30 years after its inception and eight years since it was last held, the Rubble Creek Classic made a triumphant return on September 24 to the trails of Garibaldi Provincial Park. Runners discovered near-perfect conditions as the morning mist lifted to reveal blue skies, snow-capped peaks and temperatures in the low double-digits.
Three Squamolian athletes fought over the overall lead up the major climb to Helm Meadows during the 25-kilometre course. Brendan Morden and Shaun Stephens-Whale overtook Squamish 50-mile champion Karl Augsten as the terrain flattened out, with Morden building a sizable gap into the final switchbacks. A determined downhill attack from Stephens-Whale put him on Morden's shoulder as both men were locked in an all-out sprint to the finish line. Morden prevailed in a time of 1.53.31 with Stephens-Whale nipping at his heels. Augsten rounded out the podium, two minutes back from the others.
The women’s race saw dominant performances from Claire Dewar and Heather Gallagher, who gapped their competitors on the steep pitches above the Cheakamus River. Dewar took the win in 2.22.56, with Gallagher finishing in 2.25.40. Natalia Sisolakova was nine minutes back, but had enough speed for bronze.
Overall, the day drew participants from all around the Sea to Sky area, from 20-year-olds to 70-year-olds. Many first-timers were in attendance, joining returning runners as they raised over $1000 for Whistler Search & Rescue.
