Photo: Mighty Quail Trail 100K

The quail might not strike you as the mightiest of birds, but the annual race in Penticton that shares its name is certainly formidable. 

The Mighty Quail Trail 100K race is back for its second year this Saturday, billing itself as a "challenging and scenic point-to-point race for adventurous runners who are comfortable on remote terrain."

Over the course of a full day, starting at the crack of dawn at Skaha Lake Park, runners will face extreme elevation gain over five legs of the journey, which are 15, 32, 24, 16 and 13 kilometres respectively. 

The route takes the participants up into the hills east of the city, over Campbell Mountain and back into the valley, finishing at the Penticton Yacht Club after nightfall.

"This race is not for beginners. Seriously, we cannot stress this enough!" warns the run's website. "Know that you will suffer. The route is never flat, always difficult and just when you think you're done climbing, you're not, and when we say it's all downhill, we might be less than truthful."

Only around 60 per cent of participants managed to complete the race last year. All proceeds from the racers' $100-$150 entry fees will be going to local charities. Proceeds from 2017's race went to Penticton Search & Rescue.

The race route will be well marked with flag, which will be removed following the event. They are still looking for volunteers to help at the finish line and various aid stations across the route, and those interested can contact the race organizers by emailing [email protected].

Those who want to witness part of the gruelling race can check out the full course here, and are welcomed to come watch at the parking lot by the Garnet Fire Interpetive Site on Carmi Road from 12 to 6 p.m. or the corner of Greyback Road and Spiller Road from 1:30 to 8 p.m.

Everything kicks off at 6 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 29 at Skaha Lake Park.