Vancouver Skyline XTC (X-country Trail Challenge)
North Vancouver, BC Canada

The XTC is a low-key trail run held in the north shore mountains overlooking
Vancouver. It's a very "runnable" course held in large part on the
Trans-Canada Trail. Very scenic. Some background from previous years is
at: http://www.clubfatass.com/events/xtc/background

The course was designed to appeal as much to the newbie trail runner as the
experienced hard ass. There's a carefully-measured 25K point-to-point route
that goes between the Griffin Gym in North Van and the Cypress Park picnic
area in West Van. Run it uphill from the gym (25K). Run it downhill from
the picnic area (25K). Run it out and back from the gym (50K), or roll your
own distance out-and-back from the gym.

Part of the challenge of the XTC is that there is no temporary course
marking (e.g. surveyor flags, flour on the ground, etc.) so you will need a
course description if you don't want to spend the weekend eating
salmonberries with the bears. You can find detailed course descriptions
online at: http://www.clubfatass.com/events/xtc/course

Come prepared to be self-sufficient. Expect a small, friendly field that
will include at least a few people who are shooting for the course record.
(Yes, if you pick an obscure distance, *you* might also set a course
record!)

This is a Club Fat Ass run, so it's free if you're a member, $15 to join for
the day. ($35 for an annual membership includes t-shirt and a wack of other
free events.) Please register online and in advance, as I will try to have
some food/fluids out on the course and it would help if I had an idea of
what to buy the night before as I plan to run as well:
http://www.clubfatass.com/events/xtc/registration

Family and friends are welcome. They can help as crew (some thoughts at
http://www.clubfatass.com/crew) or join you for a post-run burger and brew
at the Mosquito Creek Bar & Grill.

Free beer! Yes, there is a Santa Claus. Manager Kelly Nielson at the
Mosquito Creek will buy a beer for every XTC participant and crew member who
shows up for the post-run get-together.

More details on the XTC at: http://www.clubfatass.com/events/xtc/

"Rain, No Train" Jackson
Your Club Fat Ass Event Host


PS Please forward this note to anyone who you feel might be interested