The summer running season continues along with a collection of June events in Alberta. June 5th was the Banff Jasper Relay. The 15 person, 258 KM trek from Banff to Jasper. Background: the race is a 15 person relay, with two stages running simultaneously, so that all runners can run in the daylight. The South stage and the North stage both start at 7:00 AM. The South is 6 legs, finishing at Sask River Crossing. The Notrh is 9 legs, starting at Sask River Crossing and finishing in Jasper. I ran this last year and really enjoyed it, so I made the effort to do it again this year. This year the team was about to fall apart due to many people from last year choosing not to run ii this year (or at least choosing not to run with us this year. Hmmm…) So, I ended up taking over the captain’s chair, and was able to get a group together and get registered for the run. About 1/2 the team was new. At that point of the organization, I was just happy to have 15 committed people ready to run. I never had any concerns about fast people versus slow people, and we all agreed that it was a fun run, and we weren’t in it to be truly competitive. Still, 5 of our team finished within the top 7 for their leg – very impressive! Most of the rest of us finished middle of the back or slower. All in all at the end of the day, our team was in 18th place, out of 35 teams that finished. Just 1 spot below middle of the pack. For a new team with so many new runners, I considered that to be a great finish, especially considering our goal was just to have fun. That said, we all try to do our best. You drive for 10 or 12 hours to get there – one thing is for sure, and it’s that you will run your best! As no one on our team was interested in tackling the toughest leg of the run (stage 9 – Big Bend) I volunteered to do it. I thought by doing so it would generate more excitement (since no one would worry about having to run that leg.) In all honesty, there were enough logistic issues that my only concern was finishing. However, when all was set and the run was under way, all my organizational headaches went away and my mind was free to simply enjoy the run. My guestimation for leg 9 was that I could do it in about 1:45 or so. The weather was pretty good – about 5c and overcast. We got some rain and some hail while running up the hill – was noticablely irritating, but the hail stones weren’t big enough to really hurt, so it didn’t appear to affect anyone. I was quite happy while passing 3 or 4 people on the uphill. However, once done the biggest hill of the leg, I was quickly passed by about 1/2 dozen (younger) speedsters, which put me back in my place. I did finish the run strong and excited, but only managed about 23rd place out of 38 or so teams. I was however quite happy with my time of 1:25:29.

 
Here is a description of leg 9. BJR-stage9

Much like last year, I only met about 1/2 the team. The distance of the race is so great, and personal conditions are such that it is just not the best race for such mixed team. We had 6 people from Saskatoon, 3 from Whitecourt, Alberta, 4 from Jasper, one from B.C., and me. The Saskatoon people all needed to get back home my Sunday evening, and so considering the distance, they did not drive up to Jasper for the post-race activities.

All in all, it was pretty much what I expected: great team mates, absolutely beautiful scenery (made me which I had a really good digital SLR camera), great weather, and all in all, a fun time. It’s never cheap to drive to Banff and back [from Regina], especially since I was by myself, but still – it was a great experience. I will probably do this one again next year. The biggest time issue was just organizing the team.

Lessons learned:
1. Don’t book a room at the Crossings Motel, at Sask River Crossing. It is horribly expensive, (along with fuel) and it’s rather noisy, and nothing special. There are plenty of Hostel’s along that highway, and most are in the range of about $25 per night. Fewer amenities, but a warm place to sleep is really all one needs. Actually, a camping spot near Jasper would also save one at least another $100.
2. Organize sooner. Although I didn’t have the chance to do it this year, next year I will organize much earlier. I believe that at the point where all runners are committed and have paid their registration, stress [to me, as captain] drops at least 80%. Which goes a long way to enjoy the weeks before the trip.
3. Car pool or drive slower. I could save at least 30% in cost of fuel by driving 95kmph rather than 115. On a 20 hour drive (return trip to Canmore/Banff) that represents about $60, or 1 tank of gas. Substantial. A better solution yet would be to car pool – although that’s tough when I’m the only one from Regina going, as well as the need to be at a different part of the highway as the rest of your team (on time for the start of your leg) as well as the possibility/probability of needing to support other runners. Still…

If you want to see more images from the Banff – Jasper area, and a few from the race, check out my facebook image album, by clicking here.

Next up: Canadian Death Race Training – next weekend! (June 11th, 2010)