Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,
I cannot believe it is just one month until the race. How long is your taper for this one? This update is full of info, so hold onto your donuts because there is a lot coming at you.
If you missed the last update, you can find it here in the side menu: https://raceroster.com/events/2024/81017/the-divide-200.
Our Facebook group is also a great place to ask questions: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thedivide200.
CREW + PACERS + DROP BAGS, OH MY!
If you are using pacers or a crew, we have created a handy table to show you where you can meet them. Please, do not let your pacers and crew show up anywhere else, as not all locations have the space or capacity to have a lot of vehicles and people milling around. If you get help outside the designated locations, that'll be a DQ and I don't mean Dairy Queen.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/support
Drop bags are going to be a lot simpler this year. You can have two bags - one for the south and one for the north parts of the course. We will move the south bag between CP3, CP4, and CP13. The north bag will go from CP6 to CP7, to CP9, and CP10.
Please keep your drop bags/bins a reasonable weight for one person to lift. I'm weak as a kitten, so let's keep it to around 25kg (55lbs) maximum.
Pacers should be signed up online. Yes, we will still accept pacers who register for you on site, but this will just speed everything up. Sign them up using the same link that you see at the top of this email.
We have great driving directions for crew and pacers - get the link from the Racer Information Package.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/racer_information_package#_Toc751
COURSE + CUTOFF TIMES
Since the last update, we have adjusted the cutoff times, which I apparently neglected to do previously. We have updated the cutoffs for the first part of the race (more on that below) to ensure you all have a better shot.
Note that our cutoff times are when you have to leave a location. That allows us to release volunteers and keep the race moving. You can nap in the bush 10m outside of the station if you like, but you cannot get outside assistance at that point.
The GPX downloads were not working previously, and I only found out a few days ago, but they are all back online.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/course
STAGE 2 IS GONNA TAKE YOUR LUNCH
So about stage 2 from CP1 to CP2... It's way, way harder than you think. This is the most remote, challenging, rugged, and rewarding part of the race. We throw it at you early so that you are out there in the daylight.
Your strategy is up to you, but do what you can to feel fresh after this daunting stretch. CP2 is remote, and we are planning to add more supplies than currently listed. Just know that it's really hard to get stuff out there, so it will still be fairly basic. We are going to add a water drop at the base of Whistler Mountain, but please use any creeks you can to fill up or cool down.
AID STATIONS
Check out the aid station list. Basic aid stations have some of the essentials, and we plan to have something hot, like broth, at each one, except CP1, since nobody really lingers there.
Main aid stations have a bit of everything, but not all the things in all of the places... because we only have so many mini freezers. They also have cots, camp pads, and blankets.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/aid_stations
https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/food_list
LIVE TRACKING
You are going to be issued a Garmin inReach for the race - you do not need to bring your own. It will already come with the course loaded, and it will be pinging on Spotwalla, which provides the live tracking (currently showing as inactive). https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/live_tracking
You can sync it to your phone, which will make it easier to communicate, but there are a few steps you will need to go through. You will need Garmin Messenger and Garmin Explore. I will send out more detailed info on that in the next update.
We do require a deposit to take the inReach - we will set up an online system, but we will also take things like car keys, CCs, firstborn children, etc.
TIMING CHIPS
Last year, we only timed the racers at the finish line because everyone was wearing a tracker, and we did not want to make you carry a timing chip. That means there were no splits, however. So we are polling you - do you want to carry the extra 50g chip so that you can get splits, or don't worry about it? A lot of people have expressed their desire to get that extra data. It would also help us manage the race better, but it isn't about us. ;)
Take this poll and let us know what you think! https://forms.gle/YL4UzKuccYJp5T3b8
PRE- AND POST-RACE MEALS
We need your input on the race meals. The Monday dinner will be something like the traditional pasta, but a good one, not like canned spag. The Saturday dinner is going to be a big, hearty meal, and we want you to help us decide what to order. There will be one veg and non-veg main choice, so pick wisely. https://forms.gle/YL4UzKuccYJp5T3b8
OK, it's actually the same survey as the timing chips, so you only have to do it once.
EXTRA MEALS
If you plan to treat your support crew or pacers to dinner, you can get them here. https://dirtverthurt.com/products/the-divide-200-pre-and-post-race-extra-meal-tickets
The selection menu is a bit weird in that you have to toggle, then add, and toggle and add if you want more than one selection. You're smart - you'll figure it out.
Note that we will cut off order for extra meals in two weeks so that the caterer knows how many bags of Doritos to buy!
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!
Volunteers add so much to the race, and it takes a lot of people to make CDR happen. Volun-tell everyone you know to sign up! We reward them all with great swag and fun times. This year, volunteers are getting a race neck gaiter (AKA "Buff" but it is not a Buff brand so I can't say that), a Fenix mini flashlight, and a cool little travel cutlery kit that our crew loves.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/divide200/volunteer
Inspiration: https://youtu.be/L1MtFRneyms?si=KcgxJQf38avbbqBE
See you soon! Train hard and have fun out there.
Kindest regards,
Brian Gallant
Owner + Director, Sinister Sports
Sinister 7 Ultra • Canadian Death Race • Black Spur Ultra • The Divide 200 • Castle Alpine Trail Race • The Dark: 24 Hours Underground
