The Details:

This is an odd event, an unearthly experience driven by the forces of nature.  We run and walk on the bottom of the sea between 15 meter tides coming a few hours before and after us.  During last year’s event, our first, winds rose strongly enough to push back the tide so instead of a crossing between islands where I said we would deal with 15 centimeters of water, don’t worry about it, the 10K runners crossed in a meter of water, well enough to worry about.  And it was cold.  Waiting before the start for five hours in the rain and wind, people were wet and cold and in fact very, very happy.

Despite weather and wind and various goof ups not nature’s fault, last year’s event was a huge success.   Enough that word has spread throughout Canada, thanks to blogs and a great report in Trail Runner by Rob Chambers.  Which is a problem because we cannot expand the event to include all who likely will want to participate.  I have tried hard to figure a way to increase the number of entries but nothing really works.  We could start and finish the race on shore, but then the 5K runners do nothing but mud (remember that, those who ran last year?).   And the 10K runners would miss the loop around Pinacle and Egg islands which really is the highlight of the event.  So we have 300 spots, 200 on a first come, first served basis and a hundred picked for good causes or special reasons to participate (if interested in that, put your thoughts in the comment section of the registration form).

We are, due to the tide’s timing, going to start on shore this year and end on the islands (Moose for the 5K and Long for the 10K).  The start will be about 9:30 am.  Boats can’t float, for your return to shore, until 2 or 2:30 that afternoon so you will be on the islands again for a while, this time after the run.  After a hard run is not when runners usually choose to wait hours on an exposed island in maybe cold wet weather .  But on Saturday (the day before the run) we will transport to the islands a package of clothes etc for you if you can get it to us in Five Islands by Saturday 3pm or to the Trail Shop in Halifax by Friday at 5pm. 

All will be easier for you and us and good for the local communities if you come out Saturday and spend the night.  There are lots of lodgings (B&Bs, small inns, a couple of motels) along the shore and into Parrsboro.  Call Judy or Gerry at Gemstow Bed and Breakfast for help with rooms (254-2924).  Camping is available, including at the Five Islands Provincial Park.  To encourage your staying over, we will offer as last year a $10 Saturday evening meal prepared by locals which likely will include way too much great food.  It is fun to share your terror with other runners and walkers and locals.

I ask a favor.  We need lots of volunteers, more than the locals can provide.  So please bring along a friend.  They get a free shirt (if you tell me when you register) and can join in the Saturday evening meal.  We will have a meeting of volunteers Saturday at 4pm in Five Islands but if your volunteer can’t make that meeting, we will have no-brainer assignments for those arriving early Sunday morning.

Hope this helps.  Email me at dick.lemon@gmail.com (or call 707-363-6464) with questions.  One which arises often is whether there is pressure to finish the run or walk before getting swept to sea like Pharoah’s guys.  There won’t be that pressure because you have an hour and a half or maybe two hours to finish.  But don’t pick the 10K if you are walking and don’t figure on a slow sightseeing experience.  

Do figure on an experience way beyond anything like it in the rest
of your life.