The Merritt Crown

The Merritt Crown takes place on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at 7:00 AM PDT at the Coutlee Plateau Mountain Biking Recreation Area in the Thompson‑Nicola region of British Columbia, Canada. Hosted by Heads or Trails, this endurance mountain bike race — one of the toughest in Canada — offers a 120 km Full Crown, 60 km Half Crown, and 120 km relay teams (2 or 4 persons) on steep climbs, loose downhills, and rolling grasslands.

Event Logistics & Participant Information:

• Location: Coutlee Plateau Mountain Biking Recreation Area, Merritt, BC (Nicola Valley).
• Camping: FREE on‑site camping (tent, RV, trailer — no hook‑ups or showers). First come, first serve. Plenty of room. Port‑o‑potties provided. Bring all equipment.
• Course Details: GPX files and Trailforks maps available for Full Crown, Half Crown, and relay segments.
• Terrain: Steep climbs, loose downhills, rolling grasslands. One of the toughest MTB endurance races in Canada.
• Time Limit: Full Crown — 12 hours (crush 120 km).
• Mental & Physical Challenge: “Demand mental resiliency as it tests your endurance and stamina.”
• Registration Deadline: Closing soon (approximately 30 days from now).
• Series Discount: Sign up for the whole series with a steep discount (details on event page).
• Volunteer Opportunities: Available via event website.
• Merchandise Store: Event swag available.
• Sponsors: Mr. Mikes, Best Western +, Merritt Mountain Bike Association, Tourism Nicola Valley, Nicola Valley Search and Rescue, Kryptonite, Breathe Bikes, Field House Brewing.
• Host Organizer: Heads or Trails.
• Contact: Via Race Roster platform.
• Social Media: Facebook event page linked.
• Fundraising Beneficiary: Merritt Mountain Biking Association. Goal CA$2,000 — currently CA$413.39 raised (21%).
• Race Video: Available from founders.

Swag, Awards & Atmosphere:

• Community & Camaraderie: “Come with tent, RV, or trailer and enjoy a great time with like‑minded peeps. This isn’t just a race, it’s a mountain biking experience like you’ve never had before.”
• Finisher Recognition: Not specified — typically medals, swag, or bragging rights for conquering one of Canada’s toughest MTB endurance races.
• Beautiful Terrain: Rolling grasslands, loose downhills, and “soul‑crushing climbs.” The Half Crown has a few less soul‑crushing climbs — “that counts for something, right?”
• On‑site camping fosters community atmosphere.
• Relay options for teams wanting to share the pain.

The Merritt Crown on June 13, 2026, in Merritt, British Columbia, is one of Canada’s toughest mountain bike endurance races — 120 km Full Crown, 60 km Half Crown, and 120 km relays — with free on‑site camping, steep climbs, loose downhills, and GPX‑guided courses on the Coutlee Plateau.