The Gutbuster trail running series is under new ownership beginning this year. Mark Nelson and Nick Walker from the Langford Frontrunners store have taken over from long time owner and race director Brian Tasaka (who is now focusing on his MOMAR adventure race series).

The first race of the series take place this upcoming Sunday at Victoria’s Royal Roads University. You can find out more information about the race here.

This will be the eighth year of the series and although there are some changes in store the it still promises to be one of the best trail running series out there. Here’s what’s new for ‘08:

Date Change: The GutBuster Trail Runs will now take place on the Sunday of each race weekend rather than the Saturday as has been the case in the past. The only exception to this is the GutBuster Ascent race which is being held on the Saturday.

The GutBuster Ascent: This 3km hill climb on Mt Washington climbs over 1600 ft and brings you out the very top of Mt Washington Alpine Resort. Enjoy the 360 degree view at the finish and then ride the chair lift back down the hill to Fat Teddy’s for the Kokanee After Party!

Results: We have re-formatted our results on the same system that the Island Race Series uses so you will now be able to easily look up old results, category placing, etc. There will be point scoring for the Long Course categories and prizing for the top 3 in each category at the end of the series. Best 4 out of 5 races count.

Team Category: Individual members running for a club will score for their clubs total. The club with the highest point totals at the end of the series will win a social night at Frontrunners in Langford sponsored by The North Face. The evening will include drinks, food, slideshow, 25% store discount and draw prizes from The North Face.

Race Souvenirs: Check out The North Face souvenir tent starting at the Mt Tzouhalem GutBuster. All race pieces can be seen on our Cool Gear Page.

Post Race Brunch: Join us after the Royal Roads GutBuster at the Six Mile Pub for a post race brunch. Ride out the post race excitement for one more hour and celebrate your efforts with a tasty breakfast/lunch! More info at the event.

The two charities associated with the series are Runners of Compassion and the Vancouver Island Marmot Recovery group.