Trail runners from the Vancouver area have long ventured in very specific directions when choosing routes and events in which to partake — Squamish, North Vancouver for example. Thanks to a new series launching this spring, there is now an opportunity to check out some new terrain in the opposite direction, and it’s getting people pretty excited.The Fraser Valley Trail Running Race Series (FVTR) launches on June 8 with Bear Mountain in Mission, BC following by Manning Park, in Lightning Lake, BC on July 27.FVTR is led by race directors Jenny Quilty and Katrina Abram along with managing director Matt Holbrook.“We want to share the trails of the Fraser Valley with everyone,” says Quilty. “So many people drive out to the coast to run or race on the trails there on the weekends and we want people to know and experience the beauty we have right here! We've got some amazing hiking trails and mountain biking trails along lakes and with big climbs and amazing views.”Bear Mountain is located 15 minutes from Abbotsford, BC, and is a true gem that many in the Fraser Valley running community adore. Its side by side sister, Red Mountain, is where the 21km route extends showcasing both mountains in this beautiful location right in the Fraser Valley.“Both locations are uniquely beautiful,” says Abram. “The trail network in Vancouver can be oversaturated sometimes and we're proud to share our little hidden gem of an area to everyone. There is more than enough space for everyone to explore and feel that they find their own space. On local trails, runners will notice steeper (often described as 'punchy') climbs, fewer stairs or built-in pathways, with technical single track due to the pitch of descents and often varied terrain between roots and rocks.”

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The Bear Mountain race has distances of 8km, 12km and 21km while Manning Park will offer distances of 10km and 21km.Quilty and Abram also operate Pacific Pine Running and offer 12-week clinics starting in April.“This is our very first year as a team!” Quilty explains. “Our events manager, Matt Holbrook, has been running events in the sports world for years so his job is to make sure the event goes smoothly. Our job (Katrina and Jenny) is to direct the race. We're runners and racers ourselves who have been in this sport and running for over 10 years. We have raced locally and internationally so we want to use those experiences to make sure our races brings the full experience of trail running to others.”Post run, there will be local food vendors and beer from Old Yale Brewing.Each runner will receive a medal upon finishing and there will be prizing for the top three male and female racers of each distance. The group will be donating money from each runner's registration to the respective first aid attendants, Mission Search and Rescue for Bear Mountain and Canadian Ski Patrol for Manning Park.For more information or to register for a race, visit www.fvtr.ca