SOLE PURSUIT RUNNING
Walk in the Park
KENNA CARTWRIGHT PARK, KAMLOOPS, BC
This grassroots event is one of BC's longest running Ultra trail races founded in 1992. Offering 14, 25 and 50 km options, this low-key multi-distance race is filled with heart and community.
Whether you are a seasoned ultra-runner or a beginner looking for a new challenge, this event is for you. This course is a perfect example of our desert terrain with impressive views of the Kamloops area, while providing a challenging and rewarding experience for our runners. Join us in this long-standing tradition of ultra trail running in our very own backyard, Kenna Cartwright Park!
Keep on scrolling for MORE information on the race, its history, sign up links and photos from previous events.
WANT A REMINDER WHEN REGISTRATION OPENS?
COURSE INFO
The course alternates direction by year:
Even years - clockwise
Odd years - counterclockwise
WITP is held in Kenna Cartwright Park in Kamloops, BC.
14km
This route tracks at 14.3km with a vertical gain of 372m and a loss of 372m. The course is primarily a single track on compact dirt with some loose rock winding around a portion of the 25km loop.
Offering a panoramic view of the City of Kamloops from the East to the West, the 14km route is not a simple walk in the park.
On this route you might find some shade from tree coverage but also enjoy the feeling of wide-open spaces surrounded by tall grasses and sage brush.
You will follow along a constant, gentle ascent or decent. But along the way, you will be hit with a punchy climb and some steep and slightly technical sections to remind you that this is a trail race after all.
25km
This middle-distance route tracks at 25.5km with a vertical gain of 660m and a loss of 660m.
The course follows a cloverleaf design that encompasses much of the park. In addition to what the 14km offers, you can expect some wide, double track sections and short stints of gravel access roads.
Be prepared to experience longer, and even steeper descents as well as climbs that will test your legs...
Your efforts will be rewarded with stunning 360 views from even higher vantage points causing a little bit of FOMO from the 14km runners.
50km
Plain and simple, this route is 2 loops of the 25km, total vertical gain 1320m and a loss of 1320m. The most rewarding km/$, you get everything the 25km runners are offered times 2!
NOTE:
Individual devices may track mileage and gain/loss of vert meters different than our records. This can be due to many variable factors. Values provided are for general guidelines.
Designated routes will be marked with a combination of pin flags at 75-150m intervals AND ground markings of flour at important intersections.
There will be signs as required to help direct runners.
TIP: Print a copy of the map for your distance if you think you will need it.
COURSE MARKINGS
RACE DAY
Package Pick Up:
Saturday, Sept 7th, you can pick up your bib and swag at Runners Sole from 1pm to 3pm.
On Sunday, Sept 8th, race day you can pick up your bib and swag at the Start/Finish line:
50km – 6-6:30am
25km – 9-9:930am
14km – 10-10:30am
**No registrations offered on race day**
Pre-Race Briefing:
Get latest course conditions, community and sponsor shout outs and any important updates.
50km – 6:45am
25km – 9:45am
14km – 10:45am
Start times:
50km – 7am (65+ 6am start must be arranged prior to race day)
25km - 10am
14km – 11am
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Cut Off Times:
Ideally we want everyone to finish, but cut off times keep everyone safe.
50km: Runners must leave Aid 3 (Start/Finish) by 11:30am. This gives runners 4.5 hours to complete the first 25km and 5.5 hours to complete the second 25km.
25km: Runners must leave Aid 2 by 2:00pm. This gives runner 4 hours to complete the first 10km and 3 hours to complete the final 4km (depending on course direction of odd or even year).
14km: Runners have 6 hours to complete the course.
**Final Cut off is 5pm, Finish Line**
Runners failing to meet cut offs will be marked as DNF and directed back to the Start/Finish line as required.
Any runner that drops and fails to meet cut off must check in and advise closest Aid Station Captain on course or Aid Station at Start/Finish line.
