Post race report

The 10th Annual Fletcher's Challenge will go down in the history books as an event that delivered.

Westwood Lake was a buzz of activity on Good Friday. We witnessed records numbers for the trail race with 259 registrants and 235 trail racers filling all five busses. On the busses, everyone wanted to know what Dan Brady, Normon Thibault and Jeremy Clegg had cooked up for a race route for 12k race which promised to challenge the racers’ athleticism. The stories that came off the mountain were epic and still being talked about. Congratulations to all of you who tackled Fletcher's Challenge 2017. Race Results can be located by clicking here.

Click here to see Neil Gaudet’s photos.

The family run/walk was another great success this year with 146 families of all ages participating in the event. Cookies were in abundance on the backside of the lake.

Now who said Easter Egg Hunt? The kids came out in droves. You could see the strategies being created as they watched the Frontrunners team out hiding the Easter Eggs. I'm not really sure who really enjoyed themselves more -the kids or Normon.

This event isn't possible without the collaboration of about 75 volunteers which included registration, parking, first aid, course sweepers, course markers, course marshals, cookie walk, Easter egg hunt, food/refreshment tables, cookie bakers and clean up. So, how about a round of applause out to this group.

The other group that needs to be recognized are the sponsors who contribute every year. They are the backbone of this event and assist in making this event the success that it is.

Lastly, there is always a special group of individuals who eat, sleep and breathe Fletcher's planning the event starting in January of each year to plan out this event which are: 

Ø  Dan Brady

Ø  Normon Thibault

Ø  Charlie Burrell

Ø  Jeremy Clegg 

Ø  Sue Handel

Ø  Jason Blanchette

Ø  Tami Beales

Ø  De Orrell

Ø  Michelle Wallace

Ø  Darren Rinaldi

Ø  Angellos Glaros

Without these individuals, this event wouldn't occur so I am forever indebted to the generosity of time, talent and determination to this group. Thank you!

As we ask each and every year, we strive to improve the event over the past year so please provide any feedback you have. 

As a housekeeping item if you left anything at Westwood Lake Park there is a lost and found basket at Frontrunners Nanaimo.

Funds raised from this event are then donated into the community getting underprivileged kids access to sports through Runners of Compassion.

Please mark your calendars for Easter Friday 2018.

Cheers,

Greg Scott

Race Director

gscott73@shaw.ca

Fletcher’s Challenge 2017 – Pre-race Information

Fletcher’s Challenge 2017 – Pre-Race Information

Thank you for supporting Fletcher’s Challenge 2017. There are a record number of participants this year, for both the trail race and the cookie walk. We have five busses shuttling trail runners to the top-secret start location! The energy is overwhelming. And we only ask one thing: If you have a great time, tell your friends for next year. If you find something that can be improved, tell us. Above all else, HAVE FUN!

Since 2003 Runners of Compassion – Nanaimo Chapter has donated over $180,000 to help young people overcome financial barriers so that they can participate in sport activities. Thank you!

When & Where: Friday, April 14^th, 2017 at Westwood Lake

Parking: Last year over 700 people attended Fletcher’s Challenge, so parking will be a challenge. For Nanaimo residents, please car pool if possible. Arrive early!

Family Run/Walk

Day-of Registration: 8:30-9:45AM

If you have preregistered, arrive at 9:45AM

Start Time is 10:00AM

Trail Race SOLD OUT.  NO DAY OF RACE REGISTRATION

Bib Pickup: 8:30-9:20AM

Busses Leave: 9:25AM sharp

Start Time is 10:00AM

Course Length: 12km

Course Profile: In the tradition of Fletcher’s Challenge the course has remained as much of a mystery as we can make it.  With the mixture of trails even some of the course designers do not know it!  This year’s race course again looks like a pyramid. Most of the gain will be in the first quarter of the course but we do have a treat for you at the three quarter mark as well so conserve e some energy. Bring a change of shoes and socks!!!! This course will be a BIG challenge for all runners so please make sure that you are prepared.

Trail Race Rules: Our trails are a precious resource. Please do your best to minimize impact on the trail. No course cutting, switchback cutting, corner cutting or braiding of the marked route. Offenders will be disqualified.

Safety: If you come across someone who is injured or in distress, the first person on the scene stays with the injured person. The second person goes forward or backward on the course to contact a course marshal and look for help. The next 2-3 people should check and make sure everything is OK and if there is any more help needed before proceeding. We all must take care of each other.

Water: It is mandatory that all runners carry water on this challenging course. There is no water station. NO GELS - THIS IS A SELF SUPPORTED RACE

Recommended water:

Front of the packers:  500-1000ml

Mid packers:  1000-1500ml

Back of the packers: 1500-2000ml

Bathrooms: Please use the bathrooms at Westwood Lake before boarding the bus, or use the bathroom on the bus. There will be two porta potties at the start of the trail race.

Warm-up Clothing: There will be hampers available at the start line to leave extra clothing in. Clothing items can be picked up at the finish line at Westwood Lake. Please no valuables, as we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.

Fletcher's Challenge 2017 Announces A Trail Race Course Change

Due to circumstances beyond the control of race organizers, Fletcher's Challenge 2017 announces that they will only be able to offer one race course option. All trail racers will now participate in the 12km distance.

Organizers apologize for the late change, but assure all participants that the course will deliver just as much challenging and scenic terrain, with the obligatory number of ups and downs, as you have come to expect from a Fletcher’s! A reminder to all that carrying water is mandatory.

Fletcher's Challenge 2017 takes place Friday, April 14 and features a 12km trail race and a 6km family cookie walk at Westwood Lake. The trail race event for Fletcher's Challenge 2017 is now sold out. Participants can still register for the 6km family cookie walk online or onsite the day of the event. Register online: http://fletcherschallenge.blogspot.ca

 

Contact: Greg Scott, Race Director - gscott73@shaw.ca