don’t be one!)
Still want to be a Mighty Quail? Let us deter you some more…
As race organizers, we reserve the right to enforce cut-off times as we see fit, route the course the way we like and make it as difficult as we want. We MAY share a general course map with you prior to race day but it will not be finalized until we say it is so please don’t bug us about it before then. Nagging makes us Grumpy Grouse and Grumpy Grouse do unpredictable things like bump up cut-off times and add vertical.
Know that you will suffer. The route is never flat, always difficult and just when you think you're done climbing, you're not, and when we say it's all downhill, we might be less than truthful. For our inaugural year, we failed to mention that there was a creek crossing (or “major river” crossing as some described it) so this is us, telling you right now, that at some point your feet will get wet and we don’t feel bad about it.
Don't take our word for it. Read what past racers have said:
Running on Thoughts
Along a Path
Burn Trail
Canadian Ghost Runner
So who should sign up?
Well, if you've read this far without getting frightened or offended, then YOU probably should. You're likely to be our kind of runner i.e. you love a challenge and don't mind suffering alone on difficult trails in the middle of nowhere. If that sounds like you, then by all means sign up and we'll see you in September!
Register now at ultrasignup.com.
VOLUNTEERS
The only thing as good as running the Mighty Quail 100k is volunteering at it! Below is a list of the jobs available. If you're interested in volunteering, please email mightyquail100@mail.com.
Start (5-6:10am): racer check in, set-up and take down
Finish (6pm-midnight): finish line timing, post-race food/drink prep, general racer assistance
Aid Station duties include: checking racers in/out, feeding and hydrating racers, cheerleading, photos, first aid
Aid Station 1 Wiltse
Aid Station 2 Morris Creek FSR
Aid Station 3 Garnet Fire Site
Aid Station 4 Campbell Mtn
Aid Station 5 Rusty Muffler
Sweep Leg 1 - 15km (start to Aid Station 1)
Sweep Leg 2 - 23km (Aid Station 1 to Aid Station 2)
Sweep Leg 3 - 14km (Aid Station 2 to Aid Station 3)
Sweep Leg 4 - 19km (Aid Station 3 to Aid Station 4)
Sweep Leg 5 - 16km (Aid Station 4 to Aid Station 5)
Sweep Leg 6 - 13km (Aid Station 5 to the finish)
FAQS
Where can I get a more detailed course map?
The 2018 course is available though Trailforks. Any changes for 2019 will be uploaded prior to the race.
What's the elevation gain?
Approximately 4,500m meters.
Is there a maximum number of participants?
Yes, the race is capped at 80.
Do you offer refunds or transfers?
Nope.
Where does my registration fee go?
After we've paid for permits, porta potties, aid station and post-race food and drink, and racer schwag, all proceeds will go to local non-profit organizations.
Can I do the race as a relay?
No, this is strictly a solo event.
Are pacers allowed?
Pacers are allowed for the final 29kms after you’ve completed the Campbell Mountain section.
How many aid stations are on the course?
There will be five full aid stations located on the course.
What is provided at the aid stations?
Food (the usual ultra fare), water, medical aid and cheerleaders.
Can we use drop bags?
Yes, drop bags will be available at aid station #3 which is around the halfway point.
What are the cut-offs time?
There is an overall cut-off time of 18 hours, as well as cut-offs at each aid station.
What happens if I don’t make the cutoff?
Try again next year.
Are dogs allowed?
No, for the safety of your pet we are not allowing dogs to run the event. There are limited water sources for your furry friend so this might not be the best race for your trail buddy to tag along.