SOO 200 Update
Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,
The leaves are just starting to change here at Stokely, and we are well underway with trail flagging and site setup. It's a truly special place. The weather is perfect, with maybe a bit of rain in the forecast. There are no bugs to speak of, and the trail conditions are perfect.
My favourite saying around race time is, "the horrors persist, but so do I". Everything is dialled in, and the race crew are on working away... then I fell ill with a gastro bug and couldn't get out of bed for three days. :S I managed to spruce myself up enough for the trip here, and I'm feeling large and in charge. Our crew are coming from all over, and so far 3 of 3 of our flights have been completely messed up. But we are tougher than all of this, and we will prevail! The entire crew is looking forward to the event and seeing you here at Stokely.
In case you missed the last update, you can find it here: https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113061/soo-200/page/soo-200-update-september-1
The last update went over course changes and some FAQs so I will not repeat all of that here.
Make sure to check out the updated course and event information: https://www.sinistersports.ca/soo200/
HOST SITE + STAGING
Stokely Creek Lodge is a really great spot; it's rustic and cozy, and surrounded by a spectacular trail network. The owners have been so incredibly helpful.
As mentioned in the last update, you are welcome to set up a wee support station at the main aid area. This is actually about as luxurious as an aid station can be. There is an indoor rest area, an indoor washroom, and even a shower if you need to freshen up a bit (let's not hog or fall asleep in the shower, please).
You will need to park at the main lot near the entrance. If you are staying at the lodge, you can obviously drive up to your room – please just watch for all of the crew and pedestrians during the race.
Yes! You can put your support station with your vehicle in the parking lot.
- Pre-Race Meeting and Post-Race Dinner + Awards
- All of the festive things at the race will happen at the main lodge at SCL
- Stokely Checkpoint
- This is located near the parking lot at the Skier's Day Lodge
- Start/Finish
- This is also right next to the Skier's Day Lodge
Pro tip for new Ultra runners: brush your teeth every few hours and you will feel like a million bucks.
COINS AND PUNCHES
The map shows two coin locations. The intention is to have one coin at the waterfall on the little out-and-back that starts the 200-miler and 100-miler. Then there will be four coins at King Mountain. We use coins to keep y'all honest. ;) It's really an honour system to make sure everyone reaches each spot. We can still track runners through the inReach that we provide. You can just take one of the coins matching your loop number when you get there. They will be inside King Mountain Hut in four wee boxes. Because you go multiple times (except the 50k-ers), it's more symbolic and fun than anything.
We will also be providing everyone with a special punch card. Yes, you have the right to raise your eyebrow and say, "huh?". If you have ever done any orienteering, you will know exactly what I mean.
Punch cards are not mandatory to use. They are just a way for you to help track your progress through the race. This is relevant because it is a loop course, and you hit the checkpoints multiple times. This is especially important at Mystery Lake, where you go in one of two directions (on the 200/100-miler). The 100k and 50k runners also do not follow the exact route of the 200/100-milers, and they will be going to Norm's Cabin before Mystery Lake.
The idea behind the punch card is just a visual reminder of where you have been. At each station, there is a punch with a pin pattern. Punch the corresponding box. Then, let's say you get to Mystery lake and you ask the volunteer, "which way do I go", you can look at your card and see what part of the loop you are on.
Here are some examples:
INREACH DEVICES
We normally only provide inReach to runners who are going over 100 miles, but we should have enough here for everyone, given the smaller field. This will mean we can track you online. We will try to get you set up on a sharing page where your friends and family can see you during the race.
We do want everyone to carry these devices for emergency purposes. It makes it a lot easier to track you down if something goes wrong.
A few rules about inReach:
- Keep it on all the time
- It will be preformatted to ping every 30 minutes - do not change it or the battery dies faster
- You can and should charge it during breaks at Stokely if you choose to stay a spell – you can also take a battery pack to go, but only if you need it, as we do not have unlimited numbers
- There are preset emergency buttons
- You will be able to sync it to your phone if you have Garmin Explore and Garmin Messenger – we will give you instructions when you arrive
- Note that if you cannot pair it, it just means you cannot text through your phone using the device – it still works for tracking
- Most importantly, it needs to be up high and not buried in your pack or pockets! Keep it on the outside of your pack if at all possible. If you do not, it will search for a signal constantly, which nukes the battery.
200-MILER SHUTTLE
For anyone in the 200-miler, I will be reaching out this afternoon to check if you need any transportation assistance. Expect a text before the end of the day.
SEND YOUR VOLUNTEERS!
Races like SOO 200 are nothing without volunteers. Volun-tell your friends and family to sign up to watch you toil in the woods. They all get some premium swag, like a fleece blanket and a hat or shirt, and dinner with the athletes.
Sign them up here: https://www.sinistersports.ca/soo200/volunteer
I'll have another update next week, once we get more questions. Taper hard and we will see you soon!
Kind regards,
Brian Gallant
Event Director
