Logistics before/after the race
What’s the nearest airport I can fly into for the race?
Whitehorse International is the closest airport. It’s about 10 minutes from downtown and the race start.
Where are the start/finish and relay exchange?
The Raven 50 Mile Ultra and Relay both start and finish at the Mt McIntyre Recreational Centre (the “ski base”). It is a 5 minute drive from downtown. The relay exchange is at Aid Station 4 (Jackson Lake), accessible by car from the Jackson Lake Road off the Fish Lake Road.
How do I get from my hotel to the start and back from the finish? Are there shuttles?
You will need to provide your own transportation from where you stay overnight to the race start and back. Public transportation and taxis will both do the trick. There are also several local rental car agencies. If you are a relay runner, you will also need to provide your own transportation to the Jackson Lake exchange at Aid Station 4. At the bib pickup, we will help you find someone who can give you a ride if you need one.
Where can I park?
Parking is available at Mt McIntyre Recreational Centre. An overflow is available at the “Dog Trail” parking lot which is a 10 min walk to the Mt McIntyre Recreational Centre.
How do I get back to my car after the race? Are there shuttles?
The race start and finish are at the same location so you will end your run back at your car if you enter the 50 mile ultra distance. For relay participants, you will have to find your own way of transportation to get back to the start/finish line. At the mandatory pre-race meeting, we will help you find someone who can give you a ride if you need one.
Are there shower and bathroom facilities near by the start/finish?
There are toilets and showers available at the Mt Mac Rec Centre.
Registration
How can I make changes to my registration?
Go to Ultrasignup! There are 75 spots for solo and 75 spots for the relay.
Can I defer my race entry to next year or get a refund?
We don’t provide refunds, sorry!
Can I sign up now for the relay if I don’t have a partner yet?
No, Ultrasignup will require both names and contact info. You can announce on our facebook page that you’re looking for a partner.
Cut Off Times
What are the cutoff times, and where are the cut-offs?
There are three cutoff times for solo racers and teams:
- 1:30 pm at Aid Station 4 (Jackson Lake)
- 4:30 pm at Aid Station 7 (Fish Lake)
- 8 pm at Aid Station 8 (Copper Haul road)
- 9 pm at the finish line.
What happens if I miss the cut-off time?
You are cut off… Time cutoffs are strictly enforced. If you miss a time cutoff, we’ll provide you a ride back to our finish line (and some sympathy). You can continue to run the course but it will be at your own risk and no support will be provided. We’ll ask you to give your bib number to the aid station attendant and sign a discharge form.
Race Package
Where do I pick up my bib?
Pre race check-in is between 3:00 and 4:00pm at the Kwanlin Dün Cultural Centre located at 1171 1st Ave. in Whitehorse. Please don’t all arrive at at the last minute to pick up your race kit – come early, save us some stress, and hang out with your fellow runners. In addition to giving you the bib, we will check your gear, give you your swag, your timing stick and we will provide race information.
Can a friend pick up my bib for me?
Only in special circumstances. We really need each of you to be there. The mandatory pre-race meeting will provide participants with important information and we don’t want you to miss it.
Is there a pre-race meeting?
Yes. There will be a MANDATORY pre-race meeting at 4:00pm.
Drop Bags
How about drop bags?
You can leave one drop bag to us on Saturday at the pre race check-in or at the start line on Sunday at 0530. Make sure to identify your bag with name and bib number. There will be a pile for finish line bags (which will stay at the Whitehorse Nordic Centre) and one for the bags to be delivered to the relay exchange at Jackson Lake. Make sure your bag goes into the right one!
Is there a mandatory gear list?
Yes, there is. The mandatory list is provided in the Rules.
Race Specifics
What time does my race start?
Race start for solo racers and Leg 1 racers is 6 a.m. Race starts for Leg 2 at Jackson lake is when your Leg 1 race arrives and no later than 1:30pm
Is there first aid on course? Where?
On course first aid will be available at Aid Stations. If you are between aid stations and unable to proceed under your own power please ask the first runner you to notify race volunteers at the nearest aid station or ask another runner to report for you are the nearest aid station. We will give a detailed briefing on emergency response at the mandatory pre-race meeting.
