North of 7 Challenge – 3rd Annual Obstacle Course Extravaganza

Jeff Green | Aug 14, 2024

The north of 7 Challenge is back on Saturday, August 31, and this year there is more community involvement than ever. The challenge was started by Sylvie Manaigre and Mitch Broser. The couple moved to the area in 2021 from Toronto, enticed by the rugged wilderness of the 96-acre property on Jacques Bay Road near Skootamatta Lake just north of Cloyne.

The land was ideal for Sylvie’s passion, Obstacle Course Racing. The couple set up a course on their land, which was partially designed by the Derecho that struck in May of 2022, and the first running of North of 7 Challenge.

“We really wanted to introduce the sport to the local community as well as bringing experienced racers to this unique course, and that worked out really well,” said Sylvie after the first event.

135 participants raced in different divisions on the three-kilometre course in year 1, and about half of them were locals, most of whom trying out the sport for the first time in the 'fun run' division.

Last year’s event included improvements to the course and the site as well. And this year that trend is continuing. The race appeals to locals and obstacle course racers who travel from across the province to the North of 7 Challenge, attracted by a course that is based more on the existing topography and fallen trees than on man-made obstacles.

“We decided that this year we wanted to focus on improving the spectator and participant experience, so we've made big improvements to the festival area,” said Sylvie Manaigre. “We have to thank hard working staff at Nowell Construction, Nos Tree Service, Nowell Motors, and In the Bag , who made the improvements possible.

This year's races include two versions of a single pass race over the three-kilometre course. One is a fun run starting at 9am, wherein participants must complete each obstacle, even if it takes several tries, in order to be eligible for prize money at the end of the race. A second Fun Run starts an hour later, and this one is perfect for 1st time participants and others who want to challenge themselves without being required to complete all of the obstacles. There is no prize money attached to this race, but each participant will receive an Under Armour Finisher t-shirt.

There are two heats scheduled for 11am. The Kids Challenge, designed for 9-14 year olds, takes place on a separate, 1km course, and the First Responders heat, on the 3k course. But for First Responders there is an added wrinkle, a 20lb weight they must lug through all the obstacles and challenges. First Responders will have to ‘lug, carry, push or pull” their weight to the finish line by any means possible.

Finally, at noon, the 2-hour challenge for a competitive obstacle course race gets underway. The winner of this challenge will be the one who completes the course the most amount of times within a 2 hour racing window.

The different categories all have different pricing, ranging from $29.99 for the youth races , to $89.99 for the competitive races with prize money on the line.

There will be lots more to do on the site for families and for racers after completing their races this year than in the past.

There will be a DJ, and live music by Joanna Milligan and Adam Robinson will be rocking, BBQ by Milligan Meats, coffee and treats by the Lions, and more. Under Armour and Wild Rock Outfitters from Peterborough have provided thousands of dollars worth of prizes, and Kick and Push Brewery will be on hand, with a free beer at the end of the race (non alcoholic options will also be available from Rally Beer company).

We have thousands of dollars in Under Armour prizes for the 2-hour endure challenge age group finishers as well generous prize donations from the kind folks at Wild Rock Outfitters in Peterborough for the 3k fun run.

Finishers of the North of 7 Challenge receive an Under Armour t-shirt, a finisher token as well as a cold, delicious Kick and Push Brewing beer.

It's not too late to sign up for the different race categories. Visit the website: www.northof7challenge.com and use promo code 'FRONTENACNEWS' to sign up.

“Race organisers are always looking for more volunteers. Volunteers receive a t-shirt, lunch, and a free entry to next year's event. Contact Sylvie Manaigre for questions or more information at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

“It takes a village to put on these events and we couldn't do it without the help of our community members,” she said.