Nearly 90 participants gathered for the 18th annual Marathon Shuffle on Sunday, April 17. The event drew hikers and runners from as far away as Denver, Colorado, and Kelowna, but the vast majority came from Powell River, many of them first-time participants.
This was the best turn out the event has ever had, and the sunny day surely had something to do with that. Some early flowers were just beginning to appear, but as far as reports have it, no one went swimming this year. Over 50 registered for the full shuffle, while another 35 began the half shuffle at the Wilde/Tomkinson road crossing. A few others shuffled, but did not sign in.
Powell River Parks and Wilderness Society (PRPAWS), with help from the BOMB (Bloody Old Men’s Brigade) Squad and local hikers, hosted the annual rite of spring. In preparation of the shuffle nearly 1,000 new red aluminum square markers were installed along the 29 kilometre Sunshine Coast Trail section from the start at Malaspina Road to the finish line at the Shinglemill Pub and Bistro. The new large kilometre markers and wooden directional signs also augmented these and made it easy for the shufflers to stay on the correct route. Island Coastal Economic Trust funded these materials.
Each year some participants approach the event from the point of view of smelling the orchids and stopping for pictures, et cetera, while others like to complete it as fast as they can. A great number of shufflers provided positive responses in regard to the experience, but some wished that Scout Mountain at the end of the course was rather less challenging. Many of the shufflers commented on the excellent condition of the trail, and how the new markings made following the trail easy. The support stations also impressed them. About 20 support staff were stationed along the way in six locations and at the finish line, supplying water, juice, fruit, cookies and chocolate bars, plus plenty of smiles and encouragement.
This year, Shelley Armitage ran an amazing three hours and 31 minutes, eclipsing the old record by 27 minutes in the women’s division. Alston Miller clocked a blistering three hours and one minute and claimed the Tom Mills trophy for fastest overall time, coming within four minutes of breaking the shuffle record set two years ago by Kevin Sigouin.
Trophies for the three fastest times in the men’s division went to Miller, Steve Beck and Sigouin. In the women’s division Armitage, Saravie Brewer and Valda Smith came out on top. Medal recipients in their age and gender groups were Byron Fader, Scott Fisher, Wayne Brewer, Tony Rice, Raimund Guse, Charlotte Styles, Maralie Brewer, Wendy Thomas, Trisha Thomas, Jill Brewer, and Christie Lepitre. Nadia Morrison received the trophy for the most leisurely shuffler this year.
