Seawall 100
What?
- An urban 100 miler, mostly on the Seawall path from the Dundarave Park in West Vancouver to UBC.
- An Ultra marathon challenge with minimal concerns for naughty beasts, altitude or elevation gain.
- A 25 miles course, with easy and multiple access for crews.
- Numerous access to washrooms and water fountains.
- Custom distances of 25-50-75 miles.
- Could definitively be described as the easiest 100 miler in North America if there is such a thing as an easy 100 mile run.
- Be prepared for unpleasant and/or changing weather conditions
- No wimps, no whiners, no hassles, no bear bells, no gaiters and heck you won't even need a headlight.
When and Where?
- Saturday, October 24th, starts at 8:00 am
- Start and finish at Dundarave Park in West Vancouver.
- See agenda on how to get there with a map and a detailed course description for tourists and a summarized version to take with you in a baggie.
- See FAQ for answers to Frequently Asked Questions, Agenda for details on how to get to the start and Course for the route description
How Much?
- Free for Club Fat Ass members (click here for current membership fees and benefits)
- To keep hassles on the morning of the run to a minimum and allow the host to participate, please sign up for both Club membership and the event online and in advance.
Event Registration - Seawall 100
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.
Lucinda Iglesias - Your Club Fat Ass Event Host
Agenda - Seawall 100
Best you print this and the course description off if you don't want to get lost!
|
Saturday, October 24th, 2009 |
|
| 6:30 | Get up. Check the weather. Be sure to print off this agenda and the course description! |
| 7:30 | Arrive at Dundarave Park in West Vancouver. |
| 7:45 | Welcome message from the Premier, exchange of gifts and final briefing. |
| 7:55 | Photo of our lovely group of Ultra Runners. |
| 8:00 | Start by The Globe. |
|
|
Sunday, October 26th, 2008 |
| 4:00 am | First finisher arrives |
| 2:00 pm | Last of the finishers |
| Go home, make yourself real clean and neat, take a nap, dress to make your Mama proud and get your chunky butt to the Post Event Party. | |
| 4:00 pm | Post Event Party ( Location to be announced) |
Course
Despite the detailed description and warnings (e.g. If in doubt, read the directions!!), people will get lost on the course. Consider it a rite of passage.
This is an informal, environmentally-friendly event. Be sure to print this agenda and the course description and bring them with you on event day as there are no flags, marshals or other directions. (I recommend you put them in a plastic baggie, as they will otherwise surely turn to mush.) Better yet, train on the course and bring the directions.
Gmap link: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2229356
Getting to the Start
From Lions Gate Bridge / Highway 99, take the exit to Marine Dr. going West. Drive 4.3 km (2.6 miles) to 25th Street. Take a left, Dundarave Park is at the South end of 25th Street. There's parking on your left just before the park.
What to Bring?
- Bring your own aid (if you don't know what that is, better wait another year)
- Bring your own official timing system (a watch will do, even if the second hand doesn't work)
- Bring multiple change of clothes and options for cold/rainy weather.
- Suck a friend / family member to crew or mule you. By car or by bike.
- Oh! One last item, body lubricant. Chaffing sucks!
Post-Run Get Together
- To be announced
Accomodation
If you need accomodation, there are plenty of options Downtown Vancouver from the most modest of shelters to the most outrageous. Westin Bay Shore is right smack on the course (at around 9.6 km). It's not cheap but how pleasant it would be to go up your luxury suite for a quick nap or shower. Be nice, invite a friend.
Notes
- It's not a race, but we do keep track of your times so you have something to compare to next year.
- We hope everyone will run the same course, but won't disqualify folks for getting lost and running extra distance.
- This event is not sponsored, sanctioned, permitted or anything else that would qualify it as an official event.
- Expect sunshine, rain, maybe snow (just kidding), pavement, a lot of it, some concrete, some dirt, old friends and maybe some new.
