While many people might race to outhouses in the middle of the night, it isn't every day you hear about folks racing in them.
But that's exactly what happens at the annual outhouse race held in Lumby, B.C., which is a picturesque village located between Vernon and the Monashee Mountains.
Now in its third year, the Monashee Trail Society hosts the event to inspire people to get outside during the winter.
"The idea was just thrown out there of doing an outhouse race," Race Director Darren Schmidt told V.I.A.
"We wanted to capture the imagination of the community."
And the race has captured the attention of locals. In its first year, five teams competed in the event, followed by 10 in the second, and now at least 20 in the third.
Last year, at least 300 people turned out to watch the outhouses slide across the snowy terrain -- a sizable crowd for a village of 2,000. The free event is family and pet-friendly, too.
What does an outhouse race team look like?
Each team consists of three people: two "pushers" and one person who sits on the "throne" and drivers. The three-sided outhouses are mounted on skis so they slide easily across the snow.
Schmidt noted that the "races aren't dangerous, per se" and don't go down any hills.
"The goal is not to injure people."
But the outhouses do reach some impressive speeds. Past events saw "some fast teams with athletic guys pushing," he added.
The first-place finisher will take home the coveted "golden plunger," while second place takes a silver one. The team with the best-decorated outhouse will be awarded the pink plunger.
The last day for teams to register is Friday, Jan. 19.
Attendees are encouraged to come to the event at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21. during the "Show and Shine," which runs until noon. The pre-race event allows people to check out the outhouses, speak to teams, and take pictures.
There will also be BBQ fundraiser put on by the Lumby Figure Skaters and organizers encourage people to bring "cash and an appetite." The Lumby Chamber will be selling hot chocolate and popcorn, too.
The Monashee Trail Society was formed in 2020 and strives to maintain trails in the region and work on expanding them into other area. Proceeds from the event will go to supporting its trail initiatives.
Attendees are encouraged to park in the town and take a "short walk to the race track" because parking is limited.
Travellers from Vancouver can travel to Lumby via car in just over five hours, while a direct flight with Flair Airlines takes just over an hour and costs about $74.
Third Annual Lumby Outhouse Race
When: Sunday, Jan. 21. “Show and Shine” runs from 11 a.m. to noon. Race at noon
Where: Races held at the West Salmon Trail Parking Lot on Bessette Street - Lumby, B.C.
Cost: Free event for spectators. $50 for a team to race.
