Race #1 of 2011 is now complete. Another item checked off the ‘bucket list.’
On August 5th, Sarah and I hit the road after work for Chetwynd. We made a short overnight stop and left bright and early for Tumbler Ridge on August 6th.
While it was nice and sunny when we left Chetwynd by the time we were halfway to Tumbler the sky was looking pretty black and we ran into some rain. One quick stop for a bathroom break and change of clothes at the gas station and we were ready to run.
Michelle and I pre-run
We got to the race start line at the base of Babcock Mountain about 20 minutes before the run started. The wind was out in full force and we were ready to get moving ASAP! They had us line up in order of estimated finish time and then we were off.
The race started out on a gravel road which had a series of about 3 or 4 fairly steep switchbacks. I ran about the first 2km and but as it began to grow steeper and steeper I slowed to a walk. This is where I lost Sarah (speedy gonzales!).
Next we were on the Boulder Gardens trail. There was a nice flat section and I was able to get running again for a kilometre or so through here before more steep climbing began.
The route had quite varied terrain. We were running on everything from gravel road, old exploration roads, pipeline easements, gravel hills, scree slopes, mountain ridges, etc.
Yes, that's snow!
The closer to the top the colder and winder it got! The wind seemed to barrel down the mountain valleys and I was glad I’d made that change of clothes.
Summit
At just after 10km we finally reached the Summit. I wish we had had a sunnier day to really enjoy the mountain views but the sky was pretty grey. There was a little bit of rain at the top and one lady passing by was nice enough to point out the rainbow right next to us. I found I was so focused on my footing and the ground in front of me I hardly looked up to enjoy the scenery.
Finally we started to descend the mountain. First on trail down mountain meadows passing by several small tarns (ponds). The gravel here was still pretty loose and you had to be very careful of your footing.
We hit the gravel road again and I could see the finish line in the distance. Let me tell you I was sure relieved! The approx 4 kilometre’s down the gravel road and switchedbacks seemed like a breeze after the grueling climb but the hill climinbing was not over yet. We had another short climb to the finish line. After 20km it really didn’t feel so short.
After a grueling 2:07 for Derek, 2:40 for Sarah and 2:48 for me we were finally done!
- Glad to be done!
The Review:
This race was very well organized. There were lots of water stations, the roads were well marked and there was food, washrooms, etc.
The terrain itself was… TOUGH! If you are going to do this race make sure you do a lot of hill training! Also, be prepared for all sorts of weather. The wind made it feel exremely cold! Would I recommend this race. Absolutely. If you want a difficult challenge then this race is for you. Would I do it again? Hmmm… I dont know… Ask me again when its not so fresh.
What’s your favorite adventure race or trail run?
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– Maybe a new blog feature column?
