Fletcher's Challenge 2024 - Registration Live

REGISTER NOW! 
 

Welcome to Fletcher's Challenge 2024, a trail race and family walk/run on Nanaimo's best trails. The trail race features the point-to-point format that Fletcher's Challenge is famous for.
 
Funds raised at the Fletcher's Challenge event are donated back to the community through Runners of Compassion - Nanaimo Chapter. The funds assist underprivileged youth in accessing sports.
 
For all event information and to register for trail race and family run/walk visit https://www.fletcherschallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
 
TRAIL RACE  
 
For all event information and to register for trail race and family run/walk visit https://www.fletcherschallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
 
TRAIL RACE  

2024 features a 12km (approximately) short course and 16km (approximately) long course. It is a point-to-point race featuring some of Nanaimo's best trails. This is a timed event, and guaranteed fun. Race participants are capped at 250 racers, so make sure you register early and don't miss out on a seat on the bus. This is a Trail Race and is not intended to be a walk or a hike. Walkers and hikers will be pulled from the course.
 
NOTICE TO ALL TRAIL RACERS.... 
·      All racers must carry water.
·      Due to safety concerns Ear Buds and/or Headphones are not permitted.
 
As in previous years, there will be a time cut off at check point “one” at the water station. Don’t listen to the chitter chatter before the race!
 
Time cut offs are used both to keep the race moving and for everyone’s safety.  You will be told of the cut off time prior to the start of the trail race. Remember this is a race so time is of the essence.  Generally, only a few don’t make the cut off.  Thank you for your understanding. 
 
Package Pickup for Point to Point Trail Racers:

• Bib Pickup: 8:30am - 9:20am

• Bus Leaves: 9:30am (Don't miss it!) 

• Race Start: 10am 

 
There will be some excellent door prizes available from our sponsors, as well as awards for the top finishers in their age groups. 
 
6KM FAMILY COOKIE RUN/WALK
 
Gather up the kids, and come on out for the ever popular cookie walk! This event is a blast for all ages. Entrants enjoy a single lap around Westwood Lake, and are treated to a cookie station along the way for some extra motivation. 
 

• Register today by clicking here

• Day-of Registration: 8:30am - 9:45am

• Event Start: 10am

Easter Egg Hunt 
 
If the thrill of running around the lake and eating cookies is not enough to motivate your kids to participate, then how about the lure of the post-run Easter Egg Hunt!?


  
This event memorializes Mr. Gavin Fletcher who died at too young an age. He was a well known sports columnist, a member of ROC, a husband and father. His family values were paramount but his love of good fun competition in sports was unequaled.
 


 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
It is with this intent that we fashion The Fletcher's Challenge, held each year on Good Friday, open to both runners and walkers. 

It is about participation, having fun and enjoying some physical activity with your family. 
 

Fletcher's Challenge 2023 - Registration Live

REGISTER NOW! 
 
Welcome to Fletcher's Challenge 2023, a trail race and family walk/run on Nanaimo's best trails. The trail race features the point-to-point format that Fletcher's Challenge is famous for.
 
Funds raised at the Fletcher's Challenge event are donated back to the community through Runners of Compassion - Nanaimo Chapter. The funds assist underprivileged youth in accessing sports.
 
For all event information and to register for trail race and family run/walk visit http://www.fletcherschallenge.blogspot.ca/ 
 
TRAIL RACE  

2023 features a 16km (approximately) course. It is a point-to-point race featuring some of Nanaimo's best trails. This is a timed event, and guaranteed fun. Race participants are capped at 250 racers, so make sure you register early and don't miss out on a seat on the bus. This is a Trail Race and is not intended to be a walk or a hike. Walkers and hikers will be pulled from the course.
 
NOTICE TO ALL TRAIL RACERS.... 

·      All racers must carry water.
·      Due to safety concerns Ear Buds and/or Headphones are not permitted.
 

As in previous years, there will be a time cut off at check point “one” at the water station. Don’t listen to the chitter chatter before the race!

 
Time cut offs are used both to keep the race moving and for everyone’s safety.  You will be told of the cut off time prior to the start of the trail race. Remember this is a race so time is of the essence.  Generally, only a few don’t make the cut off.  Thank you for your understanding. 
 
Package Pickup for Point to Point Trail Racers:

• Bib Pickup: 8:30am - 9:20am

• Bus Leaves: 9:30am (Don't miss it!) 

• Race Start: 10am 

 
There will be some excellent door prizes available from our sponsors, as well as awards for the top finishers in their age groups. 
 
6KM FAMILY COOKIE RUN/WALK
 
Gather up the kids, and come on out for the ever popular cookie walk! This event is a blast for all ages. Entrants enjoy a single lap around Westwood Lake, and are treated to a cookie station along the way for some extra motivation. 

• Register today by clicking here

• Day-of Registration: 8:30am - 9:45am

• Event Start: 10am

Easter Egg Hunt 
 
If the thrill of running around the lake and eating cookies is not enough to motivate your kids to participate, then how about the lure of the post-run Easter Egg Hunt!?


