Loop The Lake

This was my first attempt at Loop the Lake (10 KM run). It was very challenging. I really enjoyed the run and look forward to coming back next year. I found between the 8th and 9th K to be the biggest test. The course is similar to that of a cross-country course with lots of hills. Something like 99% of the run is on pavement. There were two very short sections across grass, and the other on a steep sand trail. The race commences as a "mass start" out of Windermere. Individual time chips are not provided, so if you want an accurate time, you should be standing near the starting line. The race finished up in Invermere, where the 1/2 and marathon finished. I would expect the number of participants to increase in the future. Good fun and great work by the Rotarians.

I've done this 1/2 two years in a row and will do it again and again. Knowing the course is 17 KM of gentle incline with a 4 KM drop at the end inspired me to work harder and create PBs both years! Plan for weather. It can be super hot or cold with rain. Aid stations are well-placed with amazing volunteers. After the race it feels great to wade straight into the lake at the finish line to cool off the feet and legs! Picturesque! Friendly! Tough course! Fabulous! This whole race is coordinated by about 25 Rotarians as their major fund-raiser for the year. They do an amazing job! They will gladly accept donations of time, prizes, or skills to enhance it! I took a friend with me this year. She loved it (did the ultra), and we are planning on taking a van-load of running-buddies with us next year to run this awesome race. Start training now with lots of sprint-intervals and hill work and you'll do just fine!

I agree with the comments from my friend from Fernie. This is a hard course in the second half and likely not one for a PR. But, I had a great time and I would recommend this to most runners. Plenty of aid stations and the field is very small - much of the time you are alone or with one other runner. It is little out of the way, but I would do it again and everyone was great - even breakfast at the end. I would not mind starting a half hour earlier as the second half was hot and sunny this year. Compliments to the great people of Invermere.