It starts every year, except this one, at Gold River and runs for 40 miles of logging road to Tahsis.
Brad and I have won it or placed in the top 5 on a number of occasions Ean has won it and run back home. This year the race was canceled, but my friend Cliff was going to run it anyway. It's some kind of a awareness campaign about wild salmon. Anyway, I said I would join him...
This year at least two serious runners will be doing it. Most years we, as runners, are in a huge minority. This year, unfortunately 600 hikers will not be with us.
I am seriously considering taking this event on, for the Ultra runners to have a barn burner on the Island. Maybe we can open it up as a PIH/Club Fat Ass Flash event type challenge? For serious runners.
Comments
The Great Walk - Gold River to Thasis
Sorry to hear this event has been canceled. I'll always remember it as being one of the most friendly events I've ever participated in and a great way to explore a part of British Columbia that I'd otherwise not have reason to visit.
As you pointed out, Jackal, the organizers (if I recall, the Lions Club) didn't intend this to be a run. That's what made it so much fun for a runner.
As with many of the participants, I camped in the woods near the start line. At 3:30 am or so, a god-awful siren wail that served as revilie had me almost jump through my tent. The start was in the dark at 4:00. I think I heard bagpipes!
The first year I participated in the Great Walk, I was at the aid stations well before they were set up. Most participants wore hiking boots. Many were smokers. Electrolytes? What's that? Aid stations offered corn starch (for your hiking boots) and coffee.
While the event was on a dirt and gravel road that connects the town of Gold River with Thasis, it was deserted. I watched the sun rise over the ocean. I saw bears, eagles, deer and other critters. As the first participant to arrive in Thasis, I was greeted by a fire engine with it's siren wailing. The volunteer firefighters and a handful of kids and dogs joined me for the last kilometer or so into the rec center.
My fondest recollection was at the awards ceremony where the "burning boot" award was handed out to all finishers. It was pouring rain. When someone overheard me say I was going to pitch my tent in the park and drive back home in the morning, they said, "You can have my place for the night. The door's open... just make yourself at home."
I hope you're able to keep it going.
PS Some of the top ultrarunners in British Columbia have participated in the Great Walk. Steve King, who first told me about it, set the course record back in the early '90s. I don't think Steve's record has been broken. Steve Royer, a member of Canada's 100K team, won it several times. Of course, Carlos the Jackal is also on that list of top finishers. I think my record of running it out and back still stands!
The missing hikers
I was supposed to be one of those 600 hikers. I'm sorry it got cancelled. I'll be thinking about you and cheering you on as I tackle a shorter, less rugged race - the Green River Marathon in Washington. Look forward to the video
Hay KC!
You are one keener, you do your best there gurl...