Loonie Loops Trail Race
Loonie Loops is held on a 3.1 km loop entirely on private land around Ashburn Lake in Saint John, New Brunswick. Each lap has about 90 meters of climbing and descending on a moderately technical trail, with a primary climb that reaches a lookout over the lake and Loon island. The property is rented exclusively for the race, so trails are reserved for participants.
The event offers three time formats: 6 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours. Race headquarters is at the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre, which provides ample space for runners and crews to set up tents or personal aid stations. Organizers will also provide a substantial aid spread for participants. Parking is located roughly 200 to 600 meters from the start/finish area.
Additional features include on-site camping the night before for a $10 fee with proceeds to the YMCA Strong Communities Fund, and a pledge that $10 from every entry is donated to the same fund. A team option called "Three is Key" allows teams of three, with one runner entered in each time format; team totals are calculated by adding individual laps at the end of the 24 hours to determine standings. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Team Challenge: Three is Key
To register for "Three is Key", your team is made up of 3 runners (Gender mix does not matter!).
- 1 runner in the 6hrs.
- 1 runner in the 12hrs
- 1 runner in the 24hrs
Each runner signs up individually and runