Spring Bunny Hop 25km
What
- This 25 km trail run takes you up and down two of the Oak Ridges Moraine forest tracks: Walker Woods and Glen Major.
- The moraine's rolling hills and valleys were carved by glaciers over 12,000 years ago.
- Today this ecologically rich forest playground hosts over 200 km of trails, attracting hikers, mountain bikers, x-country skiers, and horseback riders alike
When and Where?
- cancelled for 2010
- Start and finish at the parking lot of Walker Woods, Glen Major forests, in Claremont, ON Canada
- For directions on how to get to the start check out the agenda
How Much?
- Free for Club Fat Ass members (check here for current membership fees and benefits)
- To keep hassles on the morning of the run to a minimum and allow the host to participate, please sign up for both Club membership and the event online and in advance.
Results - Spring Bunny Hop
Spring Bunny Hop - 2009 Results
Report. There is not much to report about the Spring Bunny Hop. Not many bunnies were hopping. As I waited in the parking lot watching the wind, snow, and rain howl, I wonder what happened to the elusive Ontario Fat Asser that had registered and never showed.
Too bad, I can't attract the BC crowd to come out and run this beautiful trail with me. Oh well there is always next year to give the Ontario runners another chance and maybe a fall run instead when the weather might be better. Or maybe I will have to move to Vancouver where the Fat Assers are not afraid to show up and support a run. I guess that is why I do most of my trail running alone because I don't mind getting a little dirty, maybe a shower would help. Keep on the trails. James
Photos. Slideshow here (coming soon after the event).
Results.
James Sinclair, lone bunny hopping in the wind and mud, but having fun anyway!
Spring Bunny Hop - 2008 Results
5 April 2008: Starter Photo - 2 happy starters and finishers!
Beautiful blue sky and snowy trails all around. The temperature to start is about 3 degrees as we wait 15 minutes, but to no avail, we have a no show (the sanest of the group no doubt).
Off we hop down the trail, Peter and I, wondering if this is a mistake, should we be on skis or snowshoes, too late we've started this run called the Spring Bunny Hop. It's got to be spring somewhere but not here. Usually here the trails are pretty much bare this time of year, but as we find out we're in deep, up to 24 inches, snow, that's above my knee. These trails aren't for the faint of heart, I think it's a sanity thing.
As we hop along we come across what happens to you if you fall behind (in pictures to follow). We make it to the turn around point in about 1:45, and start to hop, slog back as I wonder where my skis are? When will this odyssey end? Will the trail suddenly improve? No answers come as we slog along, but what a beautiful day. I am in shorts, enjoying myself running in the snow. Why do my shins hurt and bleed? I thought Ontario snow was soft, go figure. Any way it is almost over 3 hours of slogging through the forest can be tough on you, but also enjoyable I must be sick.
Slideshow here.
Well the end results, 3 hours Peter and myself, Peter wins. Temperature at finish 11 degrees. Points 3 to Peter. 4 to me ( I win). Overall tough run today, but The Spring Bunny Hop lives. Happy Trails Sinc.
2007 Spring Bunny Hop Results
It was a beautiful day, 20c, sunny. Perfect for a run.But where did the Spring Bunny Hop runners hide? Was I really the only hopper (or should I say flopper) to show up. Probably related to an unplanned and unfortunate conflict with the Seaton trail race. Next year, I will try to find a better date to get some old and new Ontario Fat Asses out to hop about.
| Name | Time | Points |
| James Sinclair | a good time | 3 |
Thanks - Spring Bunny Hop
My hope was to make this event totally self-supporting. In other words, do all of the organization myself and also participate. Wishful thinking! It's all about teamwork. Preparation for this loosely-organized event is ongoing throughout the year and a lot of people chip in to make it successful. Please join me in recognizing the following people and businesses:
- Your name/logo and url could be here!
Agenda - Spring Bunny Hop
Best you print this and the course description off if you don't want to get lost! Go to the bottom of this page and click on "printer-friendly version".
| Cancelled for 2010 | |
| 12:00? | Check the weather. Be sure to print off this agenda and the course description! |
| 14:30 | Arrive at Walker Woods, Glen Major parking lot, Claremont, On Canada. Check-in at 9:30am |
| 14:50 | Welcome and final briefing |
| 14:55 | Photo |
| 15:00 | Start |
| 17:00? | First Finisher |
| 18:00 | Post Event celebration |
Course
This is an informal, environmentally-friendly club event. Be sure to print this agenda and the course description and bring them with you to the event as there are no flags, marshalls or other directions. (I recommend you put them in a plastic baggie, as they will otherwise surely turn to mush.) Better yet, train on the course and bring the directions.
Getting to the Start
The start and finish is at Walker Woods, Glen Major parking lot in Claremont, ON Canada.
- From Hwy 401 exit Brock Rd. Pickering. Go north, approx. 15km (Claremont). You will pass the 407 and Hwy 7. At the lights, turn right on 9th Concession, head east approx. 2.5km to Westney Rd. Turn left and head north approx. 3 km to parking lot on right. Click here for a map.
What to Bring?
- bring your own aid (if you don't know what that is, better wait another year)
- bring your own official timing system (a watch will do, even if the second hand doesn't work)
- bring a change of clothes
- there's no cost to enter if you're a member of Club Fat Ass.
