Ultra-Terrific Event for STARR at Run Saysutshun
By Leslie Ann Bent
This year marked the 3rd annual Run Saysutshun races on Saysutshun Island off the coast of Nanaimo. This race is a very special one and has all of the elements that runners love about racing – high level of competition paired with comradery, a scenic course, a variety of distances, well run event and lots of food. The event is largely an ultra event offering a 24-hour option, 12-hour night or day time options, and a 6-hour event. They also throw in a half marathon and a 10k. This year all events sold out, so when Andy tried to register, it was too late. (More on that later).
STARR runners included David D and Sarah who were both aiming for 100km accomplishments. Kari, Andy and Leslie Ann were comfortable with the 10km loop around the island. Friend of STARR, Gemma who camped by David and Sarah, was out to win. Sooke was well represented!
Runners in each event tackle the 10km loop course. The course starts out with a wide groomed trail, but eventually the path narrows, gets steeper and then roots and rocks make the course much more technical and more typical of an ultra course. Food, drinks and tents await the runners at the end of each loop. Volunteers ensure that the racers are well taken care of. Each event was opened with a land acknowledgement and welcome by a local elder and knowledge keeper.
David and Sarah started out at 5pm on Friday night. The mental challenge started later. They had until 5pm on Saturday to accomplish their goals. Both had up and down moments on the course – fatigue for sure, but I was awed by their mental strength and perseverance. Both completed 100km and looked no worse for the wear. A big congrats to Dave and Sarah. Gemma did manage to win the women’s race completing 146km if anyone was wondering.
On the 10k front, Andy and Leslie Ann officially traded positions when the race organizer allowed Andy to take Leslie Ann’s bib to challenge his prior year win. Happily, he did not have to run as a 59 year-old woman as they made the registration change on the fly! Kari arrived ready to roll with her husband to cheer and take photos. We had lots of time to chat and catch up with STARR runners. Not having to repeat the loop, Kari took her time to enjoy the course. Andy, defending his title, took a nasty fall when he tripped on a root (resulting in blood, mud, & scrapes but still able to run). Only one young runner crossed the finish line ahead of him this year. I enjoyed running of the course at a leisurely pace without the pressure of competition.
I caught up with a few of the runners to hear what they had to say about the race:
Sarah: “I had a blast though, it was also my birthday and it was great to get in some laps with Dave, we both got 100km. GO STARR! My stomach wasn't behaving most of this event but this kind of ultra running really needs a clear mind also. As you know Leslie it's more mental than physical.”
Kari: “It was great - it is a tricky course with lots of roots so it was slow for me but I loved it - it was so beautiful I kept stopping to take photos along the course. And yes, lots of great comradery. Thank you so much for getting that registration as a prize - I am so glad I did it and not sure I would have done it without winning it. Now that I have done it once I might make it a yearly event as I enjoyed it so much. It was good to see you.”
Andy said that he loved the race. The best thing about it is the vibe, referring to both years. It’s a competitive tough race but still remains to have a chill atmosphere. Volunteers are fantastic. The start and end of each loop is where the ultra runners set up their tents and gear. The food & drink station is right there. It lends itself to a gathering place for runners and support.
Although I ended up not racing, I still love the event and echo what everyone else from STARR has said.
Dave managed completing 50km before taking a 2.5 hour snooze. He got right back at it after that and finished the 100km really strong. No doubt he’ll race it again in 2026.
Congratulations to our runners. Thanks so much to Tommy and his team for organizing an amazing race once again. Photos were supplied by Kari, Sarah, the Run Saysutshun race and me.
