Local long-distance runners Cathy Livesy and Mary Bridges were dialled in at the inaugural Whistler 50 Relay and Ultra.
The Saturday, Nov. 5, 50-mile relay race or solo ultra-marathon replaced the former Haney-to-Harrison 100K Relay and Ultra on the running calendar. The change was due to safety reasons as the former route travelled along a busy highway.
The race centred around Whistler Village and the picturesque Valley Trail system and Lost Lake Park. Competitors had a choice of a relay with an eight-person team with alternating legs of approximately 12K and 8K, or the solo 50 mile (80K) total distance.
Local ultra stars Livesy and Bridges took on the solo challenge. Racers began in the dark at 6 a.m. with headlamps guiding them along a course that was marked with orange cones and glow sticks. The Comox Valley duo showed their experience with a masterful pacing strategy that allowed them to gradually move through the field, overtaking others who had been too ambitious with their starts.
In the end Livesy and Bridges finished as second and third Women Masters and 14th and 15th overall. They have not even recovered from this race and are already plotting their next ultra challenge.