What you need to know for Fat Dog 2019
Fat Dog ultra trail running races are happening this weekend, and here's what you need to know
Fat Dog is back. Since 2010, Fat Dog ultra trail running races have offered rugged and remote mountain running experiences for runners and the community in the Cascade Mountains of BC. This weekend from August 9 to 11, racers, organizers, volunteers, crew members and pacers will celebrate another year of the epic event throughout three provincial parks. As one of the toughest races in Canada, all runners and support crew must be prepared.
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Although cancelled last year due to wildfires, the race still includes a relay, 40-mile, 50-mile, 70-mile, and 120-mile distances with greater elevation gain than Mount Everest. Whether it’s your first or 10th Fat Dog race, here are some things you need to know.
New GPX file available
For remote mountain and trail running ultras, going off course is not always considered a legitimate excuse. Take responsibility for your race and make sure you know the updates to the courses, especially for the 120-mile distance. Download it, print it, memorize it, and keep RunGo app on and ready for your race. For more information about the route and its updates check this out. (And don’t worry, the race is 120 miles this year, and not an extra two due to wildflowers like in 2016.)
“Parasites” have been working hard
Fat Dog has always had a mandatory trail work service requirement. Over the last few months, “parasites” or trail runners have been volunteering their time on the course to ensure runners have an incredible experience. On July 9, crews cleared 46 trees near the Dewdney Trails in Manning Park, BC.
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Remote means remote
Don’t think you can rely on cell reception if you are volunteering, crewing, pacing, or racing this weekend. And don’t forget to fill up with gas in Hope or Princeton. Take your 10 essentials and then some extra so you can enjoy the experience.
Ways to be involved
You can still volunteer for the race, or surprise your best friend by crewing them for their tough trail race. Twenty-nine women and 135 men are expected to toe the line at the 120-mile race on Friday morning. The remaining race distances are spread out to start throughout the weekend.
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