Answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. Keep checking back as we will be posting the Q/A to relevant questions that are emailed to us. You can email any questions to contact@heikoshalf.com
Q: What day is the race?
A: August 25th
Q: How long will I have to finish?
A: 6hrs is the official time allotment
Q: What happens if I don’t finish in 5hrs?
A: We will keep the finish line open for another 1hr after the 5hr mark, to allow racers to “cross” the finish line. However, the festivities begin at the Red Tree Lodge at 4pm, so don’t expect too much of a crowd at the finish line
Q: What if something happens to me on the race course?
A: There will be first aid attendants placed along the course as well as a sweeper runner to help anyone out who may injure themselves. Search & Rescue will be on call but only used as a last resort. If an injury requires being a long line rescue via helicopter, additional first aid will arrive with amenities such as food, water and clothing and stay with you as you wait for the heli to arrive.
Q: Will I be allowed trekking poles?
A: Yes – we highly recommend these as sections of the race will be over rocky terrain
Q: Will there be water/support along the way?
A: There will be an unmanned water station at the base of Fernie Ridge towards the end of the race (2.5k from the finish). Everything else will be unsupported. There is stream for the first 1/3 of the race with the high possibility of a snow runoff around the halfway point. Everything after that is dry.
Q: How much water should I bring?
A: Last year many said 2L was enough while others felt they could go with more as it was a hot and windless day. 2L is still a minimum recommendation.
Q: How will I know I’m going along the right trail?
A: There will be flagging/sign-age placed along the trail to ensure runners have clear direction as to where to go.
Q: What kind of things should I bring?
A: We recommend the following as a base list of items to consider: rain layer, trail running shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, adequate water (camel-bak type containment is best), bear spray and trekking poles. Other items that you may want to consider are some energy gels or an energy bar.
Q: What about wild animals, like bears?
A: Bears and other animals are a concern as the race is right through their habitat. The race course is going through grizzly country. We’ve added bear spray to the recommended items to bring.
Q: Where is the finish line?
A: The finish line is located in the Annex Park in Fernie. Spectators are encouraged to come and cheer on racers as they finish. Check out the Course Info page to see where exactly the finish is located.
Q: What do I get for doing the race?
A: You’re guaranteed a dry-fit t-shirt for entering the race, as well as entry into draws for prizes and potentially more swag as race sponsors come online.
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Can I also recommend carrying bear spray as that area is well known habitat to lots of bears!
Good point Katya, we’ve added it to the FAQ. Thanks for the input!
Can I camp as opposed to getting a hotel room?
Yes, there is camping at Mount Fernie Provincial Park. Red Tree is just a suggested option as they are sponsoring the event through reduced rates for anyone who wants to stay in a hotel room. That being said, it’s ultimately up to the runner as to where they stay.
Can I drive myself to the start line? Also, where is the finish and can spectators come to the finish line?
Hi Jon, you can drive yourself to the starting line. If you’re going to drive yourself to the start, let us know so we can account for you the morning of the race as we load the buses. See the course info page for the updated route info which should be able to give you a better idea of how to get there. The race start is off of some back-roads, so it’s hard to describe. As for the finish line, it’s in the Annex Park in the townsite of Fernie. See the course info for a general idea of where that is as well.
Can we leave a bag of our warm clothes at the start and could it be transported to the finish.
Sure thing.