2012 JdF Epic

Date: SATURDAY, SEPT. 8TH

Time: 8:00 am

Meeting Point: Juan de Fuca South Trailhead (Follow the signs to China Beach Day Use Area. It is the 2nd left off the highway - not the first! - Just past Jordan River)

Transportation: All participants are responsible for the own transportation to and from the event. Carpooling is recommended. At 7:50 am, be prepared for a small meeting to discuss logistics on how everyone is to be picked up. A few volunteers who are hiking (or running the 17k option) will be needed to drive to the other trailhead for runner pick-up.

Trail Details: The Juan de Fuca Trail is a 47k marine hiking trail that stretches along the West Coast of Vancouver Island (China Beach to Botanical Beach). The trail is both remote and difficult in nature, with everything from roots, beach, rocks and mud. Having said that, you will be in awe of the beauty that surrounds you as you run through a wilderness environment that can only be described as breathtaking.
A detailed map of the trail can be viewed here: http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/explore/parkpgs/juan_de_fuca/jdf_map.pdf

Running Options: As a runner, you have some choices about the duration of your run (your transportation arrangements may dictate what is possible for you).
Option #1 - Entire 47k run South to North (average person 8-9 hours).
Option #2 - Entire 47k run North to South.
Option #3 - 17k out-and-back run/walk to Bear Beach from the South Trailhead. (3-4 hours).
Option #4 - Sombrio Beach (28-29k) back to China Beach and be picked up from there (4-5 hours).

Tide Details: Low tide this day is at 9:30 am. The only critical spot on the trail where you need a low tide is at Sombrio Beach (Km 29). A detailed tide-table can be viewed here:
http://www.lau.chs-shc.gc.ca/cgi-bin/tide-shc.cgi

This is a non-sanctioned, "Flash-event", and all people who do sign up must understand that they are responsible for themselves. It is strongly recommended that all runners run with a buddy, have a map on hand, and know the distance they intend on running.

Trail Records:
Male: Shawn Nelson (2009) - 5 hours, 28 minutes
Female: Carolyn Goluza (2009) - 6 hours, 50 minutes

Photos:
All photos that are taken during the event should be linked via the Harrier chatline (http://www.pih.bc.ca/) or emailed to Jeff Hunt (jeff.hunt@smus.bc.ca) so that everyone can enjoy. It is my hope that this webpage will begin to have pages and pages of photos from the epic.

2011 Results
No event organized.

2010 Results
1. Jeff Hunt 6:19 (North to South)

2. Ian Ackroyd 7:13
3. Nico Verrier 7:15

2009 Results












1. Shawn Nelson 5:28 CR
2. Sean Chester 5:43
3. Shane Ruljancich 5:51
4. Jeff Hunt 6:01
5. Carolyn Goluza 6:50 CR
6. Matt Patriquin 7:10
7. Bob Wall 7:35
7. Jeremy Watts 7:35
7. Gary Duncan 7:35
10. Shem Sharifi 7:40
11. Julie van Veelen 8:42
11. Sonja Yli-Kahila 8:42
13. Kirsten Ramage 9:08
14. The Jackal 9:12
15. Annie Miller 9:13
16. Simon Pearson 9:45

Report:
Conditions were ideal. Cool, cloudy weather prevailed for the most part. 21 runners took part in this year's event, with 16 completing the full distance. The trail was a little less muddy than in past years, and CRD Parks had done an excellent job at maintaining the trail. A few new bridges, and a little less blow-down made things a little nicer than in the past.
However, the trail is a brutal one. With around 8000 ft. of elevation change, it is a body-blaster, a knee-pounder and a genuine test of the phyiscal and mental capabilities of the individual.

Major thank yous go out to all the drivers, but in particular to Garth Campbell and Shane Ruljancich. Thank you also to Mr. & Mrs. Nelson for helping us with transportation logistics in the beginning, and to Bob Reid and the PIH Club for supporting this event.
It looks like this event may be on the cusp of breaking out into a major event for 2010. Sponsorships, chip timing, drop bags and aid stations may be in the works.

Blog Reports:

Jeff Hunt
Shane Ruljanicich

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