West Vancouver, British Columbia – The second Saturday of July is coming up, and that can only mean one thing for a growing number of enthusiastic long-distance runners – time for the Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run (the “Knee Knacker”). The race traverses the trails of West and North Vancouver, and the eighteenth edition takes place on Saturday July 8, 2006.

The race started out as a “fun run” with only 8 participants in 1989, when the sport of ultramarathoning (races longer than a 26.2 mile marathon) was in its infancy in Canada. While there are races over distances much longer than the 30 miles covered by the Knee Knacker, not many are tougher. Canada’s largest ultramarathon race takes participants from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove along the 30-mile (48.6 km) Baden-Powell trail. Runners go up, over, and around the major North Shore mountains – Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour – gaining over 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in elevation along the way for a total elevation change of over 16,000 feet (4,800 m).

Over the years, top ultramarathoners from around the world have traveled from afar to challenge themselves in what is referred to as the “knarliest” footrace in Canada. However, the great appeal of the race is that it caters to adventure seekers of all levels and not just the elite competitors. Race participants were selected by lottery in March. By the luck of the draw, 200 racers will toe the line on race day. Half of these runners will be taking part in the race for the first time.

This year’s race will see 35% female athletes with perhaps the most competitive women’s field ever. Last year’s champion, Suzanne Evans will be vying for the title again this year. Evans posted a blistering pace in the final quarter of the 2005 race, second only to overall winner, Mark Bates. Topping the list of competitors ready to challenge for victory are 2-time champion and current record holder, North Vancouver’s Patricia Jensen (2003 & 2004), 2005’s women’s second place finisher, Tracy Wakaluk, former champion Jacquie Trudeau (2002), along with first-timer and elite athlete Lisa Polizzi.

The men’s division will see last year’s champion, and world-class triathlete, Mark Bates return to defend his title. A strong field of competitors will challenge Bates this year including 8-time finisher and 6-time champion Peter Findlay of Kamloops. Findlay’s previous course record (1991) stood the test of time until Kevin Titus of Whistler lowered it by almost 3 minutes to 4 hours and 42 minutes in 2003.

This year’s oldest competitor, Harvey Nelsen, 72, of Langley, is looking to complete his 6th Knee Knacker, competing in the Super-Veterans category. Three additional athletes are expecting to celebrate a significant milestone upon their successful completion of Saturday’s race. Dean Ashdown, Kathryn Banks, and Janet Green are looking to join the exclusive 10-time finishers club, a feat accomplished by only 18 athletes to date. This year’s race will also see three former Race Directors run – proof that the Knee Knacker gets in your blood. Race co-founder, Enzo Federico (1989 & 1992 finishes), Paul Quinn (1995 overall winner), and Michael Wardas (2003 & 2004 Race Director) will all participate in the 18th Annual Knee Knacker.

The race itself starts at 6:00 a.m. Saturday, July 8th just above Horseshoe Bay, Exit #4, off of Westport Road. Runners must arrive at the Panorama Park beach in Deep Cove by the race cut-off time of 4:00 p.m. Following is a schedule of where and when to catch the top runners in action: