Section 2 - North Coast Trail Run

Four runners departed at 7:15 am on Sunday on what would become one of the toughest day trips of our lives. We were treated to summer weather conditions, but were speed walking and running on ground that had absorbed several weeks of heavy rains. The 43 km North Coast Trail has a lot of beach sections (maybe 50%?) which were very challenging to run on due to loose pebbles and sinking sand. Many of the inland sections were extremely muddy up to the shins and knees. Two of us wore full hiking gaiters on top of our running shoes, keeping the mud out! Other inland sections had steep pitches, frequently supported by ropes. In one section, we climbed a 50 degree slope to a 2 foot wide ridge feature, then went straight down the other side with a similar slope, both supported by a rope. The total elevation gain was 1000 meters through the day.

Water availability was good, although we heeded warnings from BC Parks and other adventure runners by filling up at most major creeks. The key to finishing this trek was to keep hydrated and keep eating. I drank more than 4 litres of water and ate two large peanut butter and cheese sandwiches on thick La Boulange rye bread, 4 bars (mix of different fruit/veggie, protein and granola bars), a bag of nuts and 2 packages of electrolyte candies. We arrived to Shushartie Bay four hours later than planned - a total of 14 hours! Fortunately, our ride was waiting for us despite our tardiness - Cape Scott Water Taxi. They even gave us some fish they caught while waiting for us!

The runners are indebted to the hikers who carried our camping gear out to the vehicles - dramatically lightening our loads for the run. We are also very appreciative of the North Coast Trail Hostel who put up the Relay organizers and provided the athletes with a special price.

Click here for more photos.

Click here for Shane Ruljancich's BLOG entry on the run.