Hi, I am the chairperson for both running legs. When asked to take on this role, I jumped at the opportunity. As a past participant, who has enjoyed the race in previous years, I felt that this would be a great way to give back, so others could enjoy it too.
Having run both legs before, I think I have a unique perspective of what they each entail. I can tell those of you that are thinking of running, either leg, to include some steep downhill in your training routine. One can get a unique feeling for days after the race if you don’t.
The route has changed since the last time I competed in this race. Back then, the 1st leg was not paved, and it took a right-hand turn where it now starts at Ramparts Creek.
The 2nd leg has had the most changes over the years. The best change was taking the steep portion at the bottom of Strathcona Parkway out by moving the route off road. However Runners of the second leg must prepare themselves for running in a very remote and rough location. Most of this leg takes place on logging roads, both new and old, which have suffered some abuse over the years. Part of the route is a trail that we were graciously granted access to by TimberWest/Mosaic Forest Management Co., which runs through a portion of their regrowth area. Thankfully the Comox Valley is full of great volunteers that have helped to build and maintain the route.
Heartfelt thanks goes to the Comox Valley ATV Club, for helping to clean up the roads and the trail each year. Their efforts go a long way to make the route usable for all levels of runners. That being said, it is still rough and participants should make sure they have the correct footwear for rough terrain. Although we want everyone to have fun, runners should still be prepared.
I hope you all enjoy it as much as I have. Feel free to let us know of your experiences. Good luck!
CLASSIC DIVISION
Run Numbers must be clearly visible on the chest.
Flagging tape (in your race package) must be worn on the right arm.
First Leg
The 1st Leg Run Exchange area is approximately 13 km from the Strathcona Parkway – Duncan Bay Logging Road intersection.
Runners are to be checked in by 8:00 am. The briefing will take place at 8:15 am.
Runners are to stay behind fencing until their number is called and then proceed to begin of the chute in preparation for the exchange from the Nordic Skier. Runners will then follow the chute on the right side of the road until directed to cross to the left side by Race Officials. They then remain on the left side of the road, until directed to cross back to the right side by Race Officials, prior to the second run exchange.
All Runners enter chute and proceed to hand offline. Relay-style hand-offs allowed. 1st runner must exit the chute as soon as possible to the left. 1st leg runners doing both legs must wear both a green and an orange flag on their right arm and must make themselves known to race officials as they proceed cautiously through the 2nd leg handoff chute.
Second Leg
2nd Leg Run Exchange area is approximately 6.5 km from the Strathcona Parkway – Duncan Bay Logging Road intersection.
Runners are to be checked in by 8:30 am. The briefing will take place at 8:45 am
Runners are to wait on the right-hand (downhill) side of the chute and wait for their number to be called. When they hear their number they can enter the chute and wait behind the hand-off line for their teammate to hand off the armband.
Relay-style handoffs are allowed.
This leg of the run will be off-road on some trails and mostly dirt roads.
Wear appropriate footwear for loose rock, water, and rougher trails. Watch for signage and flag marshals to access the trail. The course will be marked 7 days prior to the event.
The runner passes wristband to cyclist at Duncan Bay Logging Road Exchange Point.
RECREATIONAL DIVISION
Numbers must be clearly visible on the chest. Flagging tape (in your race package) must be worn on the right arm.
I-Pods, MP3, Walkman, or similar music/audio systems are not allowed to be used by the racers while competing.
1st Leg Run
The exchange area is approximately 13 km from the Strathcona Parkway – Duncan Bay Logging Road intersection. Runners are to be checked in by 8:00 am. The briefing will take place at 8:15 am.
Runners are to stay behind fencing until their number is called and then proceed to the beginning of the chute in preparation for the exchange from the Nordic Skier. Runners will then follow the chute on the right side of the road until directed to cross to the left side by Race Officials. They then remain on the left side of the road, until directed to cross back to the right side by Race Officials, prior to the second run exchange.
All Runners enter chute and proceed to hand offline. Relay-style hand-offs allowed. 1st runner must exit the chute as soon as possible to the left. 1st leg runners doing both legs must wear both a green and an orange flag on their right arm and must make themselves known to race officials as they proceed cautiously through the 2nd leg handoff chute.
2nd Leg Run
The exchange area is approximately 6.5 km from the Strathcona Parkway – Duncan Bay Logging Road intersection.
Runners are to be checked in by 8:30 am. The briefing will take place at 8:45 am.
Runners are to wait on the right-hand ( downhill ) side of the chute and wait for their number to be called. When they hear their number they can enter the chute and wait behind the hand-off line for their teammate to hand off the armband.
Relay-style handoffs are allowed.
This leg of the run will be off-road on some trails and mostly dirt roads. Wear appropriate footwear for loose rock, water, and rougher trails. Watch for signage and flag marshals to access the trail. The course will be marked 7 days prior to the event.
A runner passes wristbands to a cyclist at Duncan Bay Logging Road Exchange Point.