Registration - The Slack Ass

Thank you for registering online and in advance.

This is a Club Fat Ass (CFA) event, so we adhere to CFA event management guidelines and privacy policy. Please complete the whole form. Your personal information is needed to make sure I spell your name right in the results and so I can contact you... or your next of kin! The other information helps me to plan any aid or post-event activities. Please help me to host a safer, better event by registering early and by notifying me if you can't make it. I'm constantly looking for ways to improve, so please share your thoughts or questions with me in the Suggestion Box below. After you click on "Yes, I agree" below, your registration details will be confirmed.

Allison Conroy
Your Club Fat Ass Event Host

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Course - The Slack Ass

This is a Club Fat Ass event so the course is environmentally friendly and is not marked, so please make sure you print out this course description (scroll down for a printer friendly version) and bring it and a plastic baggie to protect it with you on the day of the run. Better yet, train on the course and bring the directions!

Also, please keep in mind that we have not gone over the course to work out the kinks. Please feel free to contact us where you see kinks or help us to run sections of the course yourself to work them out. 

I really appreciate your patience here :) 

Time (7:00 finish)	June 16.2007 50 Mile Slack Ass and 15 Mile Half Ass Run	km
6:30pm	Meet at Hawrelak Park main pavilion, on the patio, just in front of the lake. There are good bathrooms here as well as water.
7:00pm	Start - Hawrelak Park field. We will all walk over to the start together.	00.0
	We begin on the trail that runs toward the river . This 734m section of the route brings us to the main trail.	0.734
	Stay left and continue 225m until you hit the trail adjacent to the river. Turn left.	0.959
	Turn left and continue approximately 3.5k to the bridge. Do not cross bridge.	4.507
	You will soon hit a Y intersection. Stay right or closest to the river. Run 2k along that trail. And enjoy the amazing views of the river! There are sometimes porta-potties here and some outhouses. Just keep an eye out if you need one.	6.507
	At this point you will have to turn left onto the on-road bike path. Run 300m. Follow signage turning right and run 2.7k along this road. Watch for cars - your safety is in your hands and your hands alone! A ten seconds wait will not add much time to your ETA in a 50 miler - I promise!	7.707
	Stay right and get onto the granular path closest to the river - entering Twelligar Park. There are occasionally portapotties here in the middle of the park by the car park but I wouldn't bank on it. You will run 1.2k to your first intersection. Watch for dogs and mountain bikes here as both roam freely and often with reckless abandon for the welfare of others.	8.907
	You will hit 5 intersections where you will keep choosing right. If you foresee having trouble with this, please bring an abacus or a stick and notching system. On your 6th intersection, the right turn will appear to be a bit behind you (a Y going the other way) do not take it! Keep going straight and stay left. This loop will be approximately 4.5k.	13.383
	You will soon hit a T intersection, turn right and then stay straight!!! If you turn, you may be lost in Twelligar forever.
	You will soon find yourself on the same path as you came in on. Continue back to the on-road bike route about 1.5k. If you, or any others fat-asses happened to drop anything, now would be a good time to pick it up. We want to keep the trails clean!!	14.915
	You will then run the 2700m on the same road you ran in on.	17.615
	You will get to a T intersection. Instead of heading down the on-road bike path you came in on, you will go right onto the paved multi-use trail through the heart of the park. There are some outhouses stationed here and often porta-potties - keep an eye out if you need one. This is a shared trail so, as always, keep your head up.	19.638
	This time you get to cross the bridge! Cross it, then take a hard right.	20.275
	You will soon come to a Y intersection. Stay left, closest to the river. Continue on beside the river just over 2.5k until the next bridge.	22.959
10:00am	For those in the Half-Ass or for those who decided they are simply to lazy to go on, will cross the bridge and stay straight. For those who are continuing their slack ass journey, you will find your first drop bag here along with some encouragement. This will also mark the first cut off. Those who do not make it in 3 hours will be asked to stop.
	The Half-Assers will hit a T intersection and go left to the glorious finish.	15 miles
	The Slack-Assers will keep straight along the river, possibly questioning their state of mind when they signed up for the long route, just over a km until the first intersection until they stay right closest to the river.	24.065
	You will find yourself on a paved trail that curves to the left.	26.051
	At the end of this paved portion, you will see a shared use side walk on your right... follow that to the right and get onto the next paved trail that runs adjacent to the river on your left.
	You will see a couple of paved trails that split off to the left. Ignore them. Stick with the river to the right.
	You will come to Groat bridge and you will stay straight by going underneath it. You are now entering Victoria Park. Occasionally there are some porta-potties here but if you are really in a need of a toilet (or running water) by this point, you can run into the park to the right and there are flush toilets in the centre. This is not advised if you do not know the park however, as the possibility exists that you might get lost. Often there are also porta-potties just off this trail to the right. Stay straight on the trail closest to the river.  How lovely. The trail here is about 2k.
	You will pass soon find yourself on a paved service road. You will see a big red bridge with a little blue foot bridge underneath. You are free to look - but do not cross it. You will notice a couple of wash rooms to your left that have running water. They are also wash rooms located in the big brown building (Kinsmen Sport Centre - also running water and food for purchase, even if just a vending machine) if you feel like tacking on some extra mileage. Keep following the road along the river until you see that a path splits off straight/left onto the grass.	30.546