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AID STATIONS
There is a total of 3 aid stations manned by our AMAZING volunteers:
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Start/Finish line
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Spade foot
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Reservoir
You will find these approximately every 4.5 to 6.5 kms depending on the year's route rotation - clockwise or counterclockwise.
There are outhouses located near each aid station.
Start/Finish line will also have a manned St John First Aid station available
*See specific course maps for further details here.
You can expect the ultra aid station standby’s: chips, potatoes, gummies, cookies, fresh fruit and a small selection of gels.
Hydration options will include ice cold water, Coke and Hammer Nutrition Heed(Gatorade).
WITP is now CUPLESS! Ensure you pack a bottle or re-useable cup for fluids at aid stations and at the finish line.
Please visit one of our sponsors if you require this gear.
If you have special dietary requirements please plan accordingly.
POST RACE BBQ
Bring a chair and stick around for the social! This is what trail running is all about!
We hope you will cheers in runners, catch up with friends, enjoy the music and bring a appetite!
The BBQ will be fired up shortly after the 1st finishers roll in and continue throughout the afternoon.
Our volunteers will be serving up smokies, veggie burgers, some salads and of course, cool drinks to keep you all going!
Door prizes will be handed out as well top finisher awards.
Be sure to stick around and cheer in the most determined runners.
You also don't want to miss the DFL awards.
AND we have a NEW award that will be added to the mix...but we are keeping it under wraps for now because you MUST be present to WIN!
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RESULTS, AWARDS and SWAG
Official results will be posted on Ultrasignup, usually within 24hrs!
As a an old school event and low entry fees, there is no t-shirts or age group divisions.
Stick around after the race! Along with our supporting sponsors, there will be amazing door prizes! (All registered runners & volunteers will be entered.)
We will recognize top runners with some swag and most important runners with the most grit, “aka DFL.”
As new RD's we wanted to add a little something to spice things up...
There will be a NEW prize in addition to the First place and DFL winners. But we are saving it to add a little suspense to the ceremony!
Will you be a 5 TIME finisher of the WITP ULTRA distance? If so we'll retire a permanent bib number just for you! Now when you return for future races you can proudly show it off to all your co-competitors.
Or maybe you'll be one of the few prestigious 10 TIME finisher of WITP ULTRA distance. That’s 500km! Saddle up cause you will have earned a BELT BUCKLE so you can publicly display your love for WITP. Wearing of the buckle is optional at subsequent races.
Ten finishes not enough for you? Want more than a shiny buckle!
Become a 11 time finisher of WITP ULTRA distance and earn yourself a permanent discount to use at all future WITP races.
WITP HISTORY
Founded in 1992 by Nick Jordan, his race philosophy was to create a well organized low cost, low key event.
WITP was originally held in Juniper Park East of Kamloops from 1992-2000.
In 2001, it was relocated to Kenna Cartwright Park with a mix of 18/36/54km distances and in 2007 fixed permanent routes were established.
The current courses were established in 2016, marking the 25th anniversary of WITP.
WITP has seen its challenges over the years. Smoke and fires causing a relocation in 2003 to the Rivers Trail and again in 2017 to Stake Lake. Of course, we can’t forget the Covid period 2020/21 where the race was canceled.
We are proud to say, WITP is one of BC’s longest* continual running ultra marathons.
*Longest being the Knee Knacker event held in North Vancouver.
WALK IN THE PARK'S AMAZING SPONSORS
EVENTS
Walk in the Park is our premiere event as Race Directors. We have BIG plans for future ultra races and look forward to hitting the trails with YOU!
GET IN TOUCH
SPONSORS
We are proud to be sponsored by: Runner's Sole; Northam Beverages;
If you would like to be a part of enhancing the Walk In The Park race experience, contact us today.
VOLUNTEER
We LOVE and APPRECIATE our volunteers!!!
If you would like to be a part of the Walk In The Park team, you can sign up here.