Race Routes
General information
Bowen Island Run for the ferry should be thought of as a trail run as a precaution and it should be noted that even though assistance, for the “wheeled” will be provided, there is one spot where there are a half dozen steps to get onto a bridge. A lot of the course is on pavement, but because of the portion traveled on park trails and gravel roads (3.2 Kilometers), runners are encouraged to exercise the caution they would on a trail run.
There is a 5 Kilometer and a 10 Kilometer route, both of which, start (after a lively and spirited warm-up, directed by fitness professional Fawn Gill and staff) on the wharf at Snug Cove, moments after the departure of the 9:35am ferry.
The Five K is a “continuous loop” ending up very near where it starts. The 10 K follows the same route for the first 2.5 kilometers, then branches off for an “out and back” for the 5 additional kilometers. See map and if you like, you can print it out and follow the descriptions below.
First 2.5 Kilometers
The course start in on the ferry wharf. The first 400 meters are easy enough being quite flat, but once you cross the scenic lagoon causeway, it’s up hill on a trail that leads through a paved residential district. The second kilometer starts on a parks trail, after crossing Miller Road, and is fairly level for about 800 meters, then its up hill again. In the third kilometer, there is a bit of a down hill breather as you turn on to the gravel Magee road. This is a bit steep at first, so watch your footing. Here you will pass by Killarney lake, so be careful of your footing as you are admiring the beauty. At about 2.5 Kilometers, the gravel of Magee road hits the pavement of Mt Gardner road. At this point, the 10 K runners will be directed to turn right and the 5 K runners left.
Ten Kilometer Route
This is where the additional “out and back” 5 kilometers are added on for the 10 K runners. The Mt Gardner/Woods Road portion is all on pavement and is up and down, but mostly up for the 2.5K on the way out and down for the 2.5K on the way back (so pace yourself).
Last 2.5 Kilometers
From the Magee/Mt Gardner intersection to the public works yard is fairly level and paved for 700 meters. Here, all runners are directed to turn left onto the last 1.8 kilometers, which is all on parks trails. These trails are in very good condition, but start to narrow for about 500 meters once you have crossed the foot-bridge. For all sections, but particularly on this section, runners are reminded to stay to the right except for passing, just like in driving. The beauty of nature may captivate you and you may temporarily forget this, but marshals will be on hand to lovingly remind you. There will be a last Kilometer marker on this trail, but you will still have to cross Miller Road. Road Marshals and the RCMP will be there to guide you safely across. You are now 800 meters to the finish line, but be aware that there are twists and turns with a sharp left just before the last 50 meters.
