tips to have the best possible trail race day

Hey runners, it's kinda blowing my mind that we're celebrating 15 years of racing. I'm really proud of the fact that we've evolved as a race, but still kept so much of the original concept of 🅿️☠️🅿️. Our course has remained fairly unchanged which is great because it's pretty beautiful (when it's cleared of trees) - and just the right amount of challenging. It's been a tough winter to try and train on trails but we're really excited to kick off the return of the summer run season with you all.

First off, what a great year to celebrate 15 years of inclusive racing with our registrant list being over half female. This is an unprecedented number in trail running and brings us so much joy to see that our race is opening opportunities to female trail runners. A quick note to new runners to our race, feminine hygiene products are available at aid stations and will be out on tables so there is no need to ask. Help yourself.

We've heard from many runners that this is their first trail race. While we, as race directors can contribute to a great first experience for new trail runners, even more of their first race experience comes from you - the other trail runners. Everybody on course has a story, whether it's a 12.5k, a 25k or a 50k runner. Everybody on course will struggle in their own goal at some point in the race. Be that little bit of encouragement mid-hill. Be that voice of encouragement if you overtake somebody who is struggling. Help somebody have an amazing first trail race, and we guarantee, the community will give back to you when you need it.

Here's a couple of great trail courtesies to help you have the best day on course

1. Sometimes music is the thing that gets you through it, but please leave one earbud out or even better use the Shokz style product that allows you to still hear your environment while listening to music.

2. If you need to pass somebody, give them a heads up by saying, "on your left" - if it's a tight single track, maybe fire up a quick agreement chat, "hey, when you get a chance, can I pass you on the left?" - you see now why it's important to still hear your surroundings when listening to music.

3. Volunteers are here to help you have your best race. They gave their time to be out in the same weather as you're enduring, so please be sure to be kind and thank them. They will absolutely do their best to help you have a great day on course.

Addendum about the course this year

I know I just finished telling you about passing on single track, but this year we are discouraging any overtaking on single track. The ice storm brought down a lot of branches and while we cleared the trail, a lot of branches remain just off the trail. There is an lot of double track to pass on but it is dangerous to try and pass on single track this year.

Finish Strong and Celebrate With Socks

When you finish the race distance you signed up for, a volunteer will reward you a pair of socks and a limited edition 15th anniversary medal. Those socks show the true grit you have inside you to go out on a Canadian spring day and run through mud, snow and whatever else is out there to get it done. Those socks show that you beat your own believed limitations.

Our forests have seen a difficult spring, but if you look closely, you'll see signs of the upcoming beauty as the sunshine hits the forest floor. Take some time to breathe it all in. From Trish and I and all the other hard working team members, best of luck to all our runners and may your day be filled with the pleasures of trail running.