Fat Dog 100 Trail Race

Saturday August 18 to Sunday August 19, 2012

Most scenic ultra in Canada.

Race Details

When:

Saturday August 18 to Sunday August 19, 2012

Why:

Stunning alpine views, meadows of wild flowers, good mix of technical and non-technical trails, point to point, challenging profile, sumptuous aid stations, great organization, enthusiastic volunteers, and a lake at the end for soaking. SERIOUSLY SCENIC.

Distances:

120 miles, 70 mile, 50 mile, 30 mile (new), 18 mile and 6 relay legs that cover 120 mile route. This is a challenging course.

Where:

120 mile and relay start near Keremeos in Cathedral Provincial Park on Saturday.
70 mile starts in E.C. Manning Provincial Park on Saturday.
50 mile starts in E.C. Manning Park on Saturday.
30 mile starts in Skagit Valley Provincial Park on Sunday.
18 mile starts in Skagit Provincial Park on Sunday.
Some of the trails are in remote locations. See photos below.
This is wine and fruit country.

How to Get There:

From Vancouver, take Highway 1 to Hope, then Highway 3 to Manning Park. Follow the signs to Lightning Lake "DAY" parking. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to get there. Allow plenty of time.

Mandatory Briefing:

120 mile and relay legs 1 and 2 in Keremeos at 7:15 p.m. at Victory Hall. FRIDAY NIGHT.
70 mile, 50 mile and relay legs 3-6 at 5 p.m. at Manning Park Lodge Tamarack Room. FRIDAY NIGHT.

Start Times:

120 mile and relay 4 a.m. Saturday at Lakeview Creek Trail Campground parking lot on Ashnola River Road near Keremeos.
70 mile 8 a.m. Saturday in Manning Park across from Manning Park Lodge on north side of Hwy 3, up the paved road to top parking lot to start on Heather Trail from the parking lot.
50 mile starts at 10 a.m. Saturday at Cayuse Flats on Hwy 3.
30 mile starts at 8 a.m. Sunday at Shawatum Aid Station on Silver Skagit Road.
18 mile starts at 10 a.m. Sunday at Skyline aid station on Silver Skagit Road.

Sign In:

Sign in 30 minutes before your race start. Check Race Guide for mandatory briefings.

Fees:

120 mile fees: before Jan 30, $160; by Apr 30 $180; by Aug 5 $200.
70 mile fees: before Jan 30, $100; by Apr 30 $120, by Aug 5 $140.
50 mile fees: before Jan 30 $95; by Apr 30 $105; by Aug 5 $120.
30 mile fees: before Jan 30 $75; by Apr 30 $85; by Aug 5 $100
Relay fees: before Jan 30, $300 per team, by Apr 30 $360 per team, by Aug 5 $390 per team.
18 mile fees: before Jan 30 $45; by Apr 30 $50; by Aug 5 $55.
Canadians note: online registration is in US dollars; mail in registration is in Canadian dollars.

Shirts:

Included if you register by July 31. After that, shirt is not guaranteed in your size. Note: you will want the shirt.

Orientation Runs:

Route description. July 28. Always check this website to confirm before traveling. Recommended route: Skagit Valley out and back. Meet at Sumallo Grove parking lot at 10 am. There is a BC Parks sign marking this location on Hwy 3. It is located about 20 minutes from Hope and about 15 minutes from Manning Park Lodge. Let me know the distance you want to do. On race day, this section will be a night run for some people.

120 mile Logistics:

The race starts near Keremeos and finishes in Manning Park so your car needs to be in Manning Park at the end. The best place to stay Friday night is in Keremeos or camp nearby. You leave your car in Manning and we will bus you to Keremeos Friday at 5 pm AND to the race start from Keremeos Victory Hall but we will not be returning to the start area at the end of the race. Keremeos is a small town and you can walk from the motels to Victory Hall.