	You will follow this path under the bridge and then continue on the trail as it bends to the right and inclines. From here you are on the right path if you are staying closest to the river valley on a series of paved and unpaved paths. You will know you are on the right one if there are no other paths between you and the river. There are some good wash rooms with running water for use in Dawson Park just on your right.
	Nearly 40k! This is where the path ends and you reach a footbridge. This is where the second bag drop will be.	39.555
	Cross the footbridge Southbound and follow the paved trail through Goldbar Park. There are wash rooms with running water here. You will find several opportunities to go right on trails that lead into the heart of the park but stay left on the closest paved trail to the water. This section is about 2.5k.	42.073
	You will then cross another footbridge going Northbound into Rundle Park and turn right onto a paved trail after.
	Keep left on the path, admire the ponds. There is a good set of wash rooms in the main building in this park. After the ponds you will hit a straightish section (with one right leaning L turn) that runs nearly a km before a T intersection. Turn right here toward the river.
	Once you are facing the river you will have another T intersection with a paved multi-use trail that runs both ways. Go left and stay on this trail all the way through Rundle and into Hermitage Park.	43.630
3:00pm	Once you are in Hermitage Park, there will be one opportunity to take a sharp left about 1km into the park stay right and stay on the paved multi-use trail.  You will continue on this path to the turn around at 50k where the turn around will be located. This will also be the next cut off. You will be asked to leave if you haven't made it in 8 hours.	49.215
	You will then run a little over 3.5k on the same trail back out of Hermitage Park. There is a good set of wash rooms in the park.	52.844
	Entering back into Rundle Park, you will see that the trail veers off left or towards the river onto an unpaved path. Take this one and stay on it until it intersects back with the main path about 2.5k later. You will cross the main path and get back onto the same unpaved trail by the footbridge that goes to Strathcona Science Park - just stay on the unpaved path closest to the river.	55.727
	Connect back onto the main trail and turn left at the T intersection. At the next T intersection, cross the bridge southbound or to your left.	56.339
	Just after the bridge you will see another unpaved section just off the main path toward the river. Take that and admire the beautiful river the whole way as the trail runs along it about 1.5k.	57.924
	You will come to the bridge but do not cross it. Stay on the south side of the river and continue rightish on the trail closest to the river. You will hit an unpaved 350m section, then a paved 350m section, then unpaved again for 1k. Just switching it up for you. You will hit a Y intersection onto paved multi-use trails. Go left following the river.	59.826
	Watch for the Y intersection where an unpaved trail can be accessed to your right. Keep following this along even as it intersects over the main trail once more some time later for about 1.5k.	62.956
	You will come to a T intersection on the main multi-use path when the unpaved trail runs out. Turn right.
	You will come to a 4-way intersection where you will see the red footbridge that leads North into Louise McKinney Park. Go south or left here away form the bridge. You are now entering Millcreek Ravine Park.	63.832
	Stay on the paved multi-use trail (just over 1k) and keep picking right hand turns until you come to a unpaved trail that veers off the main path to your left.	64.953
	Follow this unpaved section about 1.5k until it meets back up with the main paved trail in a T intersection where you will go right. Keep your head up here because you will quickly come to a 4 way intersection, where you will turn left or southbound and continue in the direction you were going on the unpaved trail.	66.430
	In about 150m, you will see another unpaved trail on your left - take it.	66.588
	You will cross over a side walk and then come to a Y intersection. Stay right. You will also cross a paved trail - just keep on going.	68.266
	You will come to a paved trail that leads to a road. Here you will find your last turn around. Only 10k or so more to go!!	70.197
	Continue back but instead of heading back onto the unpaved trail, stay on the multi-use trail. In about .5k, you will come to a 4 way intersection. Keep going straight.	70.807
	You will cross a side walk and pass through a couple of intersections. Keep going straight, about 3k down the paved multi-use trail. You will soon meet up with an intersection that has a multi-use trail running left to right and a side walk straight ahead. Take the sidewalk.	73.113
	Continue on the side walk about 600m until you hit a paved trial at a T intersection. Go left.	73.713
	You will soon hit a very short on road bike path portion. Keep going straight and back down into the river valley on the paved multi-use trail. Follow this trail for just over 2k. You will come to an intersecting side walk. Keep going straight.	76.001
	Follow the paved trail to the left (as opposed to leaving onto the dirt path straight ahead). You will soon come to a series of side walk crossings where things get a little confusing. This is where your carbohydrate starved brain could lead you seriously astray so try to pay very close attention! Stay straight on the trail. After the 2 intersecting side walks, look for the right-hand turn and follow it.	76.928
	Then take your first left onto the multi-use trail. If you have done this properly, you will soon see an unpaved path leading off the trail to your left. Take it and follow it for about 2k through Emily Murphy Park. This is the last major stretch through so enjoy it - you've certainly earned it.	79.393
7:00pm	You will cross a side walk - just keep going straight. 1074m to the finish!!!	80.467 or 50 miles

