The race course spans just under 25km, beginning off of Hartley Road (4500ft) and ending back in town in the Annex Park (3300ft). Racers will be bussed from Fernie to the starting line. Notable elevations along the way in order, Three Sisters Pass (7500ft), Windy Pass (7000ft) and Mt. Fernie Ridge (6500ft). Overall, 4000ft of vertical gain and over a mile of descent.
To download the kml file you can click here.
This is a self supported race. Racers will carry all provisions as none will be provided on the trail. The course will be marked with flagging tape and course marshals will be placed throughout at key junctions to provide direction and first aid.
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Could we get the Google Earth file (KML) from above?
Hi Joel, the current map drawn is a best guess at what the trail is. As soon as the trail clears up we will map the course with a GPS and offer the KML.
Thinking of running/hiking the trail weekend of the 23rd June if anyone interested & would like to join. I’ve never hiked the trail, so keen to see what I’ve just signed myself up for! Msg me on facebook or post here if interested.
Delirious post race-entry state – I obviously mean 23rd July
@Abi: I’d love to but I can’t (grr) If you are still going I would love to hear what your findings are though. I have never ran a half like this in the mountains and am not quite sure what to expect (other than shot quads, scrapes and dehydration lol).
You can find me on facebook under karin dc (lethbridge) or shoot me an email: kdeconincksmith@telus.net . Thanks!
Question for heikoshalf though: I was looking at the elevation chart and noticed that the length of the course was 12.9 miles.. is the rest just flat or non existent? and are the %’s of the grades listed at the top correct?
Hi Karin,
We will be walking the route once the snowpack melts a bit more (next two weeks). We will be capturing video footage of the trickier spots on the trail and posting to the site. As well, we will get the exact GPS information for the route (distance, elevation) since the above information was a best guess taken from Google Earth. Hope this helps.
Abi:
I have been practising on the mount fernie north side trail and if you are still in for the 23rd of july practice run I will join ya. I wonder how the snow in is ?
let me know, at matthem264@gmail.com
Just hiked Heiko’s trail from Hartley Lake road to Island lake lodge. July 17, 2011. For your info the trail is at least 60 percent snow and it will be around for awhile yet and some areas will probably not melt this year. Also several large avalanches from the previous year have knocked down trees and made a mess of the trail in several spots. This will need addressing before the race. If you have never done the trail I would caution you to bring along someone who has or have a good map and know how to read it. Route finding is challenging with all the snow and it is very hard to follow where the trail may go. Also the section from windy pass to the mt. fernie ridge, which I did not do, will be snow covered as well. Good luck, its slow going on the snow and if anyone has further questions on conditions feel free to email me.
Forest
Thanks for the update Forest! We are planning to do the trail next weekend (or the weekend after based on your information) to see what shape the course is in and what actions we may have to take to get it up to snuff!
Just recently relocated in the area and could I join the group on your next hike to the course. I may not be ready for this year, but would like to check the area for support or course checking.
I just ran over Mt Fernie and out to Windy Pass today – plenty of snow patches, but they are not much of a problem. You do need to keep your eyes out for the cairns, though, as the snow make sit easy to go wrong.
I GPS’d it and I have combined it with the GPS I already have of Heiko’s to create an exact file of the course.
I someone tells me how to post it on here, I will!
Hi Simon, thanks for the response! Our plan is to walk the course sometime the week prior to the event and clearly flag it so it’s obvious where to go. The last thing we want is someone showing up at Island Lake Lodge by accident!
Hi Fellow runners,
I ran / walked the course yesterday- August 16. The route is in great shape- only a few patches of snow remaining. The avalanch debris has been cleared. The route is well marked with cairns
in places where the trail is less clear.
A good friend dropped us off at the trail head and then proceeded to the finish and walked to meet us. He brought us cold coke and a snack. Perfect!
We pretty much smiled the whole way! We walked about 60% -It took us 5 1/2 hours.
Thanks to the trail crew.
Enjoy,
Susan
Since I am going to be away on holidays for the race I did it this morning. Parked my car at annex park and got a ride to where the road to the trailhead leaves Hartley Lake Rd. As Susan said the coarse is clear. Last real water on the course is only about an hour or so in, so fill up when you last cross the stream a couple kms uphill from Bisarro canyon, where a log crosses. Cannot guarantee this. As the summer goes on where the water comes out of the ground moves further downhill. There is another good water spot just off the trail before the log. You will see it easy. There are a few small seeps, but would take a little modification to get any real amount. My advice is to start off well hydrated starting the day before. I also did a run walk, (70-80% run), all the way to annex park and the whole route took me 4hrs 8min. I am not in super shape and 51yo. Wish I was going to be there. Embrace the brutality.
Cheers,
Sean
One last comment. The only ambiguous part was below windy pass where there is a fork. Take the right one to the ridge on the right. You will see the trail cutting across the face of the hill.
Sean
So, now that the course has observed and cleared, is there still creeks flowing for possible water sources along the way?
Thanks
Yes, there is water for the first km’s. Also, there are some streams still flowing that you will cross around the 10-12km marks.
Any Sherpa’s available?