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Fifth annual Test of Humanity approaching

Test of Humanity fundraiser aims to help build schools in Ethiopia

Riders from across Canada will be in Summerland on Sept. 20 for the fifth annual Test of Humanity Mountain Bike race.

It is a family fun day with events for all ages and abilities. Peachland’s Evan Guthrie of the Canadian national team will be competing again this year to defend his course record of eight laps.

The categories are: the 30-minute test (ages three to six), one-hour test (ages seven to 10), the two-hour test, (ages 11 to 15), the test ride (one lap only for ages 16 and over) and the four-hour test (ages 16 and over).  When determining age category, it will be governed by the riders actual age on race day.

Local sponsors including the Bike Barn, True Grain Bakery, Backyard Beans, Nester’s Market and Summerland Rental Centre are all there to look after the well-being of the athletes and the spectators.

“The race is all about giving, both locally and globally,” said race director Nic Seaton in a release. “It brings out the best in people.”

In four years, the Test of Humanity has raised over $178,000 to build a school in rural Ethiopia and support vulnerable children receive an education. The goal is to raise funds for Canadian Humanitarian’s projects that support vulnerable and at risk children to receive an education. A local filmmaker, Chris Stenberg, travelled to Ethiopia in 2013 and created a short documentary film recounting the work done by Canadian Humanitarian and the Test of Humanity. The documentary is available on the Test of Humanity website www.testofhumanity.com.