This is clearly neither the occasion nor the site to rehearse the myth of Prometheus, that storied titan who--having sharked fire from the forge of Hephaestus- alighted earthward and gifted the mortals with technology, civilization and cunning. No, rather this is the occasion to indulge in a different kind of technics, of an advance in equipment for the ages, whose own resonances will doubtlessly sing through time. Yes, we are of course referring to the new Race Martial on the scene, the 005 from Norda.
Seeing as its release is nothing short of an Event, we judged it just to convene in order to take and test this tech trailside, whirring and whirling our way through sticks on a ripper little course inspired by one of Squamish's main exports: Enduro. For our festivities, Norda has kindly provided us with a fleet of demo 005s for all to put to trial on trail; very kool!
We'll commence by partaking in a fun 'Runduro' trail race event in the Alice Lake network. Following this, there will be shindigger at the RunUphill shop downtown, featuring tunes, Luz Tacos and Secret Sixth runduro seggy, "The 00500m". Come celebrate the advent of spring, the collective spirit of stride and test-drive some new kicks!
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005RUNDURO The format is as follows: like a mountain bike enduro event, runners will follow a predetermined course featuring "005 Segments", each clearly delimited within the course, and which participants will be required to 'hand-time', marking down on a provided 'score card'.
These segments will be added together at the end of the race, and constitute the racer's final time. While runners must complete the course *within 2 hours*, they are welcome to take as long as they desire on the commutes between segments, for these are not timed.
Now, not wanting to waste a good Uphill segment-and thus unlike a mountain bike enduro-the 005Runduro features a variety of segment styles designed to demonstrate the agile versatility of the 005 across manifold cambers and aspects.
The Course
Distance: 12.56km
Gain: +344m
Each of the 005 Segments will test your stride and style in a novel manner, demanding a wide range of trail technics in order to negotiate the terrain. The segments are as follows:
Lumberjacks
Distance: 1.24km
Gain: -50m
A dynamic jaunt to begin, this segment starts by traversing along an old logging trail, transitions into a janky play of downhill running, and concludes by a fast-and-flat push through a forest full of roots and rocks.
50 Shades
Distance: 1.08km
Gain: +127m
Grind your way up this brutally runnable trade route as it climbs through exquisitely verdant forest. There exists in french a term for the grade of such climbs, however the authors deemed it not fit for press. May as well giver the beans while you've got some gas early on!
Edith Lake Oval
Distance: 890m
Gain: 0m
Will the 005 make the track spike obsolete? Perhaps not, but after this 900m clockwise lap around Edith Lake, you'll be wondering if you've already found a choice weapon for the impending Fast Fall...
Mike's Grunt
Distance: 280m
Gain: +45m
While this is quantitatively the shortest segment of the lot, qualitatively it may prove to feel the longest. Contemplate the elasticity of time as you huff your way up a few steep pitches of chunder, and spar the temptation to switch to power-hiking mode. The top soon comes...
Marc My Word
Distance: 960m
Gain: -125m
Aye, we couldn't in good faith send you home without incorporating a little classique Squamish downhill trickery! The real heads will recall-perhaps with a bit of a tremble- "Marc My Word" from the fabled OG RunUphill Runduro in the Summer of MMXXIII. Well, the terrain remains as twisted as ever, and this track will have you pulling out all the stops as you navigate its slabs, bridges and sneaky direttissimas. While it may prove apocryphal, we have heard whispers sailing upon the winds of evening suggesting that runners may be greeted at this Final Stage by a guerilla DJ set hosted by the infamous local Strava Cycling Group, with a challenge that offers the daring an occasion to subtract 3.25% from their segment course time....
