ULTRAMARATHON RUNNERS TACKLE THE NORTH SHORE TRAILS

West Vancouver, British Columbia – The second Saturday of July is coming up, and that can only mean one thing for a growing number of enthusiastic long-distance trail runners – time for the Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run (the “Knee Knacker”).  The race traverses the trails of West and North Vancouver, and the twentieth edition takes place on Saturday July 12, 2008. 

The race started out as a “fun run” with only 8 participants in 1989, when the sport of ultramarathoning (races longer than a 26.2 mile marathon) was in its infancy in Canada.  While there are races over distances much longer than the 30 miles covered by the Knee Knacker, not many are tougher.  Canada’s largest ultramarathon race takes participants from Horseshoe Bay to Deep Cove along the 30-mile (48.6 km) Baden-Powell trail.  Runners go up, over, and around the major North Shore mountains – Cypress, Grouse, and Seymour – gaining over 8,000 feet (2,400 m) in elevation along the way for a total elevation change of over 16,000 feet (4,800 m). 

Over the years, top ultramarathoners from around the world have traveled from afar to challenge themselves in what is referred to as the “knarliest” footrace in Canada.  However, the great appeal of the race is that it caters to adventure seekers of all levels and not just the elite competitors.  Confirming the growing popularity of ultrarunning, and the reputation of the race, this year saw the highest number of entrants apply to the lottery.  Race participants were selected by the luck of the draw in March, and 200 racers will toe the line on race day.  Almost half of these runners will be taking part in the race for the first time with 64% men &  36% women.

This year’s race will mark an important milestone of 20 years, and will see four former Race Directors run – proof that the Knee Knacker gets in your blood.  Race co-founder, Enzo Federico (1989, 1992 & 2006 finishes), Paul Quinn (1995 champion and  14-time finisher), Ken Greenaway (3-time finisher) and Michael Wardas (4-time finisher) will participate in the 20^th Annual Knee Knacker.

Without 2007 champions Kevin Titus & Suzanne Evans at the start-line,  the 2008 race will see the excitement of new overall winners in both the men's and women's fields.  A strong contingent will challenge for the men's title including 6-time overall champion, 10-time finisher and current master's champion, Peter Findlay of Kamloops, 2006 Canadian Ultrarunner of the Year, Darin Bentley of Surrey and elite athletes Oliver Utting of Burnaby, Aaron Heidt of Squamish and Simon Driver of Vancouver.  In the women's race, 2007's second place woman, Nicola Gildersleeve of North Vancouver will be vying for top spot with 2-time women’s champion (2003 & 2004), and current master’s champion, Patricia Jensen of North Vancouver, and 2005’s women’s second place finisher, Tracy Wakaluk of North Vancouver.

5 additional athletes are expecting to celebrate a significant milestone upon their successful completion of Saturday’s race.  Mike Ackerfeldt, Rick Arikado, Jennifer Brown, Bill Dagg and Tony Humphries are looking to join the exclusive 10-time finishers club, a feat accomplished by only 23 athletes to date.  

The race itself starts at 6:00am Saturday, July 12^th just above Horseshoe Bay, Exit #4, off of Westport Road.  Runners must arrive at the Panorama Park beach in Deep Cove by the race cut-off time of 4:00pm.  Following is an estimated schedule of where and when to catch the runners in action:

A schedule of race activities is available at  http://www.kneeknacker.com.  Members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend any or all of the activities.  A good opportunity to meet the runners is at registration & race briefing Friday, July 11^th, from 5:30- 8:00pm at North Shore Athletics (#101–1200 Lonsdale Ave, N. Vancouver). 

The Knee Knacker is a volunteer run, non-profit race that has donated over $43,000 to community organizations.  Proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the North Shore Search & Rescue.  For further information contact: