Last year they came from 17 cities, two provinces and one state. They came solo and in pairs. 54 percent were female and 46 percent were male and they all came to run.
They will be coming again to Cultus Lake Oct. 15 for the ninth running of the spectacular Around The Lake Give’R Take 30 trail race.
This annual event offers an escape from civilization, testing the strength and mental toughness of its competitors.
The 30 kilometre course traverses a challenging combination of single track trail mixed with short stretches of pavement and sections of beautifully groomed park trails.
There are three major hills adding up to a gut wrenching 1,110 metres in elevation gain (3,641 feet).
The toughest of the hills is the last, rising 440 metres.
Four aid-stations are strategically placed throughout the course. These stations support the no-frills atmosphere of the race, allowing the runners to remain unburdened. All aid-stations are manned by capable volunteers ready to give food, drink or medical support to the runners.
A few years ago the 16km-14km relay was added to the race and it has proven popular with those runners not interested in the longer solo 30 km, and those runners still working though the development phase.
Race director, Heather Hibberson said the most prominent refinement this year is in the area of timing.
“Utilizing Champion Chip Timing provided by Race Headquarters will guarantee very accurate split times and finals times,” she explained.
Forty percent of last year’s entrants were from Chilliwack, with the local runner support matched by the sponsorship generosity of local businesses. Numerous prizes have donated and race proceeds are donated to the following community groups: Chilliwack Search and Rescue, the Chilliwack Track and Field Club and the Vedder Mountain Trail Association.
More information on the race can be found online at www.aroundthelakegivertake30.ca. The site includes online registration, race maps, past race results and photos.