More Changes to Whistler Race

Previously I reported that the “100K” distance of the Whistler by UTMB event was shortened and changed to a 64K or 39.52 mi with 12,657 ft of vert route, but now, just two months later and less than a month before race day, the course has been changed again. The new course is now 69K or 42.8 miles with 12,631ft. of vert. The difference in distance is not that much, and it’s closer to the advertised 70K but the course has changed quite a bit. The previous route, which had already been altered significantly, went up both Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain and passed through Whistler village. The new course still starts and finishes in Creekside but bypasses Whistler village altogether, omits Blackcomb, and doubles up a large loop around Whistler Mountain. With such insignificant changes to the mileage I can’t possibly see this new route offering any benefits to the runners – who loves to run two loops on the same course? Could it be that these changes were made to require even fewer volunteers and this event really is in jeopardy? Or is this an attempt to create a “new route” and them trying to strip themselves from the accusations that their course is “just the old WAM route copied”?

We’ll find out in a few weeks.

A page to a start list is posted but no names are on it as of today.