  
This event memorializes Mr. Gavin Fletcher who died at too young an age. He was a well known sports columnist, a member of ROC, a husband and father. His family values were paramount but his love of good fun competition in sports was unequaled.

  
 

It is with this intent that we fashion The Fletcher's Challenge, held each year on Good Friday, open to both runners and walkers. 

It is about participation, having fun and enjoying some physical activity with your family. 
 

Fletcher's Challenge 2022 - Race Report

It is hard to believe that a week has passed since Fletchers Challenge. Another one in the books. So many familiar faces and so many new ones. 

 

We had a total of 165 trail racers and 97 families register.  The point to point trail race covered 16.3km with reports that it was the best course yet. Thank you, Dan and Norm, for course design. The weather held out for the family run walk with many kids conquering the loop around the lake. The excitement was brewing for the Easter Egg Hunt which all the kids enjoyed. 

 

Click here for results for Fletcher’s Challenge 2022 Trail Race. 

 

This event can’t happen without the corporate sponsors, volunteers and to the planning committee who start planning the event back in January. A big shout to the cookie bakers and those who provided door prizes. 

 

If you forgot something at Fletcher’s Challenge there is a bin at Frontrunners Nanaimo. 

 

A big shout out to all of you who went above and beyond with making Fletcher’s Challenge 2022 happen. A special thank you to Angellos of Glaros Studios for the Amazing Medals.

 

Make sure to mark your calendar for Fletcher’s Challenge 2023 which is on April 7th.

 

Last but not least the funds raised from Fletcher’s Challenge will go to getting youth access to sports. 

 

Cheers,

 

Runners of Compassion - Nanaimo Chapter

Fletcher's Challenge 2022 - Pre Race Communication

Thank you for supporting Fletcher’s Challenge 2022! 
 
Since 2003, Runners of Compassion-Nanaimo Chapter has donated over $246,000.00 back into the community to help young people overcome financial barriers so that they can participate in sport activities. Thanks to you!
 
This year we anticipate a good turnout for both the Trail Race and the Family Cookie Walk/Run. Four buses will shuttle trail runners to the top-secret start location. With changes to BC’s public health orders, you are no longer required to show your BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination to board the bus. Masks are encouraged on the bus and in high traffic areas, but wearing a mask is strictly personal choice. Please bring your own mask if you choose to wear one.
Be safe everyone!
 
When & Where: Friday, April 15^th 2022 at Westwood Lake
Parking: In years past, we have had over 600 people attend Fletcher’s Challenge. Volunteers will help with parking, but demands will be high. For Nanaimo residents, please car pool if possible and try to find a spot outside of the park if you can. Arrive early!
 
Family Run/Walk – 6K around Westwood Lake 

• Day-of Registration: 8:30-9:45AM. If you are pre-registered, arrive by 9:45AM and there is no need to go to registration desk.

• Start Time is 10:00AM 

 
Trail Race – a few spots still available with race capping out at 250 participants - the trail race is 16K 

• Bib Pickup: 8:30-9:20AM

• Buses Leave: 9:25AM sharp. They will be located by the entrance to the park.

• Start Time is 10:00AM

 
Course Length: This year’s course is approximately 16km in length (Depending on your GPS accuracy)
 
Course Profile: In the tradition of Fletcher’s Challenge the course has remained as much of a mystery as we can make it.  This year’s edition is more of a traditional cross country trail run as it contains lots of the traditional old school slow and twisty single track we all love.  No major climbs this year, but yet there are a few slow and steady climbs. The majority of the elevation gain is in the 5k - 8.5k section of the race as well as in the 12 – 15km section.   Be sure to use the first 2km to get yourself in a race pace position you are comfortable with as once you hit the first section of single track you won’t have many opportunities to pass for quite some time. Lots of trails that are new to the Fletcher’s Challenge plus a few trails that we haven’t used since back in the days of the original Nanaimo GutBuster. We think you will love the course.
 
·      This course will be a challenge for all runners so please make sure that you are prepared. 
·      Water is mandatory or you cannot start the race. The Water Refill Station is at the 12km mark. 
·      NO EAR BUDS OR HEADPHONES OF ANY TYPE, FORMAT OR DESIGN. THEY ARE         ABSOLUTELY AGAINST THE RULES FOR THE SAFETY OF YOU, OUR VOLUNTEERS AND YOUR FELLOW RACERS.  You will be disqualified and pulled from the course if you are caught using them. 
 
PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE CUT OFF TO REACH THE 12KM MARK AT THE WATER STATION IS 11:45AM.  
 
Trail Race Rules: Our trails are a precious resource. Please do your best to minimize impact on the trail. 
 
Rules will be strictly enforced by our volunteers and we will be forced to DQ any runner that does not follow them:

• Run the MARKED COURSE as laid out, flagged, floured and signed by our crews.  Stay on the ESTABLISHED trails.

