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Home › Club Events › Capilano Canyon Night Run - Mardi Gras

FAQ

Q: Jackson, I do not have a death wish. I do not now, and likely never will have the slightest urge to risk my life and limb on a run with you and your insanely hyperactive buddies. Is there any reason why I would want to participate in this event?
A: Yes. You can join Sibylle for a slow, sane, evenly-paced, 90-minute group run through some spectacular trails and worry a lot less about getting maimed or lost.
Q: Sibylle, I do not now, and likely never will have the slightest urge to run with you and your pals for 90 minutes in the dark regardless of how slow you promise to run and how beautiful the scenery might be during the day. Is there any other reason why I would want to participate in this event?
A: Yes. You can help out with organizing as a member of the event crew.
Q: It's the weekend. Responsibility or work of any ilk does not appeal to me any more than having a root canal would. Is there any other reason why I would want to participate in this event?
A: Sure. The whole objective of the evening is to make it to the pool and potluck parties. You can always start there.
Q: If I decide to run, what should I bring?
A: Whatever you'd normally wear for a 90 minute run given the conditions of the evening. Don't forget to print out the run route directions, directions to the start and to bring a flashlight/headlamp and cell phone. (Andy, don't forget your contact lenses this time! Parks, I know you eat carrots, but trust me...a flashlight would really come in handy!)
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. 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 if I get caught up in the party spirit and can't drive home?
A: You are absolutely welcome to spend the night. There are lots of futons and sleeping bags.
Q: What can I win?
A: Nothin. Fastest man and woman TO FINISH THE COURSE get bragging rights. (Competitive course only. We hope everyone in the group run will finish together.) All participants and times go up on the web for posterity sake. Results from previous Capilano Canyon Mardi Gras Night Runs at results.
Q: I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start?
A: It depends. Can you realistically run for 90 minutes during the day? If so, you should enjoy the Group run. We don't recommend you attempt the competitive course unless you're a strong runner and you can read detailed instructions as you run.
Q: How tough is the course?
A: Tough question to answer! Which course are you running? How fast? How well are you trained? Feedback from those who have run the Group run include: "Magical." "It was like running in a tunnel, but way more fun." From Competitive runners: "I thought you said I wouldn't get lost!" "Tough... but good tough"
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 Night Run 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. There is also a $5.00 "Day of Event" surcharge for Members who don't register for the event and day-of-event members who don't pre-register on the website.
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: You shouldn't get lost, but bring a cell phone, just in case.
Group runners, stick with the group. If you get separated from the group, refer to the course instructions where you are faced with a choice of direction.
Competitive runners, don't assume. The person in front of you may be headed the right way or may be off-course.
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 Sibylle (Group) or Jackson (Competitive) at the potluck party 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 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 Sibylle or Jackson at the potluck. 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 Cleveland Dam for competitive. (Approximately half way.) There are no washrooms on the Group course.
Q: What should I bring on run evening?
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 go with the group.
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 potluck 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 potluck party!
Q: How accurate is the course marking?
A: The event has been hosted several times on the same course, so we are quite confident the directions are accurate. The distances were measured with Jim Swadling's Nike Tailwind pedometer.
Q: When will the 'official' results be available?
A: We hope to have the results up on the Capilano Canyon Mardi Gras Night Run website within 24 hours of the finisher party. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities.
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