KKNSTR 2000 Race Report - Ron Nicholl

Last year was titled the "Year of the Snow" and for 2000 it was the "Year of ‘less’ Snow." The recent heavy winter snow packs have given Canada’s knarliest race an added challenge to the traditionally snow free course. Even though there was less snow, the difference was the mud. The recently retreated snow left very muddy sections, variously described as plain old sloppy, shoe sucking mud to the sticky, cookie dough variety. No matter which term applies, the trail was especially slippery in the transitions between the snow and the mud. Fortunately, all of this occurred in the first third of the course. The remainder of the route was the usual rocky, rooty trail that is the Knee Knackering trademark.

The initial 4,000’ climb in the first five miles is always breathtaking. The birdseye view from behind is spectacular as the runners scamper over the last of the granite boulders on the way to the top of Black Mountain. There are varying views of Vancouver and the surrounding area but none are as striking as those looking down on Horseshoe Bay from Black Mountain.

The original course was across the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge at the three-quarter mark. More recently, the race has entered the canyon on a new trail and crossed a bridge below the suspension bridge. This is much easier for the aid station and the runners, though running across the suspension bridge and getting caught in the undulations was always fun. The visiting tourists, who would get a death grip on the side of the rocking bridge, must be relieved that there are no longer runners crossing at the same time and threatening to send them flying.

The trail marking team encountered a black bear the night before the race. Though they were very close, they thought better of flagging him. There also was also a recent cougar sighting. Fortunately, there were no animal encounters on race day. Mosquitoes and horse flies were the only problems, more to the course monitors and aid station personnel than the runners.

The Knee Knackering course follows the Baden-Powell trail along Vancouver’s North Shore Mountain ridge. Established by the Boy Scouts as a series of shorter hikes, the trail was never envisioned as a 30 mile run from Eagleridge (Horseshoe Bay) to Deep Cove. Twelve years ago, eight runners decided to connect the sections, beginning what is billed as Canada’s knarliest race. David Brown is the only 12 time finisher. Brian Patterson joined the more than ten time finisher club last year, while four more joined this year; Neil Wakelin, Ron Adams, Frank Fleetham and Ron Nicholl. The ten year awards were hand carved Coastal Salish trophies equal to those received by the age class winners. All are beautiful pieces of First Nation artwork.

Each year, the race has given a portion of the entry fee to various organizations. This year $3,000 was given to the North Shore Search and Rescue Society.

Race Director Paul Quinn and Race Co-Founder Enzo Federico continued the spirit of the event while drawing on their excellent team of volunteers. From the volunteers and aid stations to the awards and the banquet, the support people were excellent. The 91% finishing rate and 79 first time entrants attest to this. The race sponsored training runs and race day support, help these first timers through Canada’s toughest but most rewarding race.