• Absolutely no course cutting or short cutting

• No switchback cutting

• No corner cutting

• No braiding of the marked route

Trail Running 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 any more help is needed before proceeding. We all must take care of each other.
 
Water: It is MANDATORY that all runners carry water on this challenging course. We do have a water station this year BUT there will be long stretches where there is no access to water. Some fuel (gel's etc) are also strongly recommended. 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 NO 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. Look for them by the Frontrunners Van. Clothing items can be picked up at the finish line at Westwood Lake at the Frontrunners or Salomon tents.  Please no valuables, as we cannot be responsible for lost or stolen items.
 
If you have a great time, please tell your friends for next year! If you find something that can be improved upon, please tell us.  Above all else, HAVE FUN and good luck!
 
We hope you find this information helpful but if you have any questions please email Greg Scott at gscott73@shaw.ca 
 
 
Cheers, 
 
Runners of Compassion 
 
 

Fletcher's Challenge 2022 - Register Today! Don't Miss Out!

The planning for Fletcher’s Challenge 2022 which is on Good Friday, April 15^th is well underway. Only two weeks away!  Are you registered? Are your family and friends registered? Don’t miss an epic trail run, family run/walk around Westwood and then an Easter Egg Hunt for all of the kids. 

 

Funds raised at the Fletcher’s Challenge event are donated back to the community to assist underprivileged youth accessing sports. 

 

Don’t wait! This event sells out!

 

You can learn more and register for the family run/walk or the point to point trail race at www.fletcherschallenge.blogspot.com

 

Update: With changes to BC’s public health orders, you are no longer required to show your BC Vaccine Card proof of vaccination to board masks are encouraged on the bus and in high traffic areas, but wearing a mask is strictly personal choice. Be safe everyone!

 

See you all at Fletcher’s Challenge 2022!

 

Fletcher's Challenge 2022 - Registration Live

REGISTER NOW! 

 

Welcome to Fletcher's Challenge 2022, a trail race and family walk/run on Nanaimo's best trails. The trail race features the point-to-point format that Fletcher's Challenge is famous for.

 

Funds raised at the Fletcher's Challenge event are donated back to the community through Runners ofCompassion - Nanaimo Chapter. The funds assist underprivileged youth in accessing sports.

 

For all event information visit http://www.fletcherschallenge.blogspot.ca/

 

TRAIL RACE  

2022 features a 16km (approximately) course. It is a point-to-point race featuring some of Nanaimo's best trails. This is a timed event, and guaranteed fun. Race participants are capped at 250 racers, so make sure you register early and don't miss out on a seat on the bus. This is a Trail Race and is not intended to be a walk or a hike. Walkers and hikers will be pulled from the course.

 

NOTICE TO ALL TRAIL RACERS.... 

·      All racers must carry water.

·      Due to safety concerns Ear Buds and/or Headphones are not permitted.

 

Racers must conduct a COVID-19 self-assessment before boarding the bus and participate only if they are healthy and not self-isolating. In addition, racers must demonstrate proof of full vaccination via a BC vaccine passport (or equivalent for out-of-province racers). A face mask covering the nose and mouth must be worn on the bus. 

 

As in previous years, there will be a time cut off at check point “one” at the water station. Don’t listen to the chitter chatter before the race!

 

Time cut offs are used both to keep the race moving and for everyone’s safety.  You will be told of the cut off time prior to the start of the trail race. Remember this is a race so time is of the essence.  Generally, only a few don’t make the cut off.  Thank you for your understanding. 

 

Package Pickup for Point to Point Trail Racers:

• Bib Pickup: 8:30am - 9:20am
• Bus Leaves: 9:30am (Don't miss it!) 
• Race Start: 10am 

There will be some excellent door prizes available from our sponsors, as well as awards for the top finishers in their age groups. 

6KM FAMILY COOKIE RUN/WALK

Gather up the kids, and come on out for the ever popular cookie walk! This event is a blast for all ages. Entrants enjoy a single lap around Westwood Lake, and are treated to a cookie station along the way for some extra motivation. 

• Day-of Registration: 8:30am - 9:45am
• Event Start: 10am

Note that you are expected to assess yourself and your kids for symptoms of illness. If anyone is sick or feeling unwell, stay at home. Masks may be required depending on current situations at registration table, start/finish area and in front of the cookie station. 

  

Easter Egg Hunt 

 

If the thrill of running around the lake and eating cookies is not enough to motivate your kids to participate, then how about the lure of the post-run Easter Egg Hunt!?



 

Note that you are expected to assess yourself and your kids for symptoms of illness. If anyone is sick or feeling unwell, stay at home. Everyone may be expected to wear a mask in the Easter Egg Hunt area.

 

This event memorializes Mr. Gavin Fletcher who died at too young an age. He was a well known sports columnist, a member of ROC, a husband and father. His family values were paramount but his love of good fun competition in sports was unequaled.

  

 

It is with this intent that we fashion The Fletcher's Challenge, held each year on Good Friday, open to both runners and walkers. 

It is about participation, having fun and enjoying some physical activity with your family.