More than 110 outdoor enthusiasts celebrated the 30th Marathon Shuffle in the qathet region on Sunday, April 30, when participants kicked off spring in west-coast style with a vigorous adventure on the Sunshine Coast Trail (SCT).
The classic 29-kilometre event started at Malaspina Road and followed SCT through Tla’amin Nation territory to the Shinglemill Pub and Bistro on Powell Lake.
“Hikers and runners were blessed with near-perfect weather this year,” stated Ean Jackson, organizer of this year’s event, in a media release. “The Dirt Monkeys, as we affectionately call the volunteers who ‘Shuffleize’ the trail, made sure that there was barely a stick to step over for 29 kilometres.”
Tla’amin elder Phil George, dressed in a ceremonial button blanket, welcomed participants at the starting line. Byron Fader, a past top finisher of the Shuffle, set up his drums by a creek in the forest and serenaded Shufflers with his motivational rhythms.
Nathan Reimer was first to cross the finish line in a blazingly fast time of two hours and 52 minutes. He was followed by Darbykai Standrick, who finished second overall and came within 15 seconds of breaking her own women's course record of two hours 53 minutes.
Jackson said Tom Koleszar and his team of aid-station captains organized three oases of food and drink along the route, and Dustin Villeneuve and the team from 460 Realty took care of every aspect of welcoming those who survived their Shuffle, from enthusiastic cheers and recording finish times to serving up amazing Southview donuts and a free drink from the Shinglemill.
“There were portable toilets at the start and finish thanks to Rural Septic and crystal, clear water at the aid stations thanks to Aaron Services,” stated Jackson. “Businesses in the area just came forward and offered to help. As a relative newcomer to the area, I am overwhelmed by how much the community loves this event.”
Kohen Butler, a youth from Powell River, finished fourth overall with a time of 3:03:19, setting a new male record for his age group. 13-year-old Tea Nordman was the first female youth to cross the finish line (10th overall) at 3:30:59, also setting a new age group record.
The Marathon Shuffle dates back to 1993 when pioneering trailbuilders Eagle Walz, Scott Glaspey and other founding members of qathet Parks and Wilderness Society (qPAWS) invited fellow hikers and their families to get out and enjoy the trail on the last Sunday of April. The event has grown in popularity as SCT has become known to hikers and runners from Vancouver Island, BC’s Lower Mainland, and beyond.
“In the interest of making the event even less impactful on the environment, we made a point of not using flagging tape or paper cups this year,” stated Jackson. “Many participants actually paused to pick up trash along the trail. A few folks got a bit lost and a few picked up a few bumps and bruises, but participants were generally well prepared for the distance and the terrain.
“A big shout-out to Powell River Search and Rescue who provided five volunteers just in case."
Marathon Shuffle organizers are already planning the 2024 event. Anyone interested in contributing time or services as a business sponsor or otherwise helping with the 2024 Shuffle is encouraged to reach out at sunshinecoast-trail.com/contact.
Marathon Shuffle organizers have posted finishing times for all participants.
