MRS Races and Events Sponsorship | Exploring Wilderness, Challenging Nature

In recent years, MRS has greatly expanded its sponsorship of international sporting events. We aim to promote packrafting and watersports in diverse settings and maintain close contact with watersports enthusiasts worldwide.

Recently, MRS Canada player André Cyr shared his adventure racing experience in Canada. MRS and our Canadian dealer provided him with the Barracuda R2 Pro, a speedy and durable MRS packraft.

In June 2024, Raid The Rockies Adventure Race was successfully held in the Canadian Rockies. André Cyr participated in this 4-day event with his MRS packraft.

Adventure Immersion Labs

This event is organized by Adventure Immersion Lab, a Kelowna-based adventure company. Interestingly, the CEO of the company, Nathalie, is an old friend of MRS and our Canadian dealer, and we have always supported her. Nathalie is a highly accomplished Adventure Racer and Ultra Runner.

Nathalie started Adventure Racing in 2009 and has participated in a multitude of races from a few hours long to 9,5 days non stop. She has competed in 20 Expedition Races to date (3 days and over) finishing ranked in Full Course in 19 of them. She is passionate about the sport and created, race designed and race directed the first 3 Expedition Canada Races that were put in the Okanagan. Adventure Racing led Nathalie into ultra running in 2017 and she has been competing and placing in a few 120 and 160km races in France and the US and has participated and finished in the first third of the field in UTMB in 2018, 2021 and 2022.

Since moving to the Okanagan in 2017, Nathalie has been growing the adventure racing community in the area. In her spare time and for her training, she has found herself spending a lot of times in the Rockies, exploring the mountains in Banff National park, Yoho National Park, Kananaskis area and the Kootenays National Park. She has hiked and ran a large variety of trails, each more amazing than the another.

Her desire to create her own company has been growing for years and finally early in 2023, she decided to take the leap, finishing her certifications and starting her own company. In June 2023, Adventure Immersion Lab was born.

Adventure Immersion Lab offers a range of services, from Tailored Hiking and Trail Running guided retreats (coed and women only) to Adventure Racing and Ultra Running Coaching.

Adventure Immersion Lab are also involved in different events as Race course designers, Race directors and are now also offering our own events for 2024.

Day 1

André Cyr and his team undertook a long trek challenge, interspersed with sections of canyoning and via ferrata. The via ferrata was particularly impressive: a 140-meter ascent on a wall of Mount Stelfox. Despite encountering a navigation error, they quickly adjusted their strategy and successfully completed the day’s race.

Day 2

They undertook trekking, packrafting, and a bike sprint. After a 4-hour trek, they reached the glacial river and navigated it with packrafts, then sprinted back to the campsite on bicycles. Despite encountering search challenges at the checkpoint, which took up considerable time, the remainder of the glacial river section went smoothly. They then completed the bike sprint with remarkable speed, reaching the campsite before the deadline and maintaining their lead throughout the entire race.

Day 3

André’s team ran into mountain disorientation and had to make an urgent return. They became lost descending a snow-covered pass, but showed an indomitable spirit by finding their way through dense jungle. They navigated the Saskatchewan River without incident, and after a challenging trek across a dry riverbed, they made a thrilling last-minute sprint across the finish line to successfully secure a top spot.

Day 4

André Cyr’s team once again had a stable performance at the start of Nordeg. They approached the competition with a more relaxed attitude, smoothly completing the cycling and short trekking stages, and ultimately finishing in an excellent 8th place.

The Raid The Rockies Adventure Race not only challenged participants’ physical fitness, skills, and navigation abilities but also importantly cultivated teamwork, adaptability, and an indomitable spirit.

Photos by angry whale media
Event Information source：RIKICO、Adventure Immersion Lab