Course - Seawall 100
|
Distance |
Description - Seawall 100 |
| 0 km | Start: Meet at the Globe in Dundarave Park which is at the end of 25th Street. Then East along the Seawall. As a rule of thumb for this course, stay along the water. |
| 1.8 km | You will leave the Seawall and run on Argyle Ave. for about 0.7 km. |
| 2.5 km | At the junction with 13th Street you will rejoin the Seawall again. |
| 3.7 km | Just after the train bridge you will enter a forest trail on your left. |
| 4.2 km | Behind Lines N Things, stay on the right side of the concrete barrier. |
| 4.4 km | You're now back along the water (Capilano River) and under the bridge of Bridge Rd. |
| 4.6 km | You'll come to an opening / small plaza just before Marine Dr. Take the brick path slightly on your left to the bridge. Stay on the sidewalk to and over the Lions Gate Bridge. |
| 6.4 km | You're now done with the Lions Gate Bridge. Stay on the sidewalk along the Causeway to Lost Lagoon. Watch for the monster. |
| 8.5 km | Just before entering the city, the sidewalk takes a slight right down to Lost Lagoon (keep an eye on that monster), a little further take the underpass on your left and then across the turnaround on the sidewalk on your right which will lead you to the Seawall. |
| 8.9 km | Stay on the pedestrian side of the bike path towards Harbor Green Park. |
| 9.7 km | No need to do this little U shape loop. That's for tourists and suckers. |
| 10.5 km | The turnaround point is the public plaza just before you get to the new Convention Center. There are some very nice facilities open dawn to dusk like most other facilities along the course, so take note. You can also go for a cold brewsky at The Mill Marine Bistro. Take a loop around the plaza and head back where you came from. |
| 12.1 km | KM 0 mark of the Stanley Park Seawall. Go counter clockwise around Stanley Park to the 8 km mark at Second Beach Pool. |
| 20.1 km | At Second Beach Pool again stay along the water unless you need to use the facilities on your left. It doesn't matter which way you go around the pool, the distance is the same. |
| 23.0 km | Between Burrard Bridge and Granville Bridge the Seawall wander a bit and kind of ends abruptly just before Grandville Bridge. Go left for about a 100 feet and then take a shap right on the newly built section of George Wainborn Park. |
| 25.1 km | Just before Cambie Bridge stay on your right along the water. |
| 25.7 km | Cut across Plaza of Nations, the bike path picks up again on your right immediately after the Casino. |
| 26.5 km | At Science World go around the left side of it. No need to circle it along the water, that's for tourist and suckers. |
| 27.0 km | At the Olympic Village take the new steel pedestrian bridge. It's flimsy so if you're afraid of falling into shark-invested water go around the inlet. |
| 29.5 km | Take the wooden pedestrian bridge which also serves as access to the marina. |
| 29.9 km | Next stop is Granville Island where you can find all kinds of food selection. May I recommend The Sampler at Celines' Fishh & Chips. |
| 30.1 km | There is a short interruption in the Seawall by way of Creekside Dr. around the big marina. |
| 30.5 km | On your right around the residential building you'll reconnect with the bike path. |
| 31.5 km | After Vanier Park take a right around the Maritime Museum and left to the stairs. You're now back on the bike path to Kits Beach. |
| 32.6 km |
After Kits Beach stay on the water's edge along the pool, then take the paved trail past Kitsilano Yacht Club where it turns into a dirt path. At the end of the path, take concrete stairs up to street and run up one short block to Point Grey Rd. |
| 33.3 km | Go right on Point Grey Road. Stay on the sidewalk for 7 blocks to Alma Street. Continue straight on the sidewalk past the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Jericho Tennis Club. |
| 35.3 km | Zig right on the bike path to Jericho Beach Park. Continue along the beachfront path. |
| 35.9 km | Don't take the short cut before the big concrete pier. Run along the edge of the grass at the base of the pier and then go left on the bike path around Jericho Sailing Cub. |
| 39.0 km | This is the end of the bike path at Marine Dr. NW. Go up Marine Dr. NW for about 1 km to the turnaround. Please note that the path that goes shortly on your right will take you to Wreck Beach. Suit yourself but it might be cold for your wee bit. |
| 40.2 km |
Up marine Dr. NW on your right you will encounter a large open field. On your left across the street check for the big wooden "UNIVERSITY ENDOWMENT LAND" sign. This is the 25 miles mark as measured by GPS, courtesy of Mr. Tim Wiens, a fine gentleman equally loved by his Mama, his adorable spouse, Maureen and all his running buddies at CFA. Kick the sign real hard (what's a 100 miler without a couple black toe nails) and head back to Dundarave Park the way you came, or you can swim across if you want, I'll credit you for the full 100 mile distance. Please note that the Gmaps is off just very slightly due to it's limitation in tracing a course. |
| Gmap link | http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=2229356 |
Results - Seawall 100
2008 Seawall 100 - Results
Event Report by Gilles Barbeau:
Despite a solid performance for the 50 mile distance by Tim Wiens in just under 8 hours, the 100 mile distance remains unconquered. Not even our legendary 100 miler, Mr. Karl Jensen was able to master the course. He said he would be back next year for his revenge. At this point of the conversation I would like to re-introduce you with the following comment about the course:
“The Seawall 100 is probably the easiest 100 miler around but don't fool yourself it will test the best of any long distance runner. A veteran Ultra-Runner will tell you that so much pavement and flat running will tax your body parts in ways that you did not imagine existed. “
And I can assure you that Karl can testifies to that. I drove John and Daniel at around 10 pm to meet with him in Kits and to spend the night running with him. Despite such lovely offer of companionship Karl figured that the pavement had got the better of him and that there was not enough glory in this thing to go on. So the decision was made to pack it up and head home to share a warm bed with his sweetie. Of course Daniel and John were deeply disappointed but managed to hold it. Such is the world of ultra-running. It's not suppose to be easy, that's why my mamma doesn't run ultras.
