The organizers of the Mountain Bike Marathon Challenge ’94 have announced that the third edition of the event is taking place this July 22 and 23. The two-day event consists of children’s mountain bike racing competitions on July 22, followed by the 110-kilometre Bike Marathon Challenge from Chibougamau to Mistissini Lake on July 23. The organizers include the Mistissini Youth Council, the recreation department of the Mistissini Band, the Mistissini Mewatshewn Running Club and other volunteers.

The event is intended to promote intercultural exchange, enhance fitness and health, promote and establish friendships, and promote alternatives to alcohol and drugs.

Several new categories of prizes will be awarded this year. Two new categories were created for the Bike Marathon. First category is available to overall winners, men and women, native and non-natives (first place is $1,500, second place is $1,000 and third place is $500). Second category is offered only to First Nations participants, men and women (first place is $1,000, second place $100 and third place is $50).

For the children’s 4-kilometre event, prizes are offered to boys and girls, native and non-native (first place $100, second place $50 and third place $35). In the 8-km event, boys and girls, natives and non-natives, first place is $150, second place $75 and third place $50. The 18-km event boys and girls, natives and non-natives: first place

$200, second $100 and third $50.

Registration procedures and itinerary will be announced in upcoming months. For more info, contact event organizers c/o Mountain Bike Challenge ‘94,184 Main St., Mistissini Lake, Baie du Poste, Quebec, COW ICO. Tel.: 418-923-2274. Fax: 418- 923-3115.