FAQ
Q: I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start?
A: It depends. Are you realistic about the distance you are thinking about running, well-prepared to run it and totally self-sufficient? If so, go for it! If in doubt, pick a shorter distance this time so you don't kill yourself, and come back to win next year.
Q: Can I run less than 25K or more than 50K?
A: Absolutely! Some thoughts:
● ~ 6K - Griffin gym to Skyline reference point and back
● ~13K - Griffin Gym, the Dogleg and back
● ~27K - Griffin gym, the Dogleg, Grouse View to Cleveland Dam reference point and back
If you want to run more than 50K, you will get special recognition as a certified glutton for punishment. We strongly recommend you have a pacer for any distance over 50K and that you carry a cell phone so you can call someone to pick you up, if necessary
Q: How tough is the course?
A: Tough question to answer! How far are you running? How fast? How well are you trained? Feedback from those who have run the XTC include: "Relentless." "More difficult than it looks." "I thought you said I wouldn't get lost!"
Q: Do I really need to print off the course instructions and bring them with me?
A: Yes. Without the detailed instructions or an intimate familiarity with the XTC route, you're almost certain to get lost. (See comment above. The person didn't refer to the directions!)
Q: This event is free, but for Club Fat Ass members only. How do I get into the club?
A: There is no hazing ceremony like the Hash House Harriers! Runners, walkers, hikers, triathletes, adventure racers, mountain bikers and anyone else interested in having fun in the great outdoors is welcome and can
register online for a nominal fee.
Q: Can I wait until the last minute and join at the start?
A: Yes, but we prefer you don't. Last minute registration makes it very difficult to organize and coordinate the event.
Q: It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course.
A: Nothing...in fact, we encourage you to run the course often in training! We prefer that you do not 'bandit' the course on event day, however. If you insist, please don't take any of the aid intended for members. You will not get recognition in the results or be eligible for any draw prizes and you'll have to wear a black patch over one eye at the banquet. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future events until you come clean with past membership dues.
Q: What if I get lost?
A: You shouldn't get lost if you refer to the course instructions where you are faced with a choice of direction. If you do feel you are lost, look for the power lines on the eastern part of the course and the telephone lines on the western (Trans-Canada Trail) section. They are never far from the course route. If you always get lost, bring a cell phone, just to be sure. Better yet, just run with someone else... it's more fun!
Q: Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course?
A: Are you kidding? Getting lost is a rite of passage in the XTC. Most of the time, you can blame yourself for not paying attention. If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to your Event Host at the finisher banquet for a free beer!
Q: Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other running race I've ever been in? It's a pain to pause and read instructions.
A: Our aim is to be different than every other running race you've ever been in! We don't want to put chalk/flour on the ground, hang surveyor tape in the trees, paint rocks, put up signs or do anything that might leave a trace of the race.
Q: What is the 'Rule of the Trail'?
A: If you pack it in, you can pack it out. (That means don't you dare litter!) Leave nothing but your footprints on the trail. We strongly encourage you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to the Event Host at the finisher banquet. There are Club points for picking up trash along the course and may be a recognition award for the person who packs out more than they packed in.
Q: What if I have to heed the call of nature.
A: There are washrooms at Griffin gym, Cleveland Dam and the Quarry picnic area. If you can't hold it, be discreet, do your business at least 5 meters from the trail, bury anything solid at least 10 cm deep and don't use stinging nettle or poison ivy to clean up
Q: What should I bring on race day?
Q: I am supposed to be self-sufficient because there is no aid provided. Can I get a friend to come out and give me food and drink along the route?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it would be nice if your friend were to help everyone. Please have your friends and family members contact us and we will do all we can to insure that they have fun, as well.
Q: Can I bring my friends and family to the finisher party even if they didn't run or volunteer?
A: Absolutely! Note, however, that minors are not allowed in the Mosquito Creek pub.
Q: If I choose to run a 25K, how do I get back to my starting point?
A: Best to check-in with someone who is running the opposite 25K to you so one of you can drive the other's car back. You can either ask if someone can give you a ride as a comment on the event page or, if you're signed up as a Club member, you can contact another member directly.
Q: Are there any trophies, prizes or other hardware or freebies?
A: If you assume there's no aid, no course marking, no t-shirt, no enthusiastic spectators and no prizes or freebies of any sort, you might be pleasantly surprised. Best you plan to show up at the finisher brunch!
Q: How accurate is the course marking?
A: The following devices have been used to determine course distances: Timex Ironman GPS (3), Nike SDM Triax 100 (2), Nike SDM Tailwind (1) and some other cheaper devices. We feel it is very close, if not exactly 25K in each direction.
Q: When will the 'official' results be available?
A: We hope to have the results up on the
XTC website within 24 hours of the finisher brunch. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities.
Q: I love the Trans Canada Trail. How do I buy a piece of it?