By Leslie Ann Bent
Like many races, I signed up back in February when the idea of a 10k trail race around Newcastle Island off the coast of Nanaimo in the summer sounded like a good idea. As we packed the car and set off for Nanaimo Saturday morning, I was wondering whether or not the race had been a good idea. I wasn’t feeling particularly prepared, but then I was curious about the island, the trail and the event. Two of STARRs runners were tackling the ultra-courses – Sarah in the 24-hour event, and Dave D doing the night 12-hour race. We looked forward to cheering them on. Those events were no small endeavors.
We were not disappointed. What a fantastic event. One unique element of the race was the little ferry crossing over to the island. On board the little boat we got to meet several other runners who would be tackling one of the races – 10k, half marathon, and the six hour ultra. On the island, volunteers were out in full force – timing, recording laps, cooking burgers, refilling water jugs, handing out race bibs……. A welcoming and fun casual vibe hit us immediately. Sarah and Dave had started their races the previous day and we were able to track their progress/result.
The race is a 10km loop around the island – a groomed trail studded with rocks and a few roots, more up and down than expected but breathtaking views no matter what part of the trail you were on – quiet coves, sandy beaches and songbirds keeping us company as we ran. A lone blue heron sunning itself is another memory I have from the race. Last year the race was new with 28 runners. This year the field expanded to 130. The food was fabulous – nothing missed from granola bars to burgers to cookies, chips and candy, the race organizers had thought of everything. It’s definitely a race you don’t want to miss.
It was a big success for STARR. Andy placed first overall in the 10km event. Sarah completed 121km on the 24-hour course. Dave clocked 60km on the 12-hour course. I loved the course and will be back next year and trained!
The STARR runners shared some of their experiences.
Dave D. – “I did not know what to expect heading to Saysutshun, but was pleasantly surprised. The island is beautiful, and every lap of the trail you noticed something new, especially as the light changed, starting in the daylight, catching sunset, running in the dark being watched by numerous deer and racoons, unfortunately I missed sunrise. I went into this race hoping to run at least 50kms, as I am preparing for Devils Ladder 50k in July and the Finlayson Arm 50k in September. While I had 12 hours, and that is well within reason, the furthest I had run before was about 35kms. I started off feeling good, but nearing the end of my second lap, my stomach was not happy with me. I struggled through 40kms, took some gravol and crawled into my tent. After two hours I was able to start moving again, and got another two laps in before my stomach shut me down again for good.
While it was disappointing that I felt sick, the whole trip was a success. I ran the furthest I have ever run by far, and if I did not feel ill I would have been able to run further - conditioning wise. It was my first night run which was a lot of fun. The group that hosted the race was fantastic. They were upbeat throughout the whole event - throughout the 12 hour race, and the 24 hour group was still getting cheered on and supported right til the end. When I was at my lowest out on the trail, some of the more elite runners there slowed down to give me a word of encouragement - there is a lot of camaraderie in this sport. Finally, on my way back from the island I had a deep and meaningful conversation with David Bodaly, the knowledge keeper for the Snuneymuxw First Nation who did the welcome and land acknowledgement for the event. Quite a way to cap off the weekend.
I am definitely planning to go back again next year and have another go.
Congratulations to Sarah for crushing 121kms (inspiring), to Andy for his win, and to Leslie Ann for taking on the 10km route!”
Sarah – “Run Saysutshun, it was beautiful, a race for everyone and much more than I expected. I went into this one with the plan to use it towards training and have fun. That’s exactly what I did. Even though it was extremely hot, and it was the same loop over and over, I never got sick of it. Every lap had the same beauty as the first. I loved that each time you finished a lap you got to fuel up or do anything you might need to continue to be successful. I looked forward to starting and finishing each lap. Great mental training! The race director and team were amazing! I’ll be back next year to race and push harder.”
Andy liked everything about the race. The race was well organized, the route scenic and the fun vibe made for a great race. He enjoyed seeing the other runners in the other events out on the course.
Congratulations to our STARR runners. We hope to see more of you there next year!
