FAQ
Where does the name come from?
The phrase, “Hah Nic Na’ Aah”, is from the Babine-Witsuwit'en language and translates to “messenger” and is used by the Wetsuweten peoples of this area. It refers to a pre-colonization form of communicating with surrounding villages. There was a messaging system that saw runners entrusted with information that was relayed to communities in the surrounding area. Messages such as deaths or feasts or calls for gatherings were relayed via word of mouth through these entrusted runners.
What does my registration include?
Your registration includes an organized and supported race experience, local swag including a branded beer glass, visor, a donation to local outdoor organizations, an entry into draw prizes, and an awesome post-race party that includes 1 free beverage for all racers and volunteers!
When and where do I pick up my bib package?
A bib package pick up tent will be located outside Smithers Brewing (3832 3rd Ave) on Friday September 13th from 5pm to 8pm. Please, try to collect your bibs on Friday as it makes things go much smoother on our end! If this is not possible, you may pick up your bib package at the start line area before the race (More details to come).
Will there be support on the course?
There will be three aid stations for the long course and one aid station for the short course:
Joe L'Orsa cabin and Sunny Poiny (Fletcher-Gardiner trailhead) for long course.
Blix Lake for both courses.
The water will be treated and sourced from a nearby mountain stream. If you are not comfortable with filtered water being provided, then please ensure you carry enough hydration for the entire race. The volunteers will also have a first aid kit on hand at the aid stations.
Aid stations will also be supplied with nutrition options such as candy, cookies and fruit. Please incorporate “Leave No Trace Principles”. After the final runners pass by aid stations, the volunteers will make their way down and “sweep” the trail behind the last runners for safety. We would like the volunteers on the trail to participate in the party and awards ceremonies. Please take them into consideration as you plan your race.
Are there cut-off times?
All racers for both courses must be finished by 4pm. This is 7 hours for short course racers and 8 hours for long course racers. An additional cut-off time for long course racers only is 12:30pm at the Sunny Point aid station (~20km mark). Any racers arriving after 12:30pm will be politely asked to walk/run the 1.5km back to the parking lot instead of completing the Mccabe/Blix/Lyon loop.
What is happening after the race?
A post-race party will take place at Smithers Brewing at 6 pm after the race. Awards will be announced and a catered dinner will be provided for all racers and volunteers. All racers and volunteers will receive their first beverage free. Live music will keep the party rolling into the evening!
Can I bring friends/family to the post-race party?
Due to capacity, the dinner and awards is for racers and volunteers only. However, as capacity allows, friends and family are welcome to join later in the evening to enjoy the live music! (at around 8pm)
What does the start line look like?
Both courses will start and finish at the Silver King Trailhead at the end of Driftwood Road. There is an outhouse in the parking lot.
Where will I park?
There is very limited parking at the start/finish area. Please arrange to be dropped off or carpool as much as possible. Vehicles transporting 4 or more racers/volunteers will receive a small prize :).
How do I get to the race?
Please carpool if possible! To drive to the start line from Smithers, follow Highway 16 South East towards Telkwa. You will cross the bridge over the Bulkley River heading out of town and turn left onto Old Babine Lake Road. Follow Old Babine Lake Road for around 8 km and then turn left onto the Telkwa High Road. Follow the Telkwa High Road for another ~2 km and then turn right onto Driftwood Road (you will see the old Driftwood Schoolhouse on your left as you turn right).
Follow Driftwood Road into the park for around 15-20 minutes. You will pass numerous parking lots but the one you want is at the very end of the line - so keep driving. You will pass parking lot for Driftwood Canyon Provincial Park before you enter Babine Mountains Provincial Park itself. Once you enter Babine Mountains Provincial Park, you will start to see other trailheads on the right hand side - after a few more minutes you will pass Lyons Creek trailhead parking lot and then around 2.5 km later you will pass Harvey Mountain trailhead parking lot. The Silver King parking lot (the start and finish line) is located about 500 m past the Harvey Mountain trailhead parking lot. There is no where to drive beyond the Silver King lot so you should know when you reach it.
Is there cell service?
Cell service is intermittent at the start/finish line area and non-existent throughout most of the course. There is cell service on the Blix trail after Blix Lake and the top section of Lyons Creek trail. Please plan accordingly.
First Aid Response
There will be first aid attendants at the start/finish line, as well as at each of the aid stations. Pending volunteer availability, there may be a roaming first aid team on the course as well. These personnel are only providing basic first aid as required (bump/abrasions/ minor cuts).
Any injuries/issues requiring medical care of a more serious nature will be responded to by Search and Rescue (S.A.R.). As you may be aware, S.A.R. Is a volunteer response program that is community-based and dispatched on a call-out basis. Our first aid responders will determine if S.A.R. is required. They will have radios or an InReach to initiate the call-out process.
You should be aware that you will be in an isolated setting and the response time to your situation will be dependent on S.A.R. availability.
If you have any health conditions such as allergies to wasp/bee stings, be prepared with your own Epipen response kit. During warm spells, wasps have built nests right on the trail in rock areas. It is not uncommon to have runners/hikers come off the trails with a few bites.