 

Results - The Slack Ass

We strive to have results listed within 24h of the end of the event.

Contact - The Slack Ass

I welcome your comments, criticisms, feedback and questions. Please be sure to read the the FAQ section of this website first, as this is where I've tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.

Allison Conroy,
Event Host - The Slack Ass

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Agenda - The Slack Ass

The Slack Ass 50 and The Half Ass 15 Saturday 16 June 2007
5:00	Get up. Check the weather. Print off this agenda so you can be sure to find the start.
6:00	Arrive at the main pavillion in Hawrelak Park Edmonton, AB.  Check-in.
6:30	Welcome and final briefing
6:45	Photo
7:00	Start
8:30	First finisher Half Ass
7:00	Last finisher Slack Ass
7:00	Refreshments and bragging by the pond :)

How to get to the start?

If coming from the North:

Take Groat Road Southbound. Just across Groat Bridge you will follow the sign that points you into the parks area. Do not get off before crossing Groat Bridge. 

From the South:

Take Groat Road North. After following the hill down into the river valley, get off at the same exit for Victoria Park Road but go left instead of right at the top of the bridge. Follow this road back around Northbound and you will see the park entrance on your right.

What to Bring?

Bring your own food. There is a water tap at several points on the route (including the start), indicated on the route map but be prepared in case it is out of service. Again there are washrooms at the start and at several indicated points on the map but be prepared for the unexpected. Sorry - no showers are available and the pond is really icky. 

Bring your own official timing system (a watch will do, even if the second hand doesn't work.) There will be a pen and paper to record your split times.

Bring a change of clothes for afterward and possibly a nice lounging chair or blanket.

Post-Event

For those left standing, a post event celebration will be held at the main pavilion at 7pm that same night. 

Other Notes

This event is not sponsored, sanctioned, permitted or anything else that would qualify it as an official event.

Backgrounder - The Slack Ass

This year is the Slack Ass's first birthday. We figured there are enough fat asses in the prairies to have our own little event. Edmonton has a beautiful trail system that goes on for miles and it was the perfect venue to host such a run. 

This is the only Club Fat Ass event in Edmonton.  Do you want to join the growing family of Club Fat Ass event host and organize your own event?  CFA makes it easy and as an added bonus,  club membership is complimentary in the second year of hosting your event.  Find out more at: http://www.clubfatass.com/host

FAQ - The Slack Ass

Q:  I've never done a trail run before. Is this a good place to start?
A:  It depends. Are you realistic about the distance you are thinking about running, well-prepared to run it and totally self-sufficient? If so, go for it! If in doubt, pick a shorter distance this time so you don't kill yourself, and come back to set the course record next year.

Q:  Can I run less than 15M or more than 50M?A:  Absolutely! You can leave out the final loop on the 15 miler or just turn around early to make it shorter. To make it longer, you can add in an additional 15 mile loop at the end back through Twelligar park or run any portion of that. Or just do the whole thing twice!!

If you want to run more than 50M, you will get special recognition as a certified glutton for punishment. We strongly recommend you have a pacer for any distance over 50M and that you carry a cell phone so you can call someone to pick you up when you expire.