Please post your comments, impressions, corrections to the results and feedback anytime via the comment link below.
Post Event Survey: Please take a moment to give us your feedback with this Post Event Survey
| First Name | Last Name | Distance |
Time | Points |
| Karl | Jensen | 70 Miles |
14:40 | 3 |
| Tim |
Wiens | 50 Miles |
7:56 |
2 |
| Chad | Hyson |
50 Miles | 9:20 |
2 |
| Al | Harman | 65 km | 6:10 |
1 |
| Killaine | Sharman |
50 km |
4:59 |
3 |
| Daniel |
Probst | 25 Miles |
4:30 |
2 |
| Ean | Jackson | 25km+? |
2:18 | 3 |
| Desmond | Mott | 25km+? |
2:18 |
3 |
| Meredith | Kho |
? |
? |
? |
| Lorraine |
Suomi |
17 km |
2:00 |
1 |
| Ryan | Melcher | aid station/ crew |
1 |
|
| Danielle | Mac Leod |
aid station/ crew | 1 |
|
| John | Machray |
aid station crew |
1 |
|
| Linda |
Machray |
aid station crew |
1 |
|
| Gilles | Barbeau |
aid station crew | 1 | |
Seawall 100
Please find more info and registration through the links below:
Backgrounder - Seawall 100
The idea of the run began as a love of the Vancouver Seawall. For years my husband Gilles has run the Seawall in his daily commute and training. Now after 13 years of running the Seawall I thought it would be a good celebration to organize a run on his favorite course and his favorite distance. Well, I'm not sure about favorite distance but he sure seems to take a lot of joy in those all night runs.
This is a serious event for individuals with a pure quest to experience the love of the distance at its most challenging. If you’re only ready for part of the run, come along and support the ultra distance runners at anytime during the day or night, even better during the night, that's when the spirit is feeble and moral support most needed. Meet at any point on the course. If you have been wanting to try a night run this is your chance to see just what the experience is like. Expect the runners to be at their slowest but I can assure you that the company will be very much appreciated.
Route
The Seawall 100 is probably the easiest 100 miler around but don't fool yourself it will test the best of any long distance runner. A veteran Ultra-Runner will tell you that so much pavement and flat running will tax your body parts in ways that you did not imagine existed.
While most of the challenge of a typical 100 mile events, altitude, elevation gain and such have been removed, the weather, being end of October, could potentially throw a monkey wrench into your plan. So make sure to pack and have access to several change of clothes and options, specially during the night when you tend to be depleted and to get cold very quickly.
Notes on Crewing and Muling
They are both allowed and welcomed. There are really unlimited access for crews, the only difficulty will be to find parking in the downtown portion of the course. Worst case your crew might have to walk a bit to be able to service you.
An option if you don't have a crew would be to buddy up with someone and arrange to leave your car somewhere along the course. If you're strategic about it you can be well sufficient.
If a generous friend plans to support you by bike, which is really a suitable option, take note that on the Seawall around Stanley Park you can only go counterclockwise. I don't think it would be much of a concern during the night or if it's raining like a peeing cow but if it's a nice sunny day and everybody, their mama and their dog is out you will have to abide. On most other section make sure to stay on your designated side of the path.
If none of the above are available to you, make sure that your credit with 7-11 is in good standing.
List of Entrants
See under Results - Current year edition
The Differences
This event follows the guidelines provided by Club Fat Ass for safe and successful, informal endurance sports events:
- It is free for members. Sign up as a Club Fat Ass member!
- It is hosted by a Club Fat Ass member
- It is informal. Participants should not expect aid or course marking. They should know how to read course instructions.
- It is environmentally friendly. No trace of the event should remain after the event.
Participants download from the Internet the course directions based on natural, urban and physical landmarks, mostly bike paths and the Seawall. As with orienteering, runners who pause frequently to consult the written directions have the opportunity to catch faster runners who go off course. Runners who know their way around the urban jungle and who can resist the many temptations of city life have a distinct competitive advantage.
More Information
Detailed questions and clarifications are provided in the FAQ.
