The Strathcona Science Park Loop runs downriver, away from the urban centre. Several km of this loop are out-and-back on the same trails so you’ll get a chance to see fellow runners even after the pack spaces out.
The Strathcona Science Park Loop starts with an easy run across Gold Bar Park to the Ainsworth Dyer Memorial pedestrian bridge and across the river to Rundle Park. Here, the course uses a lightly rolling dirt trail along the edge of the North Saskatchewan to the next pedestrian bridge leading to Strathcona Science Park. Across the bridge, you’ll come to the Crossroads Checkpoint … so named because the trail meets it three times. You’ll turn Left each time you see it. The first Left takes you along a riverbank trail to a great view of the Sunridge ski hill. You’ll be glad you’re not climbing it! Instead, a loop trail takes you back to the Crossroads Checkpoint. Turning Left again, you climb a gentler hill into the river bank forest where the single track winds, dips, dives and climbs until you finally come out on one of Chad’s favourite fishing spots where a stream empties into the river. A quick pause at the Fishing Spot Checkpoint and then back along the waters edge to your third visit at Crossroads Checkpoint. Turning Left again, you cross the Strathcona Science Park pedestrian bridge back into Rundle Park. Reversing your outward trail, you go through Rundle Park, cross Ainsworth Dyer Memorial pedestrian bridge and through Gold Bar Park to the Race HQ.
At Race HQ, runners find a buffet of liquid and solid treats as well as sympathetic volunteers to listen to your stories. If you’re in for the Full Meal Deal, you’re only 2/3 done so keep the stories short and head on to Leg 3: The Goldstick Ravine Loop.
If you’re the second runner in a relay team, hand off your token to your Leg 3 runner and watch them scamper off.
If you’ve chosen Leg 2 as your Pick Your Poison Solo, Congratulations! It’s a significant 12k achievement so pick up your medal for humble-bragging rights as you hang out to cheer on other runners.
Take advantage of Early Bird Pricing - RegisterHERE
