Swamp Thing, Jurassic Parc, The Matrix, A Bridge Too Far, Cheeky Creaker, Biter – these aren’t typical race names, but neither are the races.
Mike Meggiato of Team Wolverine Athletics is launching The Sunshine Coast Trail Series, comprising six races, which he hopes will encourage runners of all abilities to explore the intricate trail systems snaking through the lower Sunshine Coast.
“There’s people I’ve spoken to who live in Gibsons who have never been on the trails in Pender Harbour,” said Meggiato, explaining his inspiration for the series. “And the flipside to that is to try and encourage people off Coast to try and come as well.”
The series is the first of its kind on the Coast, with the initial race taking place in Pender Harbour on Feb. 24 and the series ender happening in Gibsons on Aug. 25. Competitors can sign up for as few or as many of the 5 km or 10 km races as they’d like. He expects 100 people to compete at each event.
Meggiato spent two months last year running trails in each area to establish the chosen race routes. The idea for the series was inspired after friends and acquaintances showed interest in trail running but weren’t quite ready to tackle the 50 km and 25 km Puddle Jumper Classic – an ultramarathon Meggiato organized in 2017, and which is set to take place this year on June 9.
Meggiato recommends first-time trail racers focus on the experience. “That’s the whole thing about trail running and trail racing, kind of appreciating your environment and having a good time with the people that you’re racing along with.”
By day, Meggiato works in insurance and spends his downtime organizing races and coaching clinics through his company, Team Wolverine Athletics, which he runs with his partner, Randi. “I’ve always had a passion for running,” said Meggiato, who has been trail running for more than four years. His next big effort will be in July, when he tries to get the “fastest known time” on the Sunshine Coast Trail. The goal is to run the 180-km trail non-stop in under 33 hours.
IGA is a sponsor for the trail series, while “great friends” Larry and Teresa Nightingale from PaceSetter Athletic will help with time keeping and event logistics.
To register for the series, visit www.teamwolverineathletics.com. Those who sign up before January will pay an early bird price: a series pass for the long race (approximately 10 km) is $130 and the short race (approximately 5 km) costs $80. Individual races cost $25 for the long and $15 for the short.
Volunteers for the race are needed and can contact Meggiato via his website.
