BURSTThe sun rose over the Babine mountains and illuminated a layer of frost covering the grass. Soon, the frost melted and the grass was covered with tents and running shoes. Volunteers scurried about getting the site prepared for the 80 runners, some of whom travelled from afar to take part in a unique running event.
Inside the barn above the start line, Paul Glover tuned his banjo in preparation for opening the event, while participants made last minute preparations. Soon, the bell rang and the banjo played. The runners were off through the field and along the ridge, negotiating the rocks and roots that keep their eyes on the trail, yet hoping to steal looks at the stunning beauty of the mountains, fields and rivers of the Bulkley Valley.
The 2nd annual Roots, Ridges and Regrets Backyard Ultra, a fundraiser for the Smithers Run Club, took place on September 12th and 13th. In this event, runners complete two laps of a three kilometre trail (one yard) each hour.
As long as the runner makes it to the starting corral at the top of the hour, they can keep running. For some, the first hour may be the end of the event for them, but for others, it could bring them well into the next day.
The event ends when a single runner completes one final solo yard after all other competitors fail to start or finish a yard.
This year, Nina Lennie was the last person standing, and the winner, after an amazing 28 hours of running. She ran 166 kilometres in total and reached 3,800 meters in elevation gain. It takes two to tangle in these events and Ian Harris earned the “assist” for running an impressive 27 hours.
Nina, reflecting on her “long weekend,” stated on her Strava post, “I just tried my best to tough it out and keep showing up on the hour. Got to run my last lap out there alone and, wow, how special, I genuinely enjoyed this lap so much, had my soul filled by so many people out cheering after a ridiculously long event.”
Sarah Newton was awarded best costume during the first yard and really enjoyed her second time taking part in the event.
“It had the feel of a running festival more than a race because there was so much time to visit with people each yard,”. she said. “I loved chatting with new people who also love running. It’s pretty inspiring to hear why people were there, and what their goal was. I met people hoping to do three yards, and others who wanted to run all night, yet we all got to run together since the goal is not to be fast.”
Most runners reached their personal bests for their longest run ever.
The event showcased the beauty of the Bulkley Valley and the generosity of the community. Numerous local businesses provided essential support through supplies and donations. Many volunteers donated their time and energy to help make the event inclusive, and enjoyable for all.