One of my favorite hidden gem trail races is the Walk in the Park (WITP) in Kamloops, BC. I ran it this past weekend under unusual circumstances and figured I'd share the story before my dirty running gear goes through the wash.
First, what's so special about this run when compared to a vast ocean of other great trail runs out there?
- it's held in the Canadian desert. Yes, Canada does have a desert complete with cactus, rattlesnakes and sagebrush. Living on the coast, I enjoy the change in scenery
- it's usually hot and dry and sunny at WITP. Again, a change from where I call home and a bit of a leg-up when it comes to the competition 'cause I thrive in the heat and the sun
- Chris Larouche is a great host. He and his family put on the race. They greet every participant as if they are long-lost family
- It's a very low key, informal run but a great quality one. Great course marking. Awesome aid station buffets. A finish line BBQ with big, fat, juicy tube steaks and about a dozen things that don't taste like gel to put on them.
- It's great value. If you register early, it's one of the best deals going. (Do like I say, not like I do!)
- There's lots of recognition. Of course, the race recognizes the first male and female finishers, but there's also a special prize for the last finisher, 5 and 10 year finishers and other accomplishments.
Running the WITP wasn't in my calendar this year. It's a good 5 hour drive in good traffic from my place to the start. With kids, school, work and chores around the house, I couldn't justify making a long weekend of it.
I get an email from Carolyn and Neil. "We're driving up for the day. Meet us at 3:45 am. Bring some coffee and donuts and you have a ride." The offer sticks in my craw over dinner. Spiderman II is over and the kids are in bed. It's now 10:00 pm and the start is in 9 hours. I contact Chris to see if I can still register. He says, "Sure!" and reminds me that this will be my 5th WITP and if I finish, my #19 will be retired and mine forever. I let Neil and Carolyn know that I'll take that spot in their back seat and attempt to get some sleep.
Alarm goes off at 2:00, but I'm already awake. Don't sleep a wink. Pack things I've thought about during short night. Drag sorry ass out the door at 2:30. Drive from North Vancouver to meeting spot near Chilliwack, stopping at Tim Horton's to fulfill my part of the deal. It's 3:15 and there's a lineup!
We're all wired, so there's plenty of chitchat during the drive. Manage to catch a few dozey z's around 5:00 and miss seeing a couple of moose grazing by the highway. Make check-in with plenty of time.
Lap 1/3. It's fresh out and it smells good. Not much dust. Whiffs of sagebrush and ponderosa pine. I chat with Mark a bit, but he laughs at my assessment of the field and drops me. It's been a few years since I ran the course. Lots of trees are dead due to pine beetle. Awesome views of a sleeping Kamloops. I run alone.
Lap 2/3. It's warming up. I chat with the faster 36K runners as they pass me. CJ from Ohio tells me he's out to win his age group in the trophy cup series. Did a race in Colorado yesterday. Has another one in Colorado tomorrow. I don't feel as tired!
Lap 3/3. Clouds roll in and wind picks up. Harvey and I run a bit... I hope I'm as fit as he is when I'm in my 70s. Hills seem steeper. I figure I'm in 4th position. While filling my bottle, I ask how far the next person is, thinking I might just catch him. "He left about 1/2 hour ago." So much for that plan! I can smell roasting meat before I see the finish line. Clock shows under 6 hours. I finish ultra #99!
There's lots going on at the finish line. Harvey, Andy and I chat as I chip away at a big plate of BBQ goodies. Dho... cramp! My tube steak almost falls into a cactus, but it is saved. The sun comes out. I snooze in a comfortable pile of fresh woodchips and miss Carolyn and Neil's finish.
The trip home is upbeat: Carolyn, Neil and I all had great races and a wonderful day. We scheme about our next running adventures as we approach the coast and the rain. It's pouring when I get to my car. I call home: Dinner is waiting, but nonstop rain has weakened my rock wall and a chunk has fallen out, crushing the pumpkins.
Back to reality! Round trip from 2:30 to 7:30: 17 hours.
Photo credits to my pal, Dirk Handke of Interior Running Photos. Here are more of his photos from the race.
