*All incredible images, quotes and course descriptions were pulled from the Squamish 50 website, the author of which is fantastic, with gorgeous descriptions.
“The Squamish 50 races are TOUGH, truly unforgettable trail running experiences. With our marquee 50 mile race boasting over 90% singletrack and more than 11,000 feet of climbing and descent, topped off by stunning sweeping vistas across glaciated snowcapped peaks that jut straight out of the Pacific Ocean, these courses are sure to take your breath away.”
Teammate Scarlett Graham had her eyes set on the Squamish 50-mile for a while, logging some really wonderful and challenging long runs with Bellingham locals and teammates who could keep up.
“Between the relatively flat first six miles and final mile, you’ll find over 3350 m / 11,000 ft of climbing jammed into the remaining 43 miles of terrain. Your largest individual climb is 760 m / 2,500 ft. This is an exceptionally difficult course made tougher still by the technical nature of a majority of the terrain. Throw in the fact that the back half runs much more difficult than the front half and you have yourself a nice little day of suffering. Thankfully we’ve made every effort to distract you with incredible scenery at every possible turn.”
On Saturday, August 20 at 5:30 am, launching from the Squamish Oceanfront in Squamish BC, Scarlett took off. Though we couldn’t all be there to show our love and support in person, a few teammates could: Maria, her husband Tad, and Alyson were there to watch Scarlett battle. “The world famous Chief looms above and on a clear night it’s nothing but stars and mountains staring down on [the] starting line. The first seven miles / eleven kilometers are flat, fast and twisty, as you make your way through the heart of Squamish and out to the hills and mountains that’ll dominate the rest of your day…After your first aid station you head through a small neighborhood to gain the Coho Trail…Shortly after getting back onto the singletrack at Coho Trail you’ll start towards your first big climb of the day, up and over Debeck’s Hill, which presents about 1000ft / 300 meters in about one mile / 1.5km. As you ascend Debeck’s you’ll be confronted with some of the steepest terrain of the entire race, but you’ll be rewarded with views up valley and out over the mountainous peaks of the Tantalus Range. As you crest the top you’ll test your fancy footwork through some rocky terrain before it peters out into a 4×4 service road…”
At mile 23 we get a text from Alyson. Scarlett is 3rd woman at mile 23. We wait by the phone, eager. We go on our own measly “long runs,” imaging what she must be going through, excited. Over coffees we find that she’s gained on the 2nd place woman.
“Take Summer’s Eve into The Smoke Bluffs, blaze past the rock climbers and boulderers until you end up in the parking lot down below. It’s time to get those legs to turn over on some flat stuff finally, and you’re only a few kilometers from celebrating your achievement in [the] beer gardens!”
“Along the water, through Rose’s Garden, under the highway and down to Pavilion Park where you can finally lay down and call it a day!”
With a finishing time of 9:39:13, and about 33 minutes from 1st place, Scarlett took 2nd Woman and 9th Overall. We are so proud of her, her commitment, her tenacity and strength, and can’t wait to watch her in person, as it’s a beautiful thing. Full Results can be found HERE.
