Hundreds of engineering students from around Canada braved freezing conditions to participate in the Great Northern Concrete Toboggan Race in London, Ontario. This annual event calls for teams from about 20 universities to design and build concrete sleds, which they then race down a hill. The race took place at Boler Mountain, marking the first time in over a decade that the event has been held at this location, which lies about two hours southwest of Toronto.

Owen Kirk, the captain of the UBC Okanagan team, expressed his excitement about being part of the competition. His team, consisting of 22 members, clinched the prestigious King of the Hill award, signifying their sled as the best among the participants. Kirk highlighted the anticipation and spirit of the competition, noting the extensive preparation involved, with teams spending nearly a year designing and constructing their toboggans for this event.

This race not only serves as a platform for engineering students to showcase their skills and creativity but also fosters camaraderie and friendly competition among peers from different institutions. Engaging in such competitions helps students apply their theoretical knowledge in practical scenarios, while also celebrating engineering achievements within a festive and spirited atmosphere, further enhancing their educational experiences.