Saturday, March 5, 2011

Welcome to the Chilly Dog 25/50K Trail Race!

It is my pleasure to announce the Chilly Dog 25/50K trail race. The Chilly Dog is the newest trail race in the Ottawa area, and will be held on March 5th, 2011 at Camp Kalalla near Wakefield, Quebec. We thought it was a shame that there are no winter ultramarathons in Ontario or Quebec, and set out to correct that  oversight.

But a word of warning: this is no ordinary race. The weather in western Quebec in early March is notoriously unpredictable. Runners should come prepared with warm clothing, trail running shoes, Yak-Trax, and maybe even a pair of snowshoes just in case. The course consists of a few sustained climbs, a couple of flat portions to lull you into a false sense of security, and several short, steep sections that might require the use of a climbing rope (provided). The trail will be well-marked and the snow stomped down prior to the race. But if there is snow or freezing rain the night before the race, things could get interesting. Also, we aren't offering all those modern conveniences like nearby parking, chiptiming, post-race massage, or indoor plumbing. This is a race for hardcore trails runners who are looking for a new challenge. No wimps allowed!

Registration:
Registration is on-line through onlineregistrations.ca. There will be a limit of 60 runners in the two events combined.  Online registration closes on March 3rd or whenever the race sells out.  There will be no race day registration. If the race sells out before the entry deadline but you would still like to run, please email the RD at chillydograce@gmail.com to be placed on the waiting list.

25K race: Before January 1st, 35$
Before February 1st, 45$
Until March 3rd, 55$

50K race: Before January 1st, 45$
Before February 1st, 55$
Until March 3rd, 65$

All entrants registered before February will be guaranteed a commemorative Chilly Dog toque.

Race Day Schedule:
7:30am: Race kit pick up opens
9:00am: Start of the 25K and 50K races
12:30pm: 25K awards banquet
4:00pm: 50K awards banquet

Please try to arrive early, as road conditions in the area are unpredictable.

Course:
5K loops through the Camp Kalalla property. 25K runners will complete five (5) loops, and 50K runners will complete ten (10) loops. The terrain varies from single-track and double-track trails to brief dirt road sections (none longer than 200 meters). Some trail sections are quite rugged, and there are a few steep downhills. The  course will be well marked with orange flagging tape. A course map will be posted on the website prior to the race.

Time limit: 8 hour for both races

Aid Stations: There will be two aid stations on the course, one at the start/finish area and another approximately 2.5km into the course. There will be food, electrolytes and water at both aid stations. Medical support will be available at the start/finish aid station.

Timing: This is a low-tech race!  We will have manual timers at the start/finish area. They will be responsible for counting your laps, and will alert you when you are on your final lap. Since we are not using chip timing, it is imperative that you wear your race number on the front of your clothes, and that it remains visible at all times. Interim results will be made available throughout the race.

Awards:
Post-race awards banquets will be held following each race (12:30 for the 25K and 4:00pm for the 50K). The post-race meal will include chili dogs (your choice of vegetarian or all-beef).  Extra banquet tickets are available for spectators.

Top 3 male and female runner in each race for each age group (under 40 and over 40) will receive prizes. With 24 awards and only 60 participants, your chance of bringing home a prize are pretty good!
 
Facilities:
You want rustic? We've got rustic. There are several outhouses near the start/finish area and along the course. Unheated cabins will be available for changing. Two buildings near the start/finish area will be heated and will be available to spectators and runners. There are no showers available at Camp Kalalla.

Parking: Parking is located approximately 800m from the start/finish area, so be prepared to hike a bit.

Accommodations: We will be offering overnight accommodations (Friday night to Saturday morning) at the race site. Twenty (20) bunks are available in a heated dormitory style cabin. Coffee, tea, bagels, and fruit will be provided in the morning to anyone staying overnight. The cost of overnight accommodations is 20$ per person.  Reserve a bunk when you register for the race.

Volunteers:
Please email the Race Director at chillydograce@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer for the Chilly Dog.

About Camp Kalalla:
Camp Kalalla is a summer camp for girls. Kalalla is a non-profit, charitable camp, owned and operated by the Ottawa Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) Committee. The property is available to rent yearround.

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