Twin Lakes Golf Resort is transforming itself from a golfers’ retreat to an obstacle course.
Manager Katie Swanson reached out to Mudd, Sweat and Tears Canada to bring the event after experiencing the hard and relentless course at Crystal Mountain in West Kelowna last May.
“It was just really great to have a complete stranger encouraging everyone. I think there were 1,800 people there,” said Swanson, who wanted to challenge herself since she’s not athletic. “Every time you came over the top of the mountain, there was something else to challenge you. I want other people to experience it. I want everyone to be able to get that feeling.”
Swanson said despite the rainy, cold weather, “Everyone was in a vibrant mood.”
“Complete strangers were helping everyone over the obstacles, through the mud,” she added. “It was a beautiful experience.”
Now the South Okanagan can experience something similar with the Halloween edition on Nov.1.
By having the course alongside the golf course, which is surrounded by mountains, Swanson said participants will enjoy the scenery. The Halloween-themed event has 350 people signed up.
John Reed, of Mudd, Sweat and Tears Canada, said those numbers are good for a late season race in the fall.
“It’s really as much about celebrating and getting the most out of the obstacle course race season,” said Reed, adding that the event is also being used as a big push for their early May race in Kelowna. “It’s super-fun. It’s a flowy course. Costumes are very much encouraged. We will have some good mud features. It’s a really nice site in terms of topography and elevation gains and descents.”
People can sign up the morning of the event, though the majority register in advance.
Swanson added that all the money from the event is going to charity in support of the Breakfast Clubs of Canada. Prizes are also available to be won.
Reed said they are always looking for locations to host events annually and said the Okanagan is a good market for them. He added that Twin Lakes looks like a good partner.
“I would love it to come to Twin Lakes every year,” said Swanson. “It’s just a great way for us to extend our season as well.”
To register, check www.muddsweatandtears.com.