Grizzly 50k Relay Oct 11, 2026

Grizzly ultra relay #4!  Team:

The very early morning drive out to this event was a pitch dark blizzard survival situation.  We had the snow tires put on the previous day thank goodness.  It still wasn’t fun.  

It is cold, it is early.  The Nordic Centre is lovely and warm.  I’ve never noticed all the fantastic Olympic history before. 

It doesn’t get light until well after 7 and when the clouds briefly lift we get glimpses of the mountains.  Next 2 photos are courtesy of Leithan Slade. 

Leg 1 (K).  It is snowing pretty hard at the start. 

Leg 2 (S).  It is still snowing.  Big fluffy snow keeps going in my mouth.  This is unpleasant. 

Toward the end the clouds break up, it’s definitely getting warmer.  There is so much mud.  I keep sliding in it. 

Leg 3 (K).  Shit.  Missed a turn.  Shit. 

Leg 4 (S).  The first 2 kms are all up.  The views are beautiful and this leg turns out to be my favourite.  

I have to keep stopping for photos.  Canmore is looking gorgeous below us.  

The descent is all single track.  It’s the best part of the day, twisty track through trees, up and down.  There are a couple of bikers out and they are very courteous about these stupid runners being on their trails. 

Leg 5 (S).  When I get back off 4, I know I need to just keep going out on 5.  I should have stopped to get another layer as it gets cold very fast.  This is the easiest leg of the day and I hate it the most.  There’s no snow now but the mud persists.  

Hills are hard as the muscles in my arse have gone critical.  I am freezing.  

It takes a long time, I fear death.  Despite this I recover the ability to run when I see the finish area.  Hurrah!  All done in 7:54. 

I can get my coat now! 

We get a beautiful medal and some fantastic sodas.  I am shivering so hard we just decide to head home, plus it will be nice to do the drive in daylight this time. 

Another outstanding day at Grizz.