Mad Trapper Snowshoe David McCaw Memorial

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?

he 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!