Mayhem ensues June 20 (2 photos)

Last June, Randi Lachapelle was standing at the start line of the Miners Mayhem, unsure of the obstacles that lay ahead and her ability to overcome them.

It marked the first official fitness event for the 46-year-old, self-described “new athlete” after making the decision to get fit only a few months prior.

“I keep moving forward one obstacle at a time,” she said, recalling the day. “I can hear the people cheering me on along the trail, helping to keep me going ... An enormous 12-foot wall stands between me and the finish line. I do not allow myself to hesitate, simply keep up the pace and tackle the wall. Before I know it, I'm at the top. I have done it.

“Crossing the finish line that day gave me a great sense of personal accomplishment,” she added.

On June 20, she'll be lined up, once again, at the start line of the fourth annual Miner's Mayhem, ready to tackle the muddy, 6.5-km mining-themed obstacle course at Adanac Ski Hill and Rotary Park Trails.

Donna Smrek, race director and founder, said she is hoping to reach 750 participants at this year's event, presented by Adventure Ski & Cycle.

New this year is a team challenge event, championed by Optimum Health Centre, where five “miners” will complete the course sharing one timing chip.

“You all have to finish together — it's that no-miner-left-behind mentality,” Smrek said. “It just adds an element of fun. You get a group of people together climbing through the mud, and pushing each other over and under obstacles.”

Smrek said she looks forward to watching people complete the course each year.

“We've had almost 100 per cent of participants come across the finish line, some laughing, some crying because they couldn't believe they could do it,” she said. “It's just fantastic to watch people challenge themselves and the look on their face when they meet the challenge.”

As the event has grown each year, so too has its ability to give back to the community. Each year, a different local charity is selected to benefit from funds raised through the Miner's Mayhem. This year's beneficiary is the Human League Association's PLAY (Positive Leisure Activities for Youth) Program.

“The PLAY Program is about getting children off the sidelines and putting them into the game,” said Leanne Lavoie, executive director, Human League Association. “One in three local families can't afford to enroll their children in sport.”

Last year, more than 400 children received assistance from the program.
“The partnership with this event is such a beautiful fit — adults going out for the day to play, and in turn, we'll be allowing kids play in the activity of their choice,” Lavoie added.

On Saturday, there will be a registration blitz at Adventure Ski & Cycle, 444 Barrydowne Rd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Registrants will receive a $55 coupon from the store toward a new pair of shoes.

Those who register before March 15 will also receive two weeks of Mayhem boot camp, which includes two sessions each week at Adanac Ski Hill. The price will increase March 15 at midnight.

Register online at theminersmayhem.com or in person at Adventure Ski & Cycle. For more information, email [email protected] or phone 705-665-3198.