.
Mad Tapper Snowshoe
3 + 1 Snowshoe Events
And what makes them truly unique!
Saturday, January 4: The David McCaw Memorial - 10am start
David McCaw was a pillar of the Ottawa outdoors and race community. It's amazing how many people have told me what a great talk they had with him during a training run or race.
I don't think he ever missed a Mad Trapper event....
David endured a long battle with cancer, and did a pretty good job at kicking his butt. Although, his doctor's didn't really approve of him parking his cross-country skis beside him while he sat for his chemotherapy treatments!
David's spirit and memory will live on with this annual memorial event.
3k, 5k, and 10k options
Saturday, January 25: The Bushtukah Night Race - 6pm start
There really isn't anything more magical then running through the snow covered single track trails, watching the headlights of all the other racers dance through the trees.
Historically, this is usually the snowiest race of the snow with actual snowstorms happening race day! With no other items remaining for the day post race, this is probably our best social of the year as well, everyone indoors cozy and warm, with Monique's homemade chili and our World Famous Mad Trapper Brownies.
3k, 5k, and 10k options
Saturday, February 22- The Season Finale - 10am start
I love winter as much as anybody, but let's admit it, by the end of February we're ready for some warmer, greener days!
But since the white stuff will still be here, we may as well make the most of it. Which is why I saved the best for last!
This is the most fun, epic course of them all. It's pretty much uphill for the first 2k, then it's a perfectly flat 1k run across a lake, before the screaming downhill back to the Ark and awaiting brownies!
3k, 5k, and 10k options
Saturday, March 1- Mad Trapper Backyard Ultra - 9am start
This is the WORLD'S ONLY Snowshoe Backyard Ultra!
Every hour, on the hour, every racer that is still able will enter the corral to take on the same 5.5k trail that racers so kindly packed down for us the week before. There's also a slightly shorter "Kristi Loop" available for those (like me) who struggle to finish 5.5k in under an hour.
The race continues until there is only one racer left to complete the loop solo. And that is our winner. Historically, the last loop happens before 8pm. But 50k of snowshoeing on this terrain is nothing to sneeze at!
Full BYU info can found here: https://madtrapperbackyardultra.com/winter-trail-description
Proudly sponsored by:
What you need to know:
ALL Mad Trapper races take place at "The Ark" - 40 minutes north of the Jacques-Cartier Bridge, Ottawa
Parking is on the road, one side, across the street
Bib pickup is race day, so arrive at least 30 minutes early
We have the best post race celebration/social/buffet anywhere so bring a change of clothes so you're comfortable!
Where We At????
"The Ark"
285 ch. de Farrellton,
Denholm, QC
J0X 2C0
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is harder trail running or snowshoe running?
I honestly believe snowshoe running is easier than summer trail running here. All the roots and rocks are buried, covered by a pack of snow. Yes, the first runners on the course will work a little harder as they break trail, but it's clear sailing for everyone mid pack and back. The leaders all have negative splits on the 2-loop, 10k course. With Atlas Race or Run snowshoes, you have terrific traction for the uphills and no worries blazing full throttle downhill. If you fall.... you land in snow!
What if I've never run on snowshoes before?
With today's "run" and "race" snowshoes, you barely notice them on your feet. When we started snowshoe racing here 20 years ago, run-model shoes were pretty rare, but racers managed just fine running on regular snowshoes. Most people today have running snowshoes which are shorter, narrower and tapered in such a way that you barely need to change your running gait at all.
What if I don't have snowshoes?
Not a problem. Thanks to our terrific sponsor Atlas, I have a fleet of Atlas Run rental shoes here. I even let first time Mad Trapper Snowshoe Racers borrow them for free for their first race. They are just $10/pair for subsequent races.
What should I wear?
The problem most snowshoe racers face is overdressing! Snowshoe running is the warmest winter sport possible. You're in the trees out of the wind. And you're physically working the entire time. If you start feeling a bit of a chill, just move faster and you'll warm up in no time. I recommend a base layer and a windbreaker. Sebastion quite often races here shirtless! And Crwys pretty much always runs in shorts! For your feet, trail shoes work fine, waterproof trail shoes work a bit better. And gaiters to keep the snow out of your shoes are nice.
What if it's raining or there is no snow?
We're now in our 20th year, which means we've hosted around 75 snowshoe races so far, and not a single race has been cancelled (I wanted to cancel one once.... during an ice rain storm... even the Kingston and Cornwall folks showed up!). Races will happen here regardless of weather or snow conditions. If there is no snow, then we'll trail race. One race we had here, half the field chose to wear snowshoes, while the other half ran without. There were some parts of the trail where snowshoes helped, and other parts... not so much. Bottom line = the RACE WILL GO ON!