Keremeos Where to Stay Friday night:

The 120 mile race (and relay leg 1) starts near Keremeos. If you need a ride to the start, the bus picks you up in Keremeos 3 a.m. to go to start at Lakeview Creek Trail Campground on Ashnola River Road. Friday night options: Elks Motel, Alpine Motel more places, and the local camping ground Ashnola Campground (operated by Lower Similkameen Indian Band) contact: execassist@lsib.net or 1-250-499-5528 ext 102. The bus will stop at this campground. There are also 3 spots available at Lakeview Creek Trail Campground (start location) on Ashnola River Road but you would need to arrive well in advance.

Finish Line Where to Stay:

Manning Park Lodge has reserved rooms for the race: cabins ($229), mini suites ($139) and queen rooms ($129). Tell them you are staying for the race.These rooms are available at those rates until June 20 only. Camping is available: Lightning Lakes campground spots can be reserved starting in June; all reservations must go through Discover Camping 1 800 689 9025. There is also some first-come-first-served camping in Manning Park. Princeton is 45 minutes from Manning Park and has lots of hotels. Another link for Princeton. Hope is 35 minutes away from Manning Park Lodge and has many motels. Eastgate has some cabin rentals: River Road Manning Park Cottage Rentals.

Cutoff:

120 miles: 42 hours total. 70 mile: 32 hours total. Relay total: 42 hours. 50 mile total: 28 hours. 30 mile total: 14 hours. See Route Details below for cutoff times and locations.

Catnap:

If you plan to take a nap, it must be beside an aid station and can be in a stationary vehicle. Make sure you allow enough time to meet the cutoff times. Convenient locations would be Cascades parking lot, Sumallo Grove parking lot, Shawatum parking lot.

Requirements:

For the 120 mile and 70 mile, you must have completed a 50 km race to take part in this event. Participation in trail maintenance is also a requirement (8 hours) and may be done anywhere. You can substitute volunteer work OR VOLUNTEERS on race day if there is no trail maintenance available in your area. Please have proof of your involvement; see form. Mail completed form to address indicated on form. Relay team members need only 4 hours each as maintenance requirement.
First timer for 100 mile, we RECOMMEND a pacer for at least the last leg from Skyline aid stn to finish.

Maintenance:

We will be doing trail maintenance before the race to help with spring cleanup. Note that trail maintenance is needed as a prerequisite for this race. You can do maintenance or volunteer in your local area. Trail marking is also considered for trail maintenance hours. Alternative: provide volunteers on race day and get credit for their hours (4 hour blocks). Photos of trail maintenance.

Carpoooling? Let me know if you can take others to maintenance site: info@mountainmadness.ca

Sat June 9 (North Vancouver), 9 a.m. Location to be determined. Graham Knell will direct this.

Sat June 30 (long weekend), 10 a.m. Skagit Valley focus: Silver Skagit Road at Shawatum day use area parking lot, which is 3 km past 26 Mile Bridge parking lot. See Crew and Relay Team Driving Instructions for directions.

Sat July 7, 10 a.m. Skagit Valley focus: Silver Skagit Road. Meet at Skyline parking lot on Silver Skagit Road (after Whitworth Camp and before Chittenden Bridge). See Crew and Relay Team Driving Instructions for directions.

Sat July 14, 10 a.m. Trapper near Calcite. Meet at Manning Park Lodge parking lot near telephone booth. See Crew and Relay Team Driving Instructions for directions.

Sun July 15, 10 a.m. Skagit Bluffs at Hwy 3. Meet at Cascades parking lot on Hwy 3. See Crew and Relay Team Driving Instructions for directions.

Sat July 21, 10 a.m. Bonnevier top and bottom. Meet at Manning Park Lodge parking lot near telephone booth. See Crew and Relay Team Driving Instructions for directions.

Awards:

10 pm Sunday Aug 19 at Lightning Lake. Belt buckle for 120 milers (2 versions based on finish time, see photo in Race Guide), medals for 70, 50, 30 mile and top relay teams. Draw prizes and special awards.
Hot Dog award 2010 (fastest Heather to Cayuse Flats 32 km descent) = John Neels in 3:37.
Wild Dog award 2010 (wild animal sighting) = Rick Arikado for sighting rattlesnake.
Fat Dragon award (presented by INSINK dragon boat team) = Lishe O'Kiely, Betty Tod, and Kelly Corday.

