The second annual Whistler 50 Relay and Ultra takes place this Saturday, Oct. 20, with relay teams and ultra runners following a course that consists of two loops and mainly follows the Valley Trail.
At deadline, some 122 teams of eight had registered for the relay, which is just under 1,000 runners. As well, there were 42 athletes signed on to run the ultra distance — 50 miles or 80 kilometres — solo, including a few local runners like Ashley McMillan and Mark Schmidt.
The fastest solo runner last year was Chris Downie of Burnaby, who finished the course in 5:52:07, averaging a kilometre every four minutes and 25 seconds. That's the equivalent of running two back-to-back marathons in just over three hours. The fastest solo female was Squamish's Jen Segger, who was fourth overall in 6:31:20.
The ultra gets underway at 6 a.m. on Saturday, and the first runners could be at the finish at Whistler Olympic Plaza before noon if last year's pace was any indication.
Registration is closed, but spectators are encouraged as the ultra runners make their way around the course.
For more details and a course map, visit www.bcathletics.com/whistler50/.
Lumpy's Epic this Sunday
The last local trail run of the season, the annual Lumpy's Epic Run in Pemberton, is set for Sunday, Oct. 21 this year.
Details are the same as past years, with runners meeting at One Mile Lake beach and running a selection of trails around Signal Hill including the very technical Lumpy's Epic Trail. The cost will be the same as last year at $15 per person, with proceeds going towards the Spud Valley Nordics and Whistler Nordics clubs. Registration is at 9 a.m. and the run starts at 10 a.m.
The route and distance are a little different this year with a 12km long course. As well, there's a 5km youth event aimed at kids in local Nordic skiing programs.
Dress for the weather and wear good trail shoes — the trail is technical in places and some of the rocks can be slippery. In terms of difficulty, the race has everything from steep uphill sections, to rocky sections to steep, loose descents. The highlight is the view of the Green River and Pemberton Valley from the high point of the trail, and the run back to the finish along the side of One Mile Lake.
There will be refreshments, although as always it's a potluck as well, and runners are encouraged to bring something to share.
Saints still undefeated
The Whistler Saints flag football team continued its unbeaten streak this past weekend after a bye week, defeating the North Vancouver Raiders 25-13.
Logan Anderson returned the opening kickoff to score, with Dan Kirkegaard adding two more touchdowns and a convert. Griffin Brown added the fourth touchdown.
The Sea to Sky Titans, which includes players from Squamish, improved their peewee record to 4-1-1 with a 12-0 win over the North Vancouver Raiders on Sunday. Devon Bailey scored both touchdowns for the Titans.
The minor league Sea to Sky Titans continued to struggle and are now winless in six games with a 41-0 loss to the North Vancouver Vikings. The highlight was the defensive play of Cole Gimse and Zach Rhuland, who combined for eight tackles.
WORCA scares up Toonie Ride
Halloween is all about being scared and scaring others, and there are few things as scary as riding your bike in the dark, following a trail of glowing pumpkins while hoping your costume doesn't get caught in your gears. On Thursday, Oct. 25, the Whistler Off-Road Cycling Association (WORCA) is hosting their annual Halloween Toonie Ride.
All of the details are still being decided — the race used to be held in Lost Lake Park, but it was moved to the Riverside trails a few years ago with Whistler Brewing and Burnt Stew Café sponsoring the event. Check www.worca.com for details.
Good lights are a must, and it helps to have a costume where you can see where you're going.
Costumes are absolutely recommended, there's a prize for the best one, but you should be able to see where you're going through an eyehole or two.
NIMBY Fifty organizer seek municipal funding
Organizers of the NIMBY Fifty Race are seeking financial support from the Village of Pemberton for its 2013 race.
In a letter to council, Russ Wood, Terry Evans and Dean Linnell said they wanted the opportunity to formally submit their request. The letter states that funds and support would be used to increase the quality of the NIMBY Fifty experience for racers and supporters, attract top-level riders with increased prize money, and drive more visits to the Pemberton region for training and recreational riding.
In the first year of the race, 2010, 220 riders took part, in 2011 the number reached 300 and in 2012 it sold out at 400, and included two members of Canada's Olympic team, Catharine Pendrel and Max Plaxton. It is now the second largest single-day bike race in B.C.
The letter was presented at the Pemberton Council meeting on Oct. 16, with organizers saying they were also seeking other donations in kind and financial sponsorship. The current format doesn't allow for further expansion.
"It very much is a volunteer effort and we're trying to get some funding in order to make it better," Wood told councillors.
"Our vision for the race is to continue to try to keep it at a level where it is the second or most popular race in B.C. and people from outside the province will want to look at it and come here."
Council referred the correspondence to municipal staff for review and consideration for the Village of Pemberton 2013 budget.
