Runs

ON THE RUN IN…Comox Valley, Vancouver Island, B.C.

April 1, 2011
By Eric Martinat

Once the domain of loggers, tree planters and Air Force members lucky enough to be posted at the local base, the quiet, lush Comox Valley has flourished into a vibrant, growing community - and a runners’ dream come true.

On eastern Vancouver Island, about an hour north of Nanaimo, two towns make up the Comox Valley: Courtenay and Comox. Presided over by the majestic glacier Queneesh (The Great White Whale) named by the K’omoks First Nation, the valley is surrounded by stunning scenery, amazing wildlife and unbelievable running trails. Although it seldom snows in the Comox Valley, Mt. Washington is only a 30-minute drive away and offers the deepest snow-pack on the planet. The Comox running scene is thriving and local runners will welcome visitors of all abilities.

The Routes

The Airpark Run

Short - 5K

From downtown Courtenay, start at the Filberg Centre and follow the trail under the bridge and along Anderton Rd. A quick right on 6^th brings to you the paved Riverwalk trail. Continue along the trail, behind the Westerly Hotel, along the Puntledge River to loop the Courtenay Airpark. Keep you eyes open for harbour seals watching you run past. The trail continues along the estuary for another 3K, or you can stay by the airpark and follow the trail back downtown to the Filberg Centre.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4214595

The Seal Bay Rainforest Run

Medium - 8K

Arguably the most runner-friendly trails in the country, the paths at Seal Bay Nature Park are meticulously maintained and provide hours of twists and turns through the rainforest. Start at the Bates Road parking lot and head down the trail toward the ocean. A loop trail curves along the ridge overlooking the Georgia Strait, bringing you back to Bates Road after about 2K. Across Bates Road, take the multi-use trail on your right and watch the arrows and kilometre markers. The trail makes a large 6K loop. Follow the signs back to Bates Road. The park is popular with locals, so feel free to ask for directions when you’re on the trail.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4214658

The Twister Loop

Long - 19.5K

Up 1^St St. by the Fish Hatchery, “The Twister Loop” is a popular training ground for local running groups. Some call it “The Pipeline,” others “The 18K Loop,” but whatever you call it, this run has great variety and is just plain fun to run. Head up the road alongside the massive water pipe until you come to a paved road. A right turn across the Puntledge River Bridge at Stotan Falls and a quick left puts you on “The Twister.” You’ll know why it’s called that once you’re on it. The trail, shared by mountain bikers and runners, requires your full attention. Bike bridges, some logs and many twists and turns, will keep your adrenaline pumping. This trail runs into the superbly maintained Nymph Falls trails. Stay on the River Trail all the way to the Comox Lake Dam. At certain times of the year you may see bears, salmon and bald eagles along the Puntledge. Cross the bridge and follow the trail along the opposite side of the river to the top of the pipeline and back to the start, admiring the mountains around you.

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=4214642

Where to Stay:

The Westerly Best Western Hotel (1590 Cliff Ave.), the Old House Village Inn and Spa (1730 Riverside Lane) offer excellent packages. A new Holiday Inn Express just opened last year as well (2200 Cliff Ave.). If you’re on a budget and want right downtown, try Shantz Haus Hostel (520 5^th St.) or the Cona Hostel (440 Anderton Ave.).

Where to Eat:

The Comox Valley’s bustling restaurant scene is worth exploring. A favourite is the Atlas Café for hearty breakfasts, lunches and inspired dinners (250 6^th St.). After Sunday morning long runs, many local runners head to Zocalos Café for caffeine and tasty breakfasts (at the corner of Cliff and 5^th, Courtenay) and you’ll often find runners at Billy D’s Pub and Bistro (268 5^th St., Courtenay) re-hydrating over dinner after their Thursday night workout. The Blackfin Pub (123 Port Augusta St., Comox), with its spectacular panoramic oceanfront views, offers the definitive West Coast dining experience. Runners love pasta and you’ll find it at Toscanos Tattoria Restaurant, directly across from the Blackfin, in downtown Comox.

Running Shop:

Extreme Runners (436 5^th St., Courtenay) is the hub of running in the Comox Valley. Owner Lene Curts and her knowledgeable staff work with the Comox Valley Road Runners and other groups to organize runs and clinics from her store.

Racing Scene:

The Comox Valley Half-Marathon is part of the Vancouver Island Race Series and the Times Race Series (March 20, 2011). The 5^th Street Mile is a downhill one-mile race held every July 1^st. The Nautical Days 4 Miler is the oldest continually run race in B.C. (August 1, 2011). For more, visit cvrr.ca.

Eric Martinat is a military search and rescue pilot and distance runner based in the Comox Valley.