Q:  How tough is the course?
A:  Tough question to answer! How far are you running? How fast? How well are you trained?  There are rolling hills through out but no mountains. Be prepared for river valley running though.

Q:  Do I really need to print off the course instructions and bring them with me
A:  Yes. Without the detailed instructions or an intimate familiarity with the  run route, you will get lost.

Q:  This event is free, but for Club Fat Ass members only. How do I get into the club?
A: There is no hazing ceremony like the Hash House Harriers! Runners, walkers, hikers, triathletes, adventure racers, mountain bikers and anyone else interested in having fun in the great outdoors is welcome and can register online for a nominal fee.

Q:  Can I wait until the last minute and join at the start?
A:  Yes, but you make it easier on us when you preregister.  Last minute registrations have to be added by hand to the registration list and results, preregistrations can be downloaded.  Remember CFA events like to keep it simple and your event host wants to run as well.

Q:  It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course.
A:  Nothing... in fact, we strongly encourage you to run the course often in training! We prefer that you do not 'bandit' the course on event day, however. If you insist, please don't take any of the aid intended for members. You will not get recognition in the results or be eligible for any draw prizes and you'll have to wear a black patch over one eye at the banquet. Furthermore, you won't be allowed into future events until you come clean with past membership dues.

Q:  What if I get lost?
A:  You shouldn't get lost if you refer to the course instructions where you are faced with a choice of direction. If you do feel you are lost, ask someone...  If you always get lost, bring a cell phone or a quarter for the pay phone, and make sure you have alerted someone that you might call for help or directions!

Q:  Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course?
A:  Are you kidding? Getting lost is a rite of passage in CFA runs. Most of the time, you can blame yourself for not paying attention. If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to the Event Host at the finisher banquet for a free beer!

Q:  It's a pain in my you-know-what to pause and read instructions. Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other running race I've ever been in?
A:  Club Fat Ass events are supposed to be different than every other running race you've ever been in. As an Event Host, I have to commit to not putting chalk/flour on the ground, hanging surveyor tape in the trees, painting rocks with arrows, putting up signs or doing anything that might leave a trace of the event on the environment, as this is the way Mother Nature prefers. Besides, having to read written course directions tends to slow down the faster runners.

Q: What is the 'Rule of the Trail'?
A: If you pack it in, you can pack it out. (That means don't you dare litter!) Leave nothing but your footprints on the course. We strongly encourage you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to the Event Host at the finisher banquet. There may be a recognition award for the person who packs out more than they packed in.

Q: What if I have to heed the call of nature.
A: There are washrooms in Hawrlack Park and throughout the river valley. Please refer to your course outline for additional info.

Q:  What should I bring on race day?
A:  Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the distance you propose to run, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run. Some thoughts are on the event agenda. 

Distance. Since you are an experienced trail runner, you should know what you need. Water and food is an issue, so we recommend you carry at least 2 large bottles of fluid and plenty of trail chow.

Fitness. Since you are an experienced trail runner, you should know what you are capable of. If in doubt, take it easy and run a shorter distance.

Time. It gets dark by around 9:00pm, If you think you might be on the course after darkness falls, we encourage you to start an hour early, carry a headlamp and have a pacer for the last 10K or so. Remember, despite this being a trail run, you can always walk south or north to get out of the river valley if darkness "surprises" you.

Q:  I am supposed to be self-sufficient because there is no aid provided. Can I get a friend to come out and give me food and drink along the route?
A:  Absolutely! In fact, it would be nice if your friend were to help everyone. Click on crew tasks and aid station ideas for some thoughts on what some of the options are. Please have your friends and family members contact us and we will do all we can to insure that they have fun, as well.

Q:  Can I bring my friends and family to the finisher party even if they didn't run or volunteer?
A:  Absolutely! Please be sure to include them on your registration form so there will be room for them. 

Q:  How accurate is the course marking?
A:  The course was measured with Edmonton's trail guide and then additionally with a GPS.

Q:  When will the 'official' results be available?
A:  We hope to have the results up on The Slack Ass website within 24 hours of the finisher banquet. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities.

Thanks - The Slack Ass

Please contact us if you would like to support The Slack Ass in any way.

Our hope is to make this event totally self-supporting. In other words, do all of the organization beforehand and also participate. This would be an impossible dream without a lot of behind the scenes help. Many thanks to my Dad for ALL his help!!