What's So Special About Running in Vancouver, Canada?

Where are the best places to run in and around Vancouver?

1. Trails: it's pretty well impossible to beat the North Shore and just about any trail on it: string together as much (or little as you care). You CAN get lost out there, but the reality is, you're within practical "spitting distance" of any one of several mountain tops or coffee shops at any given time. The scenery, challenging/variety of terrain, and ease of access are very difficult to beat. Roads: Seawall, and greater Vancouver Area. It's like running roads anywhere else, only probably prettier and with options for some very challenging hills. As cities go, quite pedestrian friendly and a LOT of cool stuff is within running distance.

2. What are the best local ultras and why? How can you beat Club Fat Ass ultras? If you're a member (which is a VERY reasonable annual fee) the events are FREE. For the shear popularity and competitiveness of it, I think the New Year's Day 50k is IT. I MUST get up there for that one!

3. Who are the most influential members of the Vancouver ultra community and why? I can't argue against Club Fat Ass, Ean Jackson & Sibylle Tinsel. From my (albeit somewhat limited) perspective, those 3 factors seem to have provided the most impactful spark to fire up the fuel for what is an amazing scene of ultra running. I think there is a legitimate and sustainable vision there that has been the key.

4. Why is Vancouver a great place to run? Moderate/Temperate all year running climate, access to just about EVERY kind of terrain, highly supportive network of running community & culture for an active outdoor lifestyle. I certainly hope anyone reading this wouldn't take my opinions as claiming to know more than the locals, but felt compelled to offer my point of view as a person who's very lucky to "horn in" on the great things going on in ultra running in Vancouver on occasion. I have no intentions of taking a THING away from others there that have greatly contributed to the atmosphere.

Sincerely, Jason

Well, I'm not an ultrarunner but I have run a fair bit on and off in this city over the years so here are my responses to Ean's questions:

1. Where are the best places to run in and around Vancouver?

• From Spanish Banks up to UBC, then up to Pacific Spirit Park and all the way back in a big loop to the beach again
• Stanley Park, either on the seawall or inside the trails and around the lake.
• Any part of Baden Powell trail, but mostly the last half of Kneeknacker from Grouse East.
• The trails in and around Deep Cove (also part of Baden Powell).
• Diez Vistas
• Cypress, Seymour, or Grouse on snowshoes on a clear night with a petzl headlamp (or even better, with moonlight).

2. What are the best local ultras and why?

I have not raced either of these but have volunteered for both and have run all of the courses before:

• Kneeknacker for the great community of people who are involved in running this event
• The New Years Fat Ass 50 (Disclaimer: I'm on the advisory board of CFA) which is a great way to start a new year - going for a run on great trails and then jumping into the ocean. Really clears the New Years Party cobwebs!

3. Who are the most influential members of the Vancouver ultra community and why?

• Ean Jackson: for his general craziness, and for proving that it is possible to run for 48 hours straight across 180+K of trail by eating sausages and beer.
• Dom and Wade Repta: For proving that carnivores such as Ean are not the only elite athletes in the world since they are both vegan and are both top-notch runners and adventurers.
• Craig Moore: For convincing 5 of his friends to join him on the Double Knacker where they did the Kneeknacker course...twice. It took 2 tries but they got it the second time.
• Jim Mandelli: for proving that it is possible to talk your boss into letting you work only 8 months of the year because you have "some training" you would like to do. In Jim's case, that usually means 10 or 15 adventure races between 2-7 days in length in various parts of the world.

4. Why is Vancouver a great place to run?

• You can run all year long: you can run on the seawall and on the trails all year long, as long as you bundle up a bit. And you can run in the snow too if you bundle up a bit more!
• You can run any distance you want: Vancouver has lots of opportunities for people to run. Whether you want to run 5k, 10k, 20k, 40k, or 80k, we have a race that will fit you.
• Terrain: Some people only ever run on paved trails. Others prefer the adrenaline rush of dodging traffic, dogs, and pedestrians. Still others prefer the peace and quiet of the trails. And then there are those who prefer to cough up a lung while running straight UP a trail, and still others who enjoy testing their ankle and knee strength by running straight DOWN rooty, rocky, wet, slippery trails. In Vancouver, we have all of this. No matter what you're into, we have it here somewhere.
• Communities: One of the great things about Vancouver is its diversity and it certainly extends to the sport community. There are running clubs for first time runners, for sprinters, for triathletes, for gays & lesbians, or for ultramarathoners. No matter who you are, there is a club (or clubs) for you in Vancouver.
• Great socializing: For many running clubs, there is a large social component. And that usually means heading to the coffee shop or the pub after a run depending upon the time of day (and/or the club!) As our American friends know from their travel shows, we have a plethora of coffee shops and have quite a few good pubs in the city as well that host the various running communities and their events.

It's a question that almost all Vancouverites could go on for hours, especially if you are an ex Ontarian. I'll stick to Jackson's format and answer the questions.

Best place to Run

Seymour Mountin-Running to the top and looking North, you truly get a backcountry perspective and just minutes from the city. A good tempo up is 40ish minutes, and then hammer down. No crowds but a grind none the less.

Deep Cove-It's simply just so cool! Roots, rocks, climbs, streams, flowing. I hear there is a great fatass event out of the Cove this coming November.

Mountain Hwy-You wanna do Western, you wanna do Mtn Hwy!!

Haines Valley-A good 5 hours round trip and spectacular views and climbs

Best local Ultra's-

Even though i don't like 50k's, I'd say Diez Vista 50km. Great organization, the course is demanding and suits all styles of running, and competitive. I've never kicked it's ass but his kicked mine a couple times. I wish KK would offer a official 100km option.

I will say, we do have great races, but are lacking a great Whistler ultra and a great 100 miler in the GVA. Hats off to the Squamish folks for their race.

Ultra Folk-in my experience

Hard not say Jackson for influencing so many people to get out their and run. Sibylle for working so hard on CFA and keeping riff raff like me organized.

All the RD's, (I've only been in Van for 5 years so I am missing the pioneers I am sure-Steve King-surely someone could speak to him, Rob Lang, Andy Nicol)

Why Vancouver-In my experience running in North America and overseas, I'd say we have some of the most demanding, accessible and mentally stimulating trails I've seen. Running in a temperate rainforest is soul saving especially in the rain! For the urban dwellers, you can still get a daily dose of trails and greenery at UBC-28 miles of trails and interior Stanley Park. If North Shore is the mecca of Mtn Biking, I'd have to say it is the mecca for trail running. However, we are missing the elevation Canmore has but I've also only had to wear tights (other than snowshoe running and that is another chapter in why Vancouver rocks out) 3 times in 5 years!

The best thing of all in Vancouver is the lack of crowds and when there are people, you know they are there to have fun, train hard and suffer with you.