course details

This is a very brief highlight reel of the course since we’re all busy and you probably don’t have time to read the 67 kilometers course but you do have time for a bite size rundown and a quick peek at the map found HERE.

Ok, so the race starts (and finishes) at the Brennan Park Leisure Centre. Here it’s a mass start that goes up the highway into the uphill slog that is Garibaldi Highlands. Up and around the Highlands you’ll eventually find yourself climbing Jacks Trail to Alice Lake. After climbing to the top of the Corners you’re rewarded with the first downhill. A pleasant rip down Rob’s and Cliff’s Corners and into Rollercoaster.

From there you head back along the road through Quest University down Diamond Head taking you to your first pass through the Powerhouse Party zone. Here there is plenty of feasting and hydrating available if you need it. It’s also the first cutoff. The first time through you might be feeling good but you know in a matter of moments you’ll be staring down the formidable 9 Mile Hill.

And would you look at that, here you’re at Nine Mile and the chit chat is replaced with grunting and wheezing. Half way up is the famous Bonk Hill and the second and final cutoff and a feed zone. Also after Bonk Hill the weather turns cold. You are at the top of a mountain after all. But since you’re at the top there’s no way to go but down. And what a down. The Ring Creek Rip will have you flying and flowing nicely into the Powerhouse Plunge where things get a little more technical. Downhill switchbacks, roots, rocks, technical short climbs leaving you definitely more tired when you get spat out back at the Powerhouse Party feed zone.

Here is the traditional spot for cramps from HELL. Going up past the feed zone it’s not uncommon to see several writhing bodies clutching their legs. The slogan ‘hydrate or die’ comes to mind.

And now that you have most of your energy stores depleted it’s time to dive into Crumpet Woods. Here, any energy you had left will be quickly sapped on the infamous Farther Side. Soon however it ends with you back on the road to the short yet enjoyable Smoke Bluff downhill. Finally, there’s the valley trail to the finish line at the Logger Sports Grounds directly adjacent to the Leisure center.
Commence collapsing.