Crews:

Crew and Relay Team Driving instructions. We recommend a crew for the 120 mile race. One pacer can run with a 120 miler for the last half of the race provided you have checked in with the aid station. We need to know ahead of time if you plan to pace your runner as you need to pick up a bib. Racers who are over 60 years may have a pacer for full route.

Drop Bags:

Ashnola River Road aid station, Calcite aid station, Pasayten River crossing (change your shoes), Bonnevier aid station at Hwy 3, Cascade aid station at Hwy 3, 26 Mile Bridge on Skagit River Road and Skyline aid station on Skagit River Road. List of aid stations. Before the race, 120 milers can leave drop bags at Manning Park Lodge Tamarack Room OR at Victory Hall when you sign in. 115 km and 50 mile racers can leave drop bags at Tamarack Room when you sign in at Manning Park Lodge on Friday night.

A good headlamp makes a big difference; check out this article by Peter Watson.

Race Guide:

Race Guide has been updated for 2012.

Pacer Quest

Are you available to pace 120 miler?

Relay Quest:

Are you available?

Post Race:

We will feed you. Showers available behind the lodge in Loon Lagoon for $5 (check in at lodge reception).

Cardio Testing (UBC):

Runners and pacers competing in the Fat Dog 100 Trail Race who will complete a distance of at least 50 miles are invited to participate in this innovative research study. This investigation is examining the effects of prolonged/ultra-endurance exercise on the function of your blood vessels and your ability to concentrate and respond to simple computer-based tasks. Total time commitment is about an hour and includes a pre and post-race test. You can do the pre-test in Vancouver at UBC or in Manning or Keremeos. Previous research that the team has participated in includes the Western States Endurance Run (WS 100) and the Race Across America (RAAM) and Fat Dog 100. The results of the research have been published in leading journals around the world. For participating in this study, you will be eligible to receive a free test of your maximal aerobic power (VO2max) at a UBC laboratory. The battery of tests you will receive for FREE, are valued at $200-$300. Those who participate in this study will also be entered in a draw for a Polar Heart Rate monitor. To sign up, use this email: fatdog100study@gmail.com. Non-invasive, no blood test.

Series:

Trail Runner Trophy Series, Mountain Madness Series, Run the North Shore Series.

Sustainability:

Reduce, reuse, recycle. Think local.

Rides:

Need a ride?

Fundraising:

Emily and Noel are fundraising for Right to Play and CKNW's Orphan's Fund.

Media:

Similkameen Spotlight article 2010. Interview with Sammi.

Contact:

Send an email to info@mountainmadness.ca

Links:

Fraser River Raft Expeditions, Georgia Straight, North Shore Athletics, Moveo Sport and Rehab, BC Athletics BC Parks, Ministry of Tourism, Culture and the Arts Nicola Gildersleeve blogspot. MountainTop Fitness

Registration

Online

Register online at UltraSignup.com. Click Entrants to see who is signed up. Mountain Madness past clinic members get 10% discount; I will give you a coupon code.

Mail

2012 mail in form is linked here. Mail to Mountain Madness, 518 East 15th Street, North Vancouver B.C. Canada V7L 2S1.

Mail In Confirmed

Nicole Rishaug 50 mile, Doug Clark 120 mile, Heather Henri 18 mile, Terri Gale 120 mile, Caroline Toews 120 mile, Sarah Seads 50 mile, Julie Treder 120 mile, John Neels for PRR Jets relay team, Rob Smith 120 mile, Andy Daley 120 mile, Patrick Amundsen 115 km.

Race Day

You must register by Aug 5 at midnight. Mail must arrive by that date.

Package Pickup and Briefing

120 mile and relay legs 1 and 2: Friday Aug 17 pickup 6-7 pm, then briefing at 7:15 p.m. in Keremeos at Victory Hall. See Schedule of Events in race guide.

