The idea of the run began as a love of the Vancouver Seawall. For years my husband Gilles has run the Seawall in his daily commute and training. Now after 13 years of running the Seawall I thought it would be a good celebration to organize a run on his favorite course and his favorite distance. Well, I'm not sure about favorite distance but he sure seems to take a lot of joy in those all night runs.
This is a serious event for individuals with a pure quest to experience the love of the distance at its most challenging. If you’re only ready for part of the run, come along and support the ultra distance runners at anytime during the day or night, even better during the night, that's when the spirit is feeble and moral support most needed. Meet at any point on the course. If you have been wanting to try a night run this is your chance to see just what the experience is like. Expect the runners to be at their slowest but I can assure you that the company will be very much appreciated.
Route
The Seawall 100 is probably the easiest 100 miler around but don't fool yourself it will test the best of any long distance runner. A veteran Ultra-Runner will tell you that so much pavement and flat running will tax your body parts in ways that you did not imagine existed.
While most of the challenge of a typical 100 mile events, altitude, elevation gain and such have been removed, the weather, being end of October, could potentially throw a monkey wrench into your plan. So make sure to pack and have access to several change of clothes and options, specially during the night when you tend to be depleted and to get cold very quickly.
Notes on Crewing and Muling
They are both allowed and welcomed. There are really unlimited access for crews, the only difficulty will be to find parking in the downtown portion of the course. Worst case your crew might have to walk a bit to be able to service you.
An option if you don't have a crew would be to buddy up with someone and arrange to leave your car somewhere along the course. If you're strategic about it you can be well sufficient.
If a generous friend plans to support you by bike, which is really a suitable option, take note that on the Seawall around Stanley Park you can only go counterclockwise. I don't think it would be much of a concern during the night or if it's raining like a peeing cow but if it's a nice sunny day and everybody, their mama and their dog is out you will have to abide. On most other section make sure to stay on your designated side of the path.
If none of the above are available to you, make sure that your credit with 7-11 is in good standing.
List of Entrants
See under Results - Current year edition
The Differences
This event follows the guidelines provided by Club Fat Ass for safe and successful, informal endurance sports events:
Participants download from the Internet the course directions based on natural, urban and physical landmarks, mostly bike paths and the Seawall. As with orienteering, runners who pause frequently to consult the written directions have the opportunity to catch faster runners who go off course. Runners who know their way around the urban jungle and who can resist the many temptations of city life have a distinct competitive advantage.
More Information
Detailed questions and clarifications are provided in the FAQ.