| Q: | I don't want to run, but I'd like to help. What might I do? |
| A: | You're a hero! If you can make the time, we can find you something to do as part of the event crew. Some thoughts at crew tasks. |
| | |
| Q: | If I decide to run, what should I bring? |
| A: | Please refer to the corresponding part at the agenda.
|
| | |
| Q: | Are there aid stations? Can I have a beer en route? |
| A: | We recommend you come prepared to run without external aid. There may be aid stations, but only if your family and friends step forward and offer to organize them. (See aid.) Since this is an 'unofficial' event, there are no rules as to what you may or may not eat or drink en route. Best to bring 'special needs' in a plastic bag with your name on it just in case there are aid stations. =;-) |
| | |
| Q: | What can I win? |
| A: | Nothin. Fastest man and woman TO FINISH THE COURSE get bragging rights. All participants and times go up on the web for posterity sake. |
| | |
| Q: | I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start? |
| A: | Yes. Don't worry if the steep part turns into hiking. It sometimes happens even to the best of us. |
| | |
| Q: | How tough is the course? |
| A: | You won't pull your ankle if not on the first mile of the race. If you know how to cross a road at traffic lights and are careful at the railroad crossing, you won't get hurt. The last kilometers are somewhat tough because of the gradient but remember that the finish is always within walking distance. |
| | |
| 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 route, you're almost certain to get lost |
| | |
| 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. Besides, we only take day-of-event registrants on run day which means you'll have to spend another $35 if you want the cool Club Fat Ass t-shirt. |
| | |
| 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 potluck. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future events until you come clean with past membership dues. |
| | |
| Q: | What if I get lost? |
| A: | In the first part of the race, go down to Hastings and take a bus. In the second part, follow the Trans Canada Trail and go back to Burnaby Mountain Park. You may also try to call the crew (or Peter at 778 885 4814) |
| | |
| 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 Peter. |
| | |
| 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 glow sticks or do anything that might leave a trace of the race. Besides, it slows 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 trail. We strongly encourage you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to Peter after the evnet. It will earn you points in th Club Fat Ass point series and 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 start and at Barnet Marine Park. For further details, please refer to the course description
| |
| | |
| Q: | What should I bring on run day? |
| A: | Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the route you propose to run, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run. Some thoughts are on the event agenda. |
| | Weather. Click here for a local forecast |
| | Fitness. Since you are an experienced trail runner, you should know what you are capable of. If in doubt, take it easy and do the shorter run |
| | Après run. Bring a change of clothes so you'll have something dry. |
| | |
| 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 party even if they didn't run or volunteer? Do they have to be Club Fat Ass members? |
| A: | Friends and family are absolutely welcome and no, they do not have to be Club Fat Ass members. Please be sure to specify how many guests you will bring with you on your registration form. |
| | |
| 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 party! |
| | |
| Q: | How accurate is the course marking? |
| A: | The Burnaby roads and the Trans Canada Trail are marked well. At the other two sections, try to stick to someone or read the course description - it's not so hard to find your way. |
| | |
| Q: | When will the 'official' results be available? |
| A: | We hope to have the results up on the results page website within 24 hours of the last person finishing. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultra running communities. |