What is available at aid stations?
Aid stations will have water jugs to fill your water bottles, and a limited selection of packaged food. A volunteer will be at each aid station to get your bib number and assist you with directions or other questions. There will be no cups at aid stations or the aid station – be ready to stop and refill your bottle! Solo runners, remember you can also stash food in your drop bag, which you can access at the Jackson Lake aid station.
Can I just run past an aid station without stopping?
NO! Our aid station attendant needs to get your bib number and you need to dip your stick in the timing device. That is our way of making sure everybody is safely making it through the course.
What happens if I get lost?
It is highly unlikely that you will get lost because the course is well flagged. If you think you may have gone off course, please stop immediately, turn around, and return to the last place that you saw flagging. Try again (in a different direction). To avoid getting lost we suggest you upload the .GPX tracks to your phone as a back up. The .GPX tracks are on the MAP page of our website.
Can I use poles?
Yes, poles are allowed.
Is there chip timing?
Yes – you will be given a timing stick at bib pickup. Please dip your stick at each aid station. Believe us, you’ll feel good every time you dip it. Plus, you’ll avoid being disqualified and we’ll have a better idea of where you are on course in case of an emergency. If you don’t dip your timing stick, we may not know you’ve passed an aid station and initiate an expensive search for you.
Can I run with my dog?
Dogs are not allowed on course for safety reasons.
Are pacers allowed?
Pacers are not allowed under any circumstances.
Where can I be crewed?
Runners can be crewed at any of our regular aid stations.
Race Environment
What type of weather should I expect?
The Yukon in July is rather warm and sunny, but precipitation is not rare. It might even snow (but we hope it won’t). You will run through alpine terrain where cold temperatures and high winds can be expected, even in summer. Consider that hypothermia can be a threat even at that time of the year. The mandatory gear list will help you prepare.
Will I get my feet wet? What are the conditions out there?
Yes, there are two creek crossings and you will get wet feet. Enjoy it!
Can I run with music/headphones?
We do not allow headphones for your own and other racer’s safety. Dangers include wildlife encounters and high speed multi-use traffic such as mountain bikers. We require you to stay alert to your surroundings.
What about animals? I’m really nervous about bear encounters. If I have to run at night can someone run with me?
This is bear country. We will provide a brief overview about bear encounters at the pre-race meeting. Being alert is important, so that’s why we do not allow headphones. Chances are good that you will not see a bear, but there is never a guarantee. We encourage participants to bring bear spray. For more information, consult http://www.env.gov.yk.ca/environment-you/bearsafety.php. And you will not be running at night – it’s summer in the land of the midnight sun!
Other important stuff
How do we post results – when and where?
Results will be posted at the finish line for all categories of both the ultra and relay events. Results will also be posted on this website as soon as we’ve got them finalized.
Can I follow a racer online?
Unfortunately we are not set up for online tracking at this time.
Solo Racing Questions
Does this race fill up quickly for solo runners? Should I Register ASAP? Can I see how my training is doing and register by the end of May?
There are 75 spots reserved for solo runners. It is best to sign up as early as possible to get in.
What are the prerequisites to enter the solo 50 Mile Ultra event?
This is a tough course with a lot of elevation change and it should not be your first ultramarathon.
Team Racing Questions
Do both team members need to attend the meeting and briefing?
Both team members must be present at the bib pickup to received the information.
Where is the relay exchange?
The relay exchange will be at Aid Station 4 at Jackson Lake.
How do I get to the relay exchange?
You will have to find your own way of transportation to Aid Station 4 (Jackson Lake). Parking there is quite limited and we encourage carpooling. We will try help you find a ride at the mandatory pre-race meeting, if you need one.
Can I run with my teammate on their leg?
No. This would be considered pacing and would result in disqualification of the team.
What if my team member cannot make it, could I just run my leg?
You can, but the team will be disqualified.
For additional questions, please email us at raven@runforlife.ca. We’ll update the FAQs as new questions come in, and we’ll update you by email with any new information.