Hundreds of athletes from around the globe descended on Tumbler Ridge, B.C. in August for the ninth annual Emperor's Challenge.

The top mountain runners and walkers in Canada joined those from the United States, Australia, England, South Africa and Denmark in an attempt to conquer the tortuous 20-kilometre course. A record field of 262 participants climbed to the summit of Roman Mountain, then descended down the other side for a total of 2,850 feet.

Olympic hopeful Steve Osaduik of Nanaimo, B.C. was the eventual race winner, becoming the first runner to break the 90-minute barrier with a time of 1:28:45. Kris Swanson of Victoria, who had won the previous eight events, followed Osaduik across the finish line at 1:30:37.

Amidst that great battle, there were two youngsters who turned heads. Twelve-year-old Laura Sharman posted an impressive time of 2:25 while just behind her was 10-year-old Tyler Schlief, the youngest male competitor in the history of the race.

At the other end of the age spectrum was 82-year-old Art Nolan of Watson Lake, the oldest competitor in the event.

Nolan finished the race well within the prescribed five-hour time limit, walking his way across the finish line in four hours and 47 minutes.

'It's something else, that climb,' said Nolan, in an interview back home in Watson Lake. 'It's pretty much straight up and straight down. You've got to be in pretty good shape to do that.

'There were over 200 runners there. It was quite the deal. I brought my son-in-law with me (from Edmonton) to help me along.'

Nolan had first heard about the Emperor's Challenge a few years back, and actually wanted to participate last year, but was talked out of the idea by his family.

'This year, I made up my mind that I was going to go, and no one could talk me out of it.'

Nolan trained for the challenge by walking four times a day all summer, as well as keeping busy with other physical activities, such as chopping wood.

When he arrived in the Northeast British Columbia town and looked up at the course, he admits to being a little intimidated, but decided he would make a go of it. Thanks in part to what he described as 'fine' weather over the 20 km, Nolan arrived at the finish with an impressive time, feeling good.

'I think I must have used muscles I never even knew I had,' he said with a laugh. 'The back of my legs ached, because I'm not used to that. I didn't think it would be that steep. But I really felt good.'

After a hearty dinner, as well as some rest and relaxation, Nolan headed back home. He said if he feels as good next summer as he does right now, another trip to Tumbler Ridge might be in order.

For now, he'll cut his walks back to twice a day and continue to prepare for winter by chopping wood.

'When the snow comes, there will be a lot of shoveling for me to do, so I'll keep myself busy.'

For more information on the Emperor's Challenge, visit www.emperorschallenge.com.