THE GREAT WALK

A West Coast marathon on foot from Gold River to Tahsis. Most are walking, some are running, others are crawling and dragging their way from Gold River to Tahsis, B.C. traveling over 62 kilometer (40 mile) of logging roads looking over beautiful lush green Rainforest valleys from on top of mountains and cliffs. The marathon race is for early risers as it begins at 4 AM.

Starting at 3 AM in the morning a shuttle service is available to transport people to the start line from the city of Gold River. People arrive water bottles strapped to their waist paired with a walking partner to push them along the way.

The participants, some professional runners, are looking to set a new record, others come to be with friends on an exploratory adventure. Many relied on good shoes while some had duct tape shoes that in the past had served them well in completing this exact race. "These runners are worn with holes in the bottom of the soles but they are good luck," a young man from Campbell River explained to me while on the bus. "Never mess with good luck," he said as he raced to the Starting Line to get ready!

At the end of the day, whether you beat the record of 4 hours and 30 minutes or crossed the finish line in 10 hours, the grins and loud groans heard at the Finish Line were all considered screams of joy. A true testament to what the human condition can endure.

The "Great Walk" is an annual worldly event that offers scenic untouched rugged wilderness beauty while testing your physical and mental conditioning. A fun experience, a challenging journey through the backroads of the West Coast developing new friendships and strengthening ones own inner self confidence and well being.

The Great Walk from Gold River to Tahsis is a thrill ride enjoyed one step at a time!
Contact www.goldriverchamber.com for more information.