2016 Knee Knacker Press Release

For Immediate Release

North Vancouver, British Columbia – The Knee Knackering North Shore Trail Run, commonly know as the ‘Knee Knacker’, has arrived once again. As one of Canada’s largest ultra-marathon races, the Knee Knacker 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 meters) in elevation along the way for a total elevation change of over 16,000 feet (4,800 meters). Runners have 10 hours to complete the crossing of the North Shore with the fastest of them finishing in just over four and a half hours.

For a glimpse into the stunning race route, a short video including helicopter footage is available.

The roots of the race trace back to an original field of eight participants in 1989, before the sport of ultra-marathons (races longer than a 26.2-mile marathon) had reached the level of popularity it has today. While there are races over distances longer than the Knee Knacker’s 30 miles, not many in North America are tougher. Over the years, top ultra-marathoners have challenged themselves in what is referred to as the “knarliest” trail race in Canada. However, the great appeal of the race is that it caters to runners of all levels testing the limits of their endurance, and not just elite competitors.

The contenders for the men’s title promise some spectacular times yet again. With the expectation of some cooler and potentially rainy conditions and a lack of snow in the mountains, athletes will have to navigate mud and slippery roots, but not hot temperatures. This could provide excellent conditions for the likes of Mike Murphy, who holds the second fastest time in Knee Knacker history, and Aaron Heidt, course record holder, as they set the pace early up Black Mountain and push for the overall victory. In addition, accomplished ultra-runners and previous sub-five hour Knee Knackerers, Oliver Utting and Graem Wilson will likely push the pack hard. Peter Findlay of Kamloops, who has won the event seven times and is the current Master’s course record holder, will also be back to challenge.

In the women’s field, after winning last years race, it is likely that Darby Kai Standrick, of Vancouver, will work hard to maintain her title for a second year straight and also to earn a personal best faster than last years 5:35. Previous women’s winner Jacquie Trudeau is also back after a hiatus – more proof that the Knee Knacker gets in your blood. The women’s field will be pushed by runners from British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Washington.

This year, a record number of entrants aimed to race as 572 hopefuls applied to the February 2^nd lottery and prayed the Lottery Gods would be kind. Of the 273 names drawn, it is expected that approximately 210 runners will be on the start line at 6:00 am for race day.

With such an impeccable community and amazing terrain, Knee Knacker draws people back. To date, five people have run the race 20 times and 56 have completed it 10 times. This year will see Mark Grist join the 20 time finishers – the youngest to ever do so. Laddie Hannam, Kathryn O’Grady and Ann Taylor will celebrate their 10-time finishes, and both Neil Wakelin and Ron Adams are back for their 26^th finish – making Knee Knacker history each year! At 73 years of age, Ron Nicholl will be running this Saturday as will Jan Selman, who won the women’s 70+ category last year.

The race starts at 6:00am on Saturday, July 9th just above Horseshoe Bay at Exit #4 off of Westport Road. All runners must arrive at the Panorama Park, Deep Cove by the race cut-off time of 4:00 pm. The following is an estimated schedule of where and when to catch the runners in action:

A schedule of race activities is available at www.kneeknacker.com and members of the media are invited and encouraged to attend any or all of the activities posted. A good opportunity to meet the runners is at the packet pickup and race briefing on Thursday, July 7^th from 5:30 to 7:30pm at Salomon, in Park Royal, West Vancouver. With excitement high about our second annual post-race meal and awards ceremony in Panorama Park, we expect many runners to be enjoying the festivities there.

The Knee Knacker is a volunteer-run, non-profit race that has donated almost $100,000 to local community organizations since its inception. As in the past few years, proceeds from this year’s race have benefited the North Shore Rescue (NSR) team. To make your own donation to NSR, visit the Knee Knacker site at www.kneeknacker.com. For further information, please contact:

Kelsy Trigg, Race Director 604-787-8097, rd@kneeknacker.com.