Distance: 13.10 mi
Type: Out-and-back, Trail
Difficulty: 5 / 10
More Info: Visit Web Site
Address: 10550 Asher Road; Port Alberni, BC V9Y 9A2 Canada
Filed Under: Running
Vancouver Island's "alternative" marathon is run on a trail that was formerly the grade of a logging railway. It alternates between good running surface and stretches of uneven running surfaces but it is the flattest marathon course on Vancouver Island.
The run is non-competitive due to the trail conditions and lack of access to much of the trail by aid vehicles. There are no prizes for finishing fast and runners are encouraged to run with at least one partner for their own safety. Each runner is responsible for their own safety and needs. There is a limited number of water stations on the course so each runner should carry their own personal refillable water bottle. The start is at the north end of Maebelle Road; the turnaround is at the end of Beaver Creek Road, where there will be water, gatorade and fruit. The scenery along the route is spectacular, with views of wilderness, farmland and mountain ranges. Forests shade almost the entire trail. Finishers will receive a genuine, original railway spike - gold for the full marathon and silver for the half marathon.
From Vancouver, BC: Take the BC Ferries to Nanaimo's Horseshoe Bay Terminal. Follow Highway 4 to Port Alberni. Upon entering Port Alberni, keep right just before the Tourist Information Centre juntion and follow the Old Nanaimo Highway to Maebelle Road (approximately 300 m). Turn right on Maebelle Road; follow the road to the end, where the start of the race begins.
References and External Links
Posted by: bluejellybean and last modified on Aug 17, 2006 by bluejellybean
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