K-100: Kananaskis 100 Mile Relay Race and Weekend

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This weekend trip is for intermediate- to advanced-level runners. You do not need to be a "hot shot" runner; you need to be a competent runner, and as the race is quickly approaching you are currently running. Ideally, you will have completed a 1/2 marathon previously. And you definitely need to be fun! If you are interested in beginner-level races (with shorter distances), check out the MEC Calgary Race Series (http://events.mec.ca/find-an-event/MEC+Calgary+Race). They are well-organized, cheap, and you get 10% off at MEC with your race entry.

This is a 100 mile (160 km) relay running race completed by 10 runners. Each leg is approximately 10 miles (16 kms).

This trip is more than the race itself--it's the entire weekend. Participants will be selected based on a mixture of running experience and a commitment to the entire weekend. (See itinerary below.)

Cost:

• $90, due April 28th, DEADLINE EXTENDED TO ALLOW SIX MORE PEOPLE TO SIGN UP, payable by Interac email money transfer, AND

• $25-$40 to drivers for mileage, payable at the event

RSVPing and Leg Selection:

• RSVPs (via a waitlist) close April 23 DEADLINE EXTENDED TO ALLOW SIX MORE PEOPLE TO SIGN UP, so don't delay in indicating your interest.

• Be sure to answer all of the questions when you RSVP.

• Runners will be notified April 24th and payment is due April 28th DEADLINE EXTENDED TO ALLOW SIX MORE PEOPLE TO SIGN UP.

• You can indicate your top three leg preferences in the questions and chances are 95% that you will run one of the three you indicated. (It always works out in the end.)

Basics:

• The race begins at the Town on Longview and ends at Nakiska.

• We cross a mountain pass (Hywood) during the race.

• There are 10 different legs (http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanada/1585/Run-with-HI/Kananaskis-100-Mile-Relay-Race/The-Course/index.hostel) each with their own characteristics

• Legs 1-3 are relatively flat. (Leg 3 has a few hills.) Leg 4 is getting hilly, and Leg 5 crosses over the top of the Hywood pass and is very challenging. Leg 6 is straight down hill for 10km. Legs 7-8 are beautiful runs in the mountains, not too hilly. Legs 9-10 are trail runs at Nakiska, i.e. "off road". So lots of fun stuff for every kind of runner.

• Over the years, the race has been held in four-season weather from -5 and blizzard-like white-out conditions to scorching +30. You need to be prepared to run in whatever seasonal weather the day brings.

• The K-100 website (http://www.hihostels.ca/westerncanada/1017/Run-with-HI/Kananaskis-100-Mile-Relay-Race/index.hostel) may answer additional questions you may have.

Itinerary:

Friday, June 21

• 5:00 PM. Leave Calgary for the Town of Longview where the race starts. We camp in a field at the start line.

Saturday, June 22

• 6:00 AM. The race begins. It's takes about 10-12 hours or so for all 10 of us to finish. We use our vehicles (usually 4) to shuttle runners throughout the course and to support each other. There is a big BBQ at the finish line and your BBQ ticket is included with your entry fee. After the race, we'll go to our campsites (at Mt. Kidd)--which is a 5 minute drive from the finish line--chill out by a fire, enjoy refreshments, and celebrate.

Sunday, June 23

• 8:00 AM. Pot luck breakfast followed by a hike, TBD. You'll be back in Calgary for supper.

Gear:

• Camping. We'll be car-camping, so you'll just need the standard stuff for that. Many things will be sharable.

• Running. Be prepared to run in blizzard-like and desert-like conditions

Food:

• You don't need to bring much and Saturday breakfast and Saturday supper are provided by the race. This is will be discussed closer to the race. We're car camping, so we can bring coolers!

CORA Membership and Trip Waiver:

• You must be a paid 2014 Member with CORA

• You must sign a CORA trip waiver