70 mile, 50 mile, and relay legs 3-6 on Friday Aug 17 pickup from 1-5 pm, in Manning Park at Manning Park Lodge in the Tamarack Room then briefing at 5 p.m.

30 mile and 18 mile can pick up package Friday Aug 17 from 1-5 pm, in Manning Park at Manning Park Lodge in the Tamarack Room. Alternate package pickup is just before race start at start location Sunday morning in Skagit Provincial Park.

Route Details

Start

120 miler and relay start 23 km from Keremeos in Cathedral Provincial Park.
70 mile starts in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
50 mile starts in E.C. Manning Provincial Park.
30 mile starts in Skagit Valley Provincial Park (on Sunday)
18 mile starts in Skagit Valley Provincial Park (on Sunday).

Maps

Map of entire course as pdf (Bob Plummer creation). Check out TrailHunger.com site showing the entire course for 2011 (note which year you are selecting). 50 mile route (note that there is an out and back at Cascades not shown). 120 mile route. 70 mile km route. Leg 1 from Lakeview to Centennial. Leg 2 Trapper Lake Trail. Leg 3 Bonnevier. Leg 4 Heather. Leg 5 Skagit. Leg 6 Skyline. 18 mile route, see Leg 6.

120 mile Route

The race will start in the parking lot at Lakeview Creek Campground Trailhead on Ashnola River Road (about 23 km from Keremeos). Lakeview Trail ascends to Cathedral Lakes area (aid), then the route descends on Centennial Trail to Wall Creek Bridge at Ashnola River Road (aid). Continue on Centennial Trail to Trapper Aid Stn (aid) at FSR and then left around Trapper Lake. Continue on Trapper Lake Trail to Calcite Creek (aid) continue to Pasayten River, cross river (aid) and cross bridge to Hwy #3. Travel about 1.5 km south on the road to Upper Pasayten River Road near Manning Eastgate, cross Hwy #3 to Eastgate Road (aid). Climb Eastgate Road to Bonnevier Trail, continue to junction at Heather Trail (aid). Follow Heather Trail to Nicomen Lake Camp (aid or water drop) then to Grainger Creek Trail. Descend Grainger and Hope Pass Trails (Cayuse Flats aid). Follow Skagit Bluffs Trail to Cascade Aid Station (aid). Follow Hwy #3 south about 3 km to Sumallo Grove day use area (aid). Take Skagit Trail to Centennial Trail (Shawatum aid, out and back) and then continue on Centennial. Follow Skyline II (aid) to Skyline I (aid) and then Centennial to finish at Lightning Lake in Manning Park.

120 mile and relay cutoff locations

Ashnola River Road Sat 10 a.m.
Bonnevier Sat 4 p.m.
Heather Sat 8:30 p.m.
Cascades Sun 6 a.m.
Skyline Sun 1 p.m.
Finish Sun 10 p.m.

Relay (120 mile)

Leg 1 Cathedral: This leg starts in the parking lot at Lakeview Creek Campground Trailhead on Ashnola River Road (about 23 km from Keremeos). Lakeview Trail ascends to Cathedral Lakes area, and joins with Centennial, ascends Centennial briefly, then the route descends on Centennial Trail to Wall Creek Bridge at Ashnola River Road. Equal ascent and descent. 31 km

Leg 2 Trapper Lake: Technical trail. At Ashnola River Road, leg 2 takes Centennial Trail to Trapper Lake then follows Trapper Lake Trail to Pasayten River (waist deep, has current), cross river and bridge to Hwy #3. Travel about 1.5 km south on the road to Upper Pasayten River Road near Manning Eastgate, cross Hwy #3 to Eastgate Road to Bonnevier Trail aid station. Equal ascent and descent. 38 km

Leg 3 Bonnevier: From aid station at Hwy 3, ascend Eastgate Road to Bonnevier Trail to junction at Heather Trail aid station. Mainly ascent. Single track, views at the top, very few streams. Will take longer than you think. 19 km