Thanks - Seawall 100
Please contact us if you would like to support the "Seawall 100" run 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:
| Kintec Footlabs Thank you for the awesome recognition prizes. |
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TrailRunner: Thank you for the 2 gift subscriptions to your popular magazine as draw prize. Also for offering members of Club Fat Ass a special discounted subscription price |
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| KINeSYS: Thanks for the assortment of body and sun care products to keep all participants protected from the elements. |
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| Mosquito Creek Grill - www.mosquitocreek.com Thank managers Kelly and Lucy Nielson for the free beer you get at the finisher party. |
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Tim Wiens: Thanks for measuring the course and providing the maps. |
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Sibylle Tinsel - www.ClubFatAss.com: Club Fat Ass helps the race with web hosting, online registration and coaches us on how to host a safe, fun, environmentally-friendly event |
FAQ's - Seawall 100
| Q: | I don't want to run, but I'd like to help. What might I do? |
| A: | You're a hero! If you can make the time, we can find you something to do as part of the event crew. Some thoughts at crew tasks. |
| Q: | It's the weekend. Responsibility or work of any ilk does not appeal to me any more than having a root canal would. Is there any other reason why I would want to participate in this event? |
| A: | Sure. The whole objective of the day is to make it to the pub. You can always start there. |
| Q: | If I decide to run, what should I bring? |
| A: | Whatever you'd normally wear for a run of the distance you select to run given the conditions of the day. Don't forget to print out the run route directions and directions to the start. |
| Q: | Are there aid stations? Can I have a beer en route? |
| A: | We recommend you come prepared to run without external aid. There may be aid stations, but only if your family and friends step forward and offer to organize them. (See aid.) Since this is an 'unofficial' event, there are no rules as to what you may or may not eat or drink en route. |
| Q: | What can I win? |
| A: | Nothin. Fastest man and woman TO FINISH THE COURSE get bragging rights. All participants and times go up on the web for posterity sake. |
| Q: | How tough is the course? |
| A: | Tough question to answer! How fast? How well are you trained? It's not a KneeKnacker, but it is a 100 Miler. |
| 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 route, you're almost certain to 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 we prefer you don't. Last minute registration makes it very difficult to organize and coordinate the event. Besides, we only take day-of-event registrants on run day which means you'll have to spend more $ if you want the cool Club Fat Ass t-shirt. |
| Q: | It's a free world. What's to stop me from just running the course. |
| A: | Nothing...in fact, we 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 pub. 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, but bring a cell phone, just in case. |
| Q: | Do I get credit for any time I spend off-course? |
| A: | Are you kidding? If you do find an obvious mistake in the course directions, point it out to Lucinda at the party for a free beer! |
| Q: | Couldn't you mark the course like just about every other running race I've ever been in? It's a pain to pause and read instructions. |
| A: | Our aim is to be different than every other running race you've ever been in! We don't want to put chalk/flour on the ground, hang surveyor tape in the trees, paint rocks, put up signs or glow sticks or do anything that might leave a trace of the race. Besides, it slows 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 trail. We strongly encourage you to pick up any trash you find along the trail and to present it to Lucinda at the party. There may be a recognition award for the person who packs out more than they packed in. |
| Q: | What should I bring on run day? |
| A: | Whatever you figure you will need given the weather, the route description, your physical fitness on the day and your plans for after the run. |
| Fitness. Since you are an experienced runner, you should know what you are capable of. If in doubt, take it easy and do run with someone else | |
| Après run. Bring a change of clothes so you'll have something dry. | |
| 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. 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 post event party even if they didn't run or volunteer? Do they have to be Club Fat Ass members? |
| A: | Friends and family are absolutely welcome and no, they do not have to be Club Fat Ass members. Please be sure to specify how many guests you will bring with you on your registration form. |
| Q: | Are there any trophies, prizes or other hardware or freebies? |
| A: | If you assume there's no aid, no course marking, no t-shirt, no enthusiastic spectators and no prizes or freebies of any sort, you might be pleasantly surprised. Best you plan to show up at the pub! |
| Q: | How accurate are the course meaurings? |
| A: | Pretty close. The course has been measured with GPS, courtesy of Tim Wiens. Also see the Gmap link at the bottom of the course description. |
| Q: | When will the 'official' results be available? |
| A: | We hope to have the results up on the website within 24 hours of the finisher banquet. We will also distribute the results to major local and national ultrarunning communities. |
Contact - Seawall 100
I welcome your comments, criticisms, feedback and questions.
Please be sure to read the the Agenda and FAQ section of this website first, as this is where I've tried to answer the most frequently asked questions.
Your CFA Event Host - Lucinda Iglesias