Although it’s in its 21 st year, for the first 19 years or so the organizers kept the Rubble Creek Run quiet because it takes place on trails in Garibaldi Park, and there was concern that B.C. Parks officials wouldn’t allow it.
With Escape Route taking over the organization of the race from the founder, the official go-ahead from B.C. Parks, and inclusion in the inaugural Sea 2 Sky Trail Running Series, the race is now completely legitimate.
Organizer James Retty still wants to keep the race small, but acknowledges that the cat is out of the bag. Runners from Squamish and the Lower Mainland are signing on, and the total size of the field will likely be the biggest yet.
"There are some great runs in the Sea to Sky corridor and some great trails like Comfortably Numb, but there’s nothing out there more scenic than this one," said Retty.
The trail run starts in the Cheakamus Lake parking lot at 7:30 a.m., and follows the trail to Cheakamus Lake for about a kilometer before crossing the river and continuing up Helm Creek trail.
It’s a technical and steep trail up to the first ridge, and most people have to hike, but at last runners will spill out onto the spectacular Taylor Meadows and cinder flats beneath Black Tusk. The race crosses the meadow and over another ridge to Garibaldi Lake before descending a well-maintained trail to the Garibaldi Lake parking lot.
The total length is slightly less than 25 km, and although there is some technical climbing near the beginning there is more down than up when the elevation gains and losses are averaged out.
Registration is available in advance at Escape Route and on the morning of the race at the Cheakamus trailhead. Early registration is recommended.
The cost is $30, which includes a technical running shirt. "Escape Route isn’t going to send runners out there in cotton," explained Retty. Escape Route is also donating the prizes for the event, including running shoes, gift certificates for Patagonia clothing, and Ultimate Directions trail running gear.
While it’s easily one of the most affordable races in the corridor, the Rubble Creek Run does take some technical planning.
Retty recommends that runners leave cars at the finish line and carpool back to the start, or arrange for a ride to the start and from the finish.
Runners are also entirely self-supported, and have to carry whatever food or water they require. In addition, runners should also come prepared for the weather.
For more information or registration, visit www.s2srun.com , or visit Escape Route in the Marketplace.
