Get training for Digby’s first trail run

With the hope of getting more people out on the trails, Digby

Area Recreation and a group of local trail enthusiasts are planning Digby’s first trail race.

The Lily Lake Lollygag Trail Run, with 2, 5 and 10K options, is scheduled for April 25 at the Van Tassel Lake Trails.

The hope is this will give some local runners a little push to start preparing for the summer season – maybe attract some road runners to give trail running a try. We also see the event as a great way to promote these trails to locals and visitors alike. So far we have interest from trail runners from Yarmouth, the Annapolis Valley and Halifax.

To help beginners get used to trail running, we are also hosting a five-week clinic on

Mondays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., beginning March 23. Each Monday, the leaders will introduce runners to slightly more complicated terrain, starting with railbed, then woods roads, then smooth single track and finally a hilly run.

If you’re new to trail running, I’ll let you in on a little secret: there’s a lot more walking than you might imagine. If things get too rocky, too rooty, too slippery, too steep – too whatever – then trail runners think nothing of slowing down or even walking. This lollygagging might feel strange if you’re used to hammering out a 5 or 10K on the roads, but it is perfectly normal in the woods.

Our course is great for beginners wanting a taste of the woods, or for experienced runners looking for a warmup race. It’s mostly flat with some small climbs, nothing too steep – but steep enough that many racers are going to walk a few sections.

Underfoot could be interesting depending on the weather and how much winter is hanging around – we will use a mix of gravel service roads (35 per cent) and single track, mostly single track (65 per cent).

You’ll start on access roads heading slightly downhill and then transition to a lovely stretch of narrow but grassy single track before diving into the woods and starting the climbs. At the top of the course, you’ll have a great view from the Van Tassel Lake Look-off.

The single track has roots and rocks galore, some muddy parts, some small streams, and did I mention rocks?

The main course is a loop and you’ll do one lap for the 5K and two laps for the 10. The 2K course is an out-and-back designed for those under 13 years old and for beginners. It’s a separate route on service roads and smooth double track on a gentle trail we call Shady Lane.

We’re keeping entry fees at $20 for adults, $10 for those under 13, and $30 if you want to do the clinic and the run. If finances are a challenge, look into Digby Active, a program through Digby Area Recreation that helps with registration fees for youth and adults.

Digby Area Recreation Commission is hosting the race with support from the Digby Lazy Bear Runners, the Van Tassel Lake Trail Association and the Town and Municipality of Digby.

So there you go – that’s all the basic information you need to start your training. We’ll be adding more info to the webpage and Facebook page soon.