Leg 4 Heather: Follow Heather Trail to Grainger Creek Trail. Descend Grainger and Hope Pass Trails to Skagit Bluffs Trail, through Cayuse Flats aid station and on to Cascades aid station. Undulating, long descent. (Note that you need to drive 17 km up the road across from Manning Park Lodge to the lookouts at the top (Blackwell Peak) to get to your start. Hike 6 km up Heather Trail to your start point at the aid station. Hike takes about 1:20. Bring warm top because of wind while you are waiting for your relay partner.) 40 km. NOTE: Your team can split this into 2 parts: 32 km and 8 km.

Leg 5 Skagit: Start at Cascades aid station at Hwy #3. Follow Hwy #3 south about 3 km to Sumallo Grove day use area. Take Skagit Trail to Centennial Trail (Shawatum aid, out and back) and then continue on Centennial to Skyline aid station. Undulating, easiest terrain. 36 km

Leg 6 Skyline: Take Skyline II to Skyline I (aid station) and then Centennial to finish at Lightning Lake in Manning Park. To get to your start at Skyline aid station, you take Silver Skagit Road from Hope (Hope BC is 30 minutes from Manning Park, and also allow 60 minutes from Hope to Skyline aid station). Mainly a climb with great views. 33 km

70 mile Route

The 70 mile race starts in Manning Park across highway from Manning Park Lodge up at the highest parking lot near Blackwell Peak. The drive up the mountain is about 17 km. (This start location has changed from 2010.) Race starts at parking lot. Take Heather Trail from the parking lot and you reach Heather intersection at Bonnevier (aid). Follow Heather Trail to Nicomen Lake Camp (aid or water drop) then to Grainger Creek Trail. Descend Grainger and Hope Pass Trails to Cayuse Flats (aid). Follow Skagit Bluffs Trail to Cascade aid station (aid). Follow Hwy #3 south about 3 km to Sumallo Grove day use area (aid). Take Skagit Trail to Centennial Trail (Shawatum aid, out and back) and then continue on Centennial. Follow Skyline II (aid) to Skyline I (aid) and then Centennial to finish at Lightning Lake in Manning Park.

70 mile cutoff locations

Cascades Sat 10 p.m.
Skyline Sun 5 a.m.
Finish Sun 4 p.m.

30 mile Route

The 30 mile race starts on SUNDAY in Skagit Valley at Shawatum Aid Station on Silver Skagit Road. Take Centennial Trail. Follow Skyline II (aid) to Skyline I (aid) and then Centennial to finish at Lightning Lake in Manning Park.

Cutoff 10 p.m. Finish Line

50 mile Route

The 50 mile race starts in Manning Park at Cayuse Flats (parking lot is at Hwy 3). Follow Skagit Bluffs Trail to Cascades aid station (aid). Out and back along river for total 4 km. Return to Cascades parking lot (aid). Follow Hwy #3 south about 3 km to Sumallo Grove day use area (aid). Take Skagit Trail to Centennial Trail (Shawatum aid, out and back) and then continue on Centennial. Follow Skyline II (aid) to Skyline I (aid) and then Centennial to finish at Lightning Lake in Manning Park.

50 mile cutoff locations

Skyline Sun 3 a.m.
Finish Sun 2 p.m.

18 mile route

Point to point route. Start location is on Silver Skagit Road, where Leg 6 starts (NO parking). Great climb and descent with outstanding views. Remote location so be prepared to wear hydration pack.
Follow Skyline II (aid) to Skyline I (aid) and then Centennial to finish at Lightning Lake in Manning Park.
Logistics: bus departs from finish line at Lightning Lake in Manning Park at 8:00 a.m. Sunday and drives to start location on Silver Skagit Road. Or you can have someone drop you off at your start location. Note: there is nowhere to park at this location and you cannot leave a car at the start; there is no bus going back to the start so your car must be at Lightning Lake.

