Capilano Canyon Night Run - Mardi Gras

There are a few changes to the event that everyone who is participating this year should know about...

• Pool party canceled.  Yes, for the first time in the 9 year history of this event, we must forgo the second leg.  Repairs to Harry Jerome rec center are going slower than anticipated.  I have confirmed with the North Vancouver Recreation Commission that the facility will be closed until at least early March.  Rather than suggest we use the Ron Andrews facility way out by Deep Cove, I figure it's best we skip the pool party this year and reconvene at my place immediately after the run for the potluck party leg of the event.  While missing out on the hot tub and the opportunity to check out the hard bodies is a big disappointment, look at it in a positive light:  that's $4.50 more you can put toward beer and we will get to the food earlier!  You are most welcome to towel-off and change at my place, but regrets that there will not be enough hot water for showers.  Bring deodorant  =;-)

• Aid Station Adams up in the air.  For many years, Ron Adams has run in this event and his family has kindly set up an aid station in their back yard.  This is an awesomely convenient spot, as Ron and his family live at roughly the 1 hour point into both the long and short courses.  Unfortunately, the entire Adams family will be at a family function this Saturday evening.  Ron has kindly offered the use of his yard and a card table for an aid station.  Given there is nobody to man the aid station, please assume there will not be one this year and pack food and fluids appropriately.  Note:  if you have a non-running spouse or friend would like to run this aid station, please contact me.   

• Capilano Road enhancements.  Over the past year or so, Capilano Road has been widened and sidewalks added on the east side.  This is good news, as it makes running along the road and crossing the road safer, possibly bad news as cars may drive faster.  For the long course runners, please cross Capilano Road to the east side either at the lights at Ridgewood or the crosswalk at the Suspension Bridge entry.  For everyone, you need to cross Capilano Road on the last 1/3 of the course.  When you reach Capilano Road, please go left about 20 meters and cross at the new crosswalk rather than cutting directly across the 4 lanes of traffic in the dark. 

• Trail changes.  I ran the long course on Thursday.  No changes to the route in Capilano Canyon.  There was a mud slide on part of the trail earlier in the year, but it's been cleaned up.  Grandpa Capilano had a haircut in late April, but he's still standing.  (Grandpa Capilano is the 350 year old tree you run by, in case you're new to this run.)  There are a couple of sections of the trail on the West Van side that have been enhanced with gravel and a few minor bridge and step repairs, but that's all I noted.

 Other stuff to think about:

• this is a night run.  bring a head lamp.
• fountains are off for the winter.  bring enough water for a 2 hour run
• weather is supposed to be clear and cool.  bring a hat and gloves.  shorts are up to you
• the potluck party is fun.  hope you can make it.  bring some food to share and whatever you like to drink.

I look forward to seeing you in the lower parking lot of the Griffin gym between 6:00 and 6:30 on Saturday!

There was some chatter about trail closures on the course for the night run.  Happy to report, that as of last Saturday, the 12km loop was clear and open.  Suspect the 18km loop is ok as well.