2017 Fletcher’s Challenge is going to be SPECIAL!

2017 Fletcher’s Challenge is going to be SPECIAL! 

You can rest assured that the race routes (yes  - routeS!) for the Tenth Anniversary running of the Fletcher Challenge are a beauty and are routes that we know Gavin would have been happy to have his name attached to.  This year’s courses are so spectacular, in fact, that we are actually considering having them as permanent race routes for the Fletcher’s Challenge. We will let you, the racing community, tell us what you think after you have run this year’s routes.  We still have the usual Cookie Walk around the lake and the Annual Easter egg Hunt for those of you that prefer something a bit more laid back.

 

Short Course (12k) vs Long Course (15k)

BOTH races are exciting POINT TO POINT endeavors, on some of the most stunning single track trails to be found on Vancouver Island. Starting from a top secret location that runners will be bussed to, and finishing at Westwood Lake, runners will enjoy our standard fare of well marked trails filled with enthusiastic volunteers to cheer you on. Runners of both the short and long course will be required to start the race carrying water with them. 

 

The 12k short course is reminiscent of previous Fletcher’s Challenge courses in both its difficulty and character. Winning times are expected to be in the ballpark of 1 hour, with the average runner taking closer to 2 hours to finish, and the back of the pack coming in under 3 hours. Runners will be rewarded for their efforts with stunning trails, and world class views. 

 

With the 15k long course, we wanted to take runners to new heights. At ‘only’ 3k more in distance, we expect winning times to be approximately 30 minutes longer, with average finishing times around 3 hours. A cutoff will be in effect to ensure that runners are not on course for longer than ?? hours. How could 3k take the race winners an extra 30 minutes? We will leave that to your imagination, but suffice it to say runners will be working hard, and that with great work comes great reward! We promise that you will LOVE this route, but we want you to be prepared. 

 

CHOICE! In fact, the 12k and 15k races share the same route, with the exception of that mysterious 3km #evilgrin. There will be a location, in the first third of the race, where runners who have chosen the 15k route will have the choice of “downgrading” (don’t worry, we don’t judge!) to the 12k option. In fact, we will have a cut-off in place such that long course runners who fail to reach this point within a predetermined time will be redirected to the short course. 

 

Its been stated confidently by some passionate trail runners in the know, that this will be without a doubt the best trail race route on Vancouver Island. This race will sell out, and space is CAPPED. Do not miss this one!