Post-Run Brunch
- runners, friends and family are encouraged to meet afterwards . Place will be announced at run .
Notes
- it's not a race, but we do keep track of your times so you have something to compare to next year
- we hope everyone will run the same course, but won't disqualify folks for getting lost and running extra distance
- this event is not sponsored, sanctioned, permitted or anything else that would qualify it as an official event
- NO WASHROOMS OR FACILITIES AT SITE. Please remember: absolutely no littering!
- results will be submitted to the the media for the sake of posterity.
- expect rain, maybe snow, some old friends and maybe some new
Backgrounder - Spring Bunny Hop
This years date is April 4, this is the third year running and instead of running, bring skiis and snowshoes because I don't expect the snow to be gone by then. The first year I was the only one to show and there was no snow, last year I had one other runner show and lots of snow. This year there will be snow, but how many show I don't know. I will be there with shoes, skiis, snowshoes, whatever it will take to get me around The Spring Bunny Hop. See you soon!
Course - Spring Bunny Hop
In keeping with Club Fat Ass environmental friendliness guidelines, the course will not be marked in any way. Please print out this course description (scroll down for a printer-friendly version)and bring it in a plastic baggie to the start.
The course this year for the Spring Bunny Hop will be a new one. The TRCA, which looks after the land, gained more property and has developed lots of new trails. The start is the same parking lot as last year.
Please click here for a TRCA map of Walker Woods and Glen Major Forest.
Course Description:
The course will start at marker 40, cross road to marker 41, stay right follow trail to marker 44,45.
At marker 46 stay right. Follow trail to marker 47. Straight to marker 48. Turn right to marker 52. Sttay right to marker 55. Stay right to marker 56. Stay right to marker 61. Right again to marker 62. Turn left at 62 towards marker 59 (you are heading west). At marker 59 turn left. Follow trail to marker 58, then 57, to 54, to 53, to 50. At marker 49 turn left. Follow trail to marker 48, to 47, to 46. At marker 45 turn right. Follow to marker 43. Turn right to marker 42, at 42 turn left, follow trail to marker 41, right, cross road to marker 40.
You are now back in the parking lot after 9km. From the parking lot you will head east. Take the trail to the right. The next marker you want to see is 32. Turn right. Follow trail to marker 31. Turn left. Follow trail to marker 30. Turn left. You are now on the Trans Canada Trail. (on the map this is the yellow trail ). You will run by markers 29, 34, 33, 35, 36, 37, 38, 21, 16, 14, 13, 10, 9, 7, 8. Follow the trail right up to marker 8 (parking lot).
Turn around and follow the same trail back. When you get back to marker 30, turn right, run to marker 31. Turn right, follow to marker 32. Turn left. You are almost finished. Follow this trail out of the forest. The parking lot is real close, want do it again?
FAQ - Spring Bunny Hop
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 set the course record next year.
Q: Can I run less than 25K?
A: Absolutely! Some thoughts:
- the trail is basically two loops, so you could do the first loop.(approx. 12 km)
Q: How tough is the course?
A: Tough question to answer! How far are you running? How fast? How well are you trained? If you have ever mountain biked in the Durham Forest, it is considered to be intermediate by BALLS MAPS. The section where we run is considered to be advanced by BALLS MAP. Really all it depends on is your sanity level. I run, ride , and ski in there as much as I can and always seem to follow the same paths, some days it tough, some it's easy. Come out and enjoy.
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 course you will get lost.
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 you can't take out an annual membership at the start, only a Single Day, which means that if you want the shirt you'd better sign-up beforehand or you end up paying twice. It also helps us to prepare better and makes our live easier (who likes manual data entry).
Q: It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course.
A: Nothing... in fact, we strongly 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, 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. Maps will be available at the start. If there is any confusion about the course, come out and run before April 21th. I'll take you through it.
Q: Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course?
A: Are you kidding? If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to the Event Host at the finisher banquet for a free beer!
Q: It's a pain in my you-know-what to pause and read instructions. Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other running race I've ever been in?
A: Club Fat Ass events are supposed to be different than every other running race you've ever been in. As an Event Host, I have to commit to not putting chalk/flour on the ground, hanging surveyor tape in the trees, painting rocks with arrows, putting up signs or doing anything that might leave a trace of the event on the environment, as this is the way Mother Nature prefers. Besides, having to read written course directions tends to slow down the faster runners.
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 course. 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 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 The Olco gas station in Claremont. Turn left at lights at 9th concession (Central St ) proceed to four way stop, gas station is on your right. Also there, The Old Brock Cafe + Pizzeria.
Q: What should I bring on race day?
A: Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the distance you propose to run, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run. Some thoughts are on the event agenda.
A: Absolutely! In fact, it would be nice if your friend were to help everyone. Click on crew tasks and aid station ideas for some thoughts on what some of the options are. 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! Please be sure to include them on your registration form so there will be room for them.
Q: How accurate is the course marking?
A: The course was measured with mountain bike computer.
Q: When will the 'official' results be available?
A: We hope to have the results up on this website within 24 hours of the finisher party.
Contact - Spring Bunny Hop
I welcome your comments, criticisms, feedback and questions. Please be sure to read the the FAQ section of this website first, as this is where I've tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.
James Sinclair - Your Club Fat Ass Event Host