With longboards in hand, speed demons from across the globe will converge on Britannia Beach for the 2010 Gold Rush Challenge this weekend (May 29 to 30).
Approximately 150 daredevil racers from the Philippines, Australia, Brazil, Chile, Scandinavia and across Europe are scheduled to rip down a 3.5-km stretch of Britannia Beach road reaching top speeds of 100 km-h.
The course features, a 1,000-ft. vertical, five corners and three hairpin turns - something event organizer Lee Cation called one of North America's most aggressive downhill longboard courses.
Free ride, qualifying and slope style races will be held on Saturday while the Gold Rush Challenge race will take place starting at 9 a.m. on Sunday.
Racers will compete in four-person heats in four categories, open, women's, junior (under 16 years old) and over 30 with $2,000 in cash up for grabs.
Spectators are invited to watch longboarders zip through the course at no cost. A free shuttle bus will be available throughout the day, allowing for spectators to enjoy the full length of the racecourse.
For information on the race visit www.goldrushchallenge.ca.
