The challenge is on to see who can hike up and down Mt. Finlayson the most times in 12 hours this weekend, while raising money for a good cause.

Last yearB次元官网网址檚 record was 14, set by a man who for the most part ran, in pouring rain, up and down the 419 metre mountain B次元官网网址� the second highest peak in Victoria.

The event, known as Mt. Finlayson Madness, isnB次元官网网址檛 only for diehards though. In fact, only about four of last yearB次元官网网址檚 40 participants attacked the trail to tally up trips. Other participants did the trail once or twice. Some even do just a half trip if they want to avoid the more difficult rocky portions at the top of the trail. ItB次元官网网址檚 all for fun and a good cause.

B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 such a team. It feels like everybodyB次元官网网址檚 encouraging each other,B次元官网网址� Odgaard said. B次元官网网址淵ou get to know everybody over the course of the day and everyoneB次元官网网址檚 cheering each other on. ItB次元官网网址檚 wonderful.B次元官网网址�

Odgaard and Andy Hughes started the event last year after Hughes, while hiking, got to wondering how many times he could hike up and down Finlayson in a day. He talked to his friend Odgaard about the idea and the two came up with the idea of turning it into a fundraising event for local charities.

Of the money raised at the event this year, 50 per cent will go to the Mustard Seed, 35 per cent to Queen Alexandra Foundation for ChildrenB次元官网网址檚 Jeneece Place and the remainder is to be split between the Goldstream Parks Enhancement Fund and St. JohnB次元官网网址檚 Ambulance, which will be on hand during the event in case of injury. Last year, participants raised $5,000.

Hikers can collect pledges either as a lump sum for taking part in the event or by getting people to pledge a certain amount of money for every round trip the participant makes. Odgaard has been getting mostly lump sum pledges, with her friends telling her theyB次元官网网址檙e concerned over how many round trips she can do.

B次元官网网址淚 donB次元官网网址檛 think they know my fitness level,B次元官网网址� Odgaard laughed.

The plan is to keep the madness as an annual event. Organizers have the permit for the event in place for the next five years.

Mt. Finlayson Madness starts Saturday at 8 a.m., and runs until 8 p.m. Participants can sign up online at Finhike.org.

Participants meet at the entrance to Goldstream Park off the Trans-Canada Highway at Finlayson Arm Road. Parking is limited.

Some volunteers are still needed to help run the event this Saturday. Check the website for details.

kwells@goldstreamgazette.com