RaceGuide’s featured events for August 29-30

For most people, the end of August signals the unfortunate end of the summer season. For runners though, it also makes way for the start of the fall racing season.

Saturday August 29th: Trailstoke Revy, Revelstock, B.C.

Race Expo

Profile: Described as one of the most challenging ultras in the world, Trailstoke – organized by 5Peaks – takes place from the Revelstoke Mountain Resort and offers a solo ultramarathon as well as three-person team relay. The 55K course begins from the ski hill base and participants ascend the mountain and run through the alpine along panoramic ridges before descending back to the finish. In total, they will experience some 3,300m of elevation gain. There is also a weekend TrailExpo, breakfast before the races and awards and a dinner post-race.

By the Numbers: Participants: 200; Fee(s): $125-175 (Solo); $350-500 (Relay team)

Ratings: Scenery: 5: Organization: 4; Challenging: 4; Getting to/from: 3

Sunday August 30th: Marathon SSQ Lévis-Québec, Que.

Certified, Boston Qualifier, Race Expo, Destination Race

Profile: Marathon SSQ Lévis-Québec/the Quebec City Marathon is the provincial capital’s and Courir à Québec’s premier running event which attracts a large and international field. The events kicks off Saturday evening with a 5K and kids race followed by the half, marathon and 10K on Sunday morning. The point-to-point marathon course starts in Lévis and runs along the south shores of the St. Lawrence providing a scenic and historic tour of the Old Port of Quebec and stunning panoramic views of the city. The course is run mostly on roads but occasionally on paved bicycle paths and features a number of rolling hills and bridge crossings. It is an overall net downhill course, which for many is considered a last opportunity to qualify for the Boston Marathon, for which registration opens in early September. Pre- and post-race amenities are on par with the best in the country.

By the Numbers: Participants: 10,000; Fees: $85-105 (Marathon, half & 10K); BQ Rate (2014): 6.3% (80/1276)

Charity: Mères et monde

Ratings: Scenery: 5; Organization: 4; Amenities: 5; Atmosphere: 4; Getting to/from: 3

Sunday August 30th: Cobequid Trail Races, Truro, N.S.

Certified, Popular

Profile: Now in its 11th year, the annual Cobequid Trail Run starts and finishes on the Cobequid Trail just behind the Nova Scotia Community College Sport and Wellness Centre. The route is a flat out-and-back that heads west and leaves Truro on the trail, provides scenic views before returning to the same place. A continental breakfast and awards presentation follow the races inside the gym where washrooms, change and shower facilities are available.

By the Numbers: Participants: 500; Fee(s): $30-35 (All races)

Ratings: Organization: 4; Amenities: 4; Atmosphere: 4; Getting to/from: 4