Over the past 4 years, the Capilano Canyon Night Run has developed a bit of
a reputation. Is it a reputation for being a competitive hammerfest? Is it
as a good first time night run? Is it a social run? Is it a great
opportunity to get lost in the dark, mangled... or simply a good excuse for
a party?

It was cold and clear when we assembled next to the soccer field at Griffin
Gym. Runners jumped up and down to stay warm, or waited in their cars for
the 6:30 start. A nearly-full moon cast long shadows over the parking lot
as runners exchanged greetings, sparked up their headlamps and made last
minute decisions to run the short (13K) or long (18K) routes.

The first topic of conversation as we set off onto the dark trails was night
running. The Mick family drove in from Coquitlam to try night running for
the first time. Something a bit different for a Saturday night, eh? Carlos
Castillo ran from Victoria to North Vancouver for the event... quite a feat
considering that a large body of water also separates the 2 cities! Carlos
shared that he wanted to improve his familiarity with running trails in the
dark as training for an attempt at running a 100-mile trail run under
24-hours. Katheryne and Tara were out with Tie the wonder dog who was
dressed for the occasion with a stylish running jacket. It was an
anniversary outing for Jan Riddell and Terry Lewis. They met 4 years
earlier in the hot tub after the inaugural winter version of this run.

The smell of wood smoke was thick in the air as we weaved our way toward
Capilano Canyon through the trails and parks of suburban North Vancouver.
"Normal" people were cozy in their homes, perhaps enjoying a firelight
dinner or watching the Olympics. We were warming up nicely. Someone
pointed to a shooting star as we dropped into the total darkness of Capilano
Canyon.

Not long into the more technical canyon section of the run, elite runners
Tom Skinner and Paul Purin came blazing by in what would surely be a record
time for the long course. It's amazing to see a pro hammer over roots, rocks
and through mud in the dark. The guys skipped from rock to rock in perfect
synchronization. It didn't look like they were even breathing hard. In
seconds, however, they were swallowed by the inky darkness as they passed
the range of a headlamp beam. ('Turns out they got lost, so the record
stands!)

One of the more experienced ultrarunners in British Columbia, Ron Adams,
lives on the banks of the Capilano River at about the one hour point on the
course. Ron and his son Bryce were out handing out food and fluids and
checking for lost lambs as we left the canyon. Newbie night runners Erin
and Nicole especially appreciated Ron's salty potato chips.

Billed as a night run, this event is actually a triathlon. At the
conclusion on the run, most participants head over the local community
center to warm up in the hot tub. Many then see who can stay up the latest
at the potluck finisher party.

The folks at Harry Jerome Rec center turned on the slippery slide when the
muddy, endorphin-charged runners showed up. Hot tub. Pool. Sauna. Repeat
until starved. Hit the buffet table. Have a beer and spin some yarns.

Thanks to Ethlyn, Ron and Bryce for helping out, North Shore Athletics and
Trail Runner magazine for the prizes and everyone who contributed to the
great meal and helped with cleanup afterwards.

The Capilano Canyon Night run is held twice a year in February and August.
If you're interested in giving night running a try, setting the course
record or just having a fun run, mark your calendar for the summer Midsummer
Night Dream version on Saturday 19 August!
www.clubfatass.com/events/midsummer-night


Sibylle Tinsel and Ean Jackson
Co-Hosts

Complete results and photos for the Cap Canyon Mardi Gras Night Run at:
www.clubfatass.com/events/mardigras/results/2006

Updated Club Fat Ass Point Series standings:
www.clubfatass.com/contest/pointseries/2006