More than 150 racers are expected to wind their way through the B&K, Sprockids and Cliff Gilker trails on Saturday June 9, for the 50-kilometre Puddle Jumper Classic ultra marathon.
This will be the second year for the technical trail race, which is organized by Mike Meggatio of Team Wolverine Athletics. Several runners from the U.S., the U.K. and across provinces will be participating in addition to Coasters. “It certainly seems the word has spread,” Meggatio said.
For those less inclined to put in the more than five hours required to complete the 50-kilometre ultra marathon, a 25-kilometre alternative will also be taking place on Saturday. Rather than climbing 2,438 metres (8,000 feet), racers of the shorter course will scale half the elevation.
The second-year popularity of the course has also brought in more competitive racers. “I’m thinking we may even have someone in this year under four-and-a-half hours,” Meggatio said. Last year’s first-place finisher, Ron Ellis of Salmon Arm, took five hours and 16 minutes to complete the 50-kilometre race.
Registration is closed and there is a wait list, but The Gibsons Butcher will be supplying burgers, and Tapworks and 101 Brewery are providing beer for spectators and participants. Both the long and short races are loops, starting and finishing in Cliff Gilker Park, Roberts Creek.
Meggatio expects up to 40 volunteers to help out on Saturday, but is always looking for more. Both Gibsons and Wilson Creek IGAs are providing snacks along the course aid stations. PaceSetter Athletic in Gibsons is also supporting the event.
Meggatio is an ultra marathon runner and avid trail runner who launched the Coast’s first-ever trail running series this year. “It does seem to fill a niche for people,” said Meggatio, of the ongoing series. “There are people out there running the trails, but there’s been no connect. But with the race, they’re getting to know people… It’s fostering community.”
