SHORT COURSE - This unforgettable 8km trail race will feature all that BC's West Coast Trail races are famous for -- beautiful vistas of mountains, lakes and ocean, big trees, fast single track, sweat- inducing ascents and gut wrenching blistering fast downhill sections. This route around Westwood Lake will run you by numerous natural and manmade sights along the way that will amaze you. Open to both hikers and runners. This year's version of the Short Course will undoubtedly be known as "The Best Short Course Race Route on the Island". Click here to view the map.

HALF MARATHON COURSE - Starting out from the beach area of Westwood Lake you will partially wind your way around the lake on groomed double track trail before branching off to start your climb up to the first of the Westwood Ridges. The climb up to the first and second ridges will take your breath away, but the views along the way make it all worth while. Once you have reached the top you will get to experience the pleasure of ridge running - open trail, big air, and great views as you work your way towards the second ridge. The beauty of working your way up to the ridges is that you get to run back down. The descent off of the ridges as you work your way down to the hydro corridor is truly indescribable. Fast, fast single track, with lots of twists and turns and lots of places to get big air. After reaching the hydro corridor you will continue an easier descent as you work your way towards the Abyss & Humility trails. Did I mention that you need to cross the Chase River along the way? Well you do! Shortly after the river crossing you will hit the Aid Station (water, gator-aid, bananas) and refuel as you get ready for the second half of the course. The Abyss and Humility trails are your classic well established single track trails. This undulating section does a loop and brings you back through the aid station for one more refueling stop before you start you way back towards the finish line, which is about 6k away. This last section is a combination of open trail running (hot) and more classic well established single track as you run through Morell Nature Sanctuary. Oh, did I mention that you again have to cross the river on the way back? Well you do! Once you get through Morell and reach the lake trail you have only 1.5k to go, plus one more hill attack. Done! Click here to view the map.

Early Package Pickup will take place on Saturday, June 7th, from 3-6pm at FRONTRUNNERS in Nanaimo.

8km
Half-Marathon

In Nanaimo, take the Jingle Pot Road WEST. Exit off the Nanaimo Parkway. Turn left on Westwood Road and follow it to the very end until you get to the lake. Watch for signs as well. See map.

FIVE EASY WAYS TO REGISTER:
1. Register online
2. Download registration and mail it in
3. Drop off your entry at Frontrunners in Victoria, Nanaimo or Langford (must be dropped off by the Thursday before race day)
4. Saturday, June 7th, 3-6pm, at Frontrunners in Nanaimo
5. Come early on Race Day

Post race brunch at the Longwood Brew Pub, proud supporter of the GutBuster Trail Running Series

Important Advisory - Please note that part of this run will go through the Department of National Defence Nanaimo Rifle Range. Special access arrangements have been made with DND for Sun 8 Jun 08 ONLY. At any other time, even if it appears the range is not being used, the area is out of bounds to the public. The rifle range uses real ammunition and you risk personal injury or at a minimum being charged with trespass if you use this trail.

MANDATORY WATER- ALL runners must carry a minimum of 500ml of water or sport drink. We will be enforcing this rule and you will NOT be able to start unless you carry water. NO EXCEPTIONS. The short course will NOT have an aid station. The HALF course will have one aid station that you will pass twice. Water will be available but for REFILLING PURPOSES ONLY.

CUTOFF - The HALF course will have a cutoff time at the Aid Station (see map). Cutoff time is 10:45am.

START TIMES - Please note the earlier start time for the HALF is 9:00am and the 8km is 9:30am.

Be sure to bring your beach towel and sunscreen as there is a great beach and warm lake at Westwood. Bring your family and they won't mind that your off racing!