K-100 - the Relay that Never Was

When I agreed to join the Snot Rockets team for the K-100 mile relay, I was expecting to be talking about the wonderful scenery, the excitement and anticipation, the team bonding, who had the toughest leg, and what a great time we had as the 10 of us sprinted to glory in our mixed-team category.

Unfortunately, the event that we have all been looking forward to for the past 6 months was cancelled today for reasons beyond anybody's control.

Yesterday evening, the rain started. I was home alone with Andy working away, and we had some pretty intensive lightning and some monsoon type rain. The roads in Mahogany were severely flooded and walking the dogs later that night meant getting absolutely drenched and covered in mud.

Today we awoke to the devastating news that Canmore - a place that we frequently visit for hikes and trail runs - had been severely affected by floods as the river burst its banks. The deluge of water swept away houses and roads, forcing the closure of the main Trans Canada Highway in both directions. People were being evacuated from their homes, and the numerous photos and videos appearing on social media were unbelievable.

As the morning progressed, reports came in that neighbouring areas of High River, Black Diamond, Turner Valley and Bragg Creek had also been severely affected with mandatory evacuation orders and states of emergency announced. Mudslides in Kananaski Country led to debris blocking roads,   whilst bridges and roads were washed away by the force of the water. As the water headed downstream, it was Calgary's turn to be affected and by mid-afternoon, communities in Calgary were being told to get out.

With various races taking place this weekend, it was debatable whether any would actually go ahead as more and more roads were closed, and more and more areas became affected. The scenes on the TV were shocking and it really brought together that community feel with messages of support doing the rounds. With further rain of up to another 30mm expected over the next couple of days, the news came around 5pm that our relay had become victim to the weather. 

Whilst there was disappointment, there was also complete understanding and support for the decision for both the communities affected  and the safety of the runners.

Note from the race director: "it is with very heavy hearts and much compassion for all of the folks affected by the devastation in Southern Alberta that i must announce, in conjunction with emergency services personnel, the cancellation of K-100. Highway 40 is closed due to mudslides and flooding between the Highood Pass and highway 1 with no hope of re-opening before the weekend.  

Whilst we did give some thought to a modified event (out and back) from Longview that is not an option. All of the roads to Longview are now closed because of the flooding and Longview is now under a state of emergency. Even if that wasn’t the case, it simply would not be safe to send people running on a road that is in such jeopardy. I certainly wish this wasn’t the case and thank you all for your support of the event. We will be back next year.

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Those of you who are in the area, please stay safe. To those of you outside of the affected area, I know you understand our devastation."

I can only second the words of the race director in terms of staying safe. Mother nature can be very cruel, but communities always pull together at these times. My thoughts and prayers go out to all the people in the areas affected.