The annual Freak’ n Farmer obstacle course race will once again attract hundreds of competitors from across the South Okanagan and many other parts of Canada. The event takes place Saturday morning at the beautiful Covert Farms, located about five kilometres north of the Town of Oliver off of Hwy. 97. Spectators are welcome to take in the action and enjoy good food and entertainment. (Photo supplied)
There will be acres of obstacle race fun to conquer when the Freak’n Farmer returns to Covert Farms near Oliver this coming Saturday.
The day-long, family-friendly event will feature five-kilometre, 10 km and 20 km obstacle course races.
There will also be two events geared to little ones – the three km Little Freak’n Farmer (for kids ages six to 12 years) and the 1.5 km Mini Freak’n Farmer (for kids ages three to six years).
“The Freak’n Farmer is challenging and exciting, but just as important, the course and obstacles story-tell our farming heritage and sustainable farming practices,” says Gene Covert, organic farmer/winemaker.
All obstacles for the Freak’n Farmer will be “covert” until the day of the event. The five km course will cover 10 obstacles, the 10 km with 18 obstacles, and the 20 km with 23 obstacles.
Registration costs to participate in the obstacle races vary based on course and age group.
After working up an appetite from the obstacle races, participants can indulge in a post-race, farm-to-table BBQ lunch, showcasing delicious local, organic fare. The Oliver Osoyoos Winery Association will also provide wine tastings featuring all local wines.
Local beer tastings will also be offered and live music will entertain the crowd.
The Freak’ n Farmer is a unique event in that it provides a truly challenging test for elite athletes, while other competitors enter to have a lot of fun with friends, family members and co-workers.
The scenery that surrounds Covert Farms is also spectacular and is a big reason why so many people come from so far away to participate in the event.
Spectators are always welcome to come and watch the action for a minimum donation of $5, with partial proceeds going to support the South Okanagan Children’s Charity.
A $25 spectator fee includes lunch, Freak’n Farmer T-shirt and hop-on/hop-off transportation throughout the event. Little and Mini Freak’n Farmer races will start 9 a.m. All of the other Freak’n Farmer races will start at 11 a.m. Covert Farms is located five kilometres north of Oliver town limits.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