Difficulty

Challenging race due to climbs. Technical and non-technical mix. One river crossing for 120 mile and relay (waist deep, has current, ropes provided). "Fat Dog could be a qualifier for Hardrock. More technical than I expected. Challenging finish is an understatement, but I survived!"

Qualifier

Fat Dog has been accepted as a qualifier for Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (4 points toward their race).
Hardrock qualifier.

Aid Stations

Due to the remote location of the race, aid will be limited to 13 stations; therefore, be prepared and plan to carry lots of water; 2 liter bladder recommended. Additional water drops: in Leg 5 at 26 Mile Bridge intersection, in Leg 6 Skyline to Finish. First Aid personnel will be onsite. List of aid stations. There are water sources en route (such as Grainger Creek between Heather and Cayuse Flats aid stations) but you are advised to use water purifier tablets. Electroloyte drink will be available. Driving instructions for crews and pacers.

Weather (typical)

Manning Park current weather

Penticton Airport (for Keremeos)
Avg Max = 32 °C / 89.6 ºF.
Avg Min =14 °C / 57.2 ºF
Avg precipitation = 2.8 mm / 0.1 inch

Hope (for Manning Park)
Avg Max = 28 °C / 82.4 ºF
Avg Min = 14.4 °C / 57.92 ºF
Avg precipitation = 1.07 mm / 0.04 inches

What They Said

"Thank you so very much for a challenging but fulfilling event. The 17 km of continuous wild flower-strewn Manning Park alpine meadows with good views of the North Cascade mountains (even glacier-hung 10,000 ft. Mt. Baker), practically being able to reach out and touch those very same peaks many hours later, and the terrific aid stations and finish line station all made the run very memorable. Having spent many many hours running and marking routes in the Cathedrals area for races 10-15 years ago, I am so impressed that you even considered putting on this point-to-point route in such a remote and inaccessible area. And likewise, the crews in packing all the aid to their remote locations--a huge logistical challenge. Every volunteer I met was very friendly, upbeat, compassionate, and dedicated. Personally, I don't see how the course could be shortened, given that you're primarily dealing with established Parks trails. So maybe just the name should be altered: "Fat Dog 100+" After all, it is a "fat" dog!! Cheers, and thanks again to you and your crews!"

"I am a Fat Dog! You and your crew put on a helluva great event! Tough? Absolutely, but ultra runners don't do this because they want something easy. Looking forward to next year! I want you to know how much I appreciate all the hard work that you and your amazing volunteers did! Congratulations."

"It is unique; don't change a thing."

"Fat Dog could be a qualifier for Hardrock. More technical than I expected. Challenging finish is an understatement, but I survived!"

"Thanks for trying and for making our safety and the safety of volunteers a top priority. Count me in for 2012! Take care." BM.

Volunteers

Volunteer Guide

Here is the Volunteer Guide.

Vollies needed

Our aid stations are memorable! You can count on that. We have happy food and healthy food. Let us know what your 'happy food' is. We will feed crews as well as racers.
We need marshalls, trail markers, sweeps, time keepers, food coordinator, and start/finish line help. Please send an email to info@mountainmadness.ca.

Final job list

A list of jobs will be posted here.

Results

Results 100 mile. 100 Mile splits 100 Mile 24 hour clock results with splits. 100 mile credit for 100+ km.

Results 100 km. 100 km with splits.

Results for relay. Relay with splits.

Photos

Link to Simon Chester's photos. Link to Rick's photos.

Lakeview Trail and Centennial Trail (Lara adds flagging)

Centennial Trail

Centennial descends to Ashnola River Road

Trapper Lake Trail (looking east to Cathedral, Trapper Lake)

Trapper Lake Trail (ridge hand drawn, high point before descent to aid station at Calcite Creek)

Bonnevier Trail In Manning Park

Heather Trail in Manning Park (get your crew up here!). Peekaboo view of Nicomen Lake from ridge.

Hope Pass

Skagit Bluffs (undulating trail, stream crossing)

Skagit Valley (Skagit River and wild rhodo before Centennial Trail)

Lightning Lake Finish and Centennial Trail