The Coldwater Classic 2026

The Coldwater Classic is a two-day trail running and cross-country mountain bike event held at Coutlee Plateau Mountain Biking Recreation Area in British Columbia, Canada, near Merritt. Runners compete first, with 10 km and 26 km options available. Riders tackle the same two distances the following day. Participants can enter a single run or bike race, or register for a multi-sport weekend combining the 10 km run with the 10 km bike or the 26 km run with the 26 km bike. The start and finish lines are both at Coutlee Plateau. The routes are published via Trailforks and Gaia Maps, aligning with the mountain biking area's nature. The longer run and longer bike each have a six-hour time limit, with the course closing in the afternoon. Heads or Trails organizes the event. The weekend is designed for on-site stays: free camping is offered for tents, RVs, and trailers, with portable toilets available but no hook-ups, showers, or camping equipment. Sites are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. The participant list for the event appears to be small, suggesting a local, outdoor-focused race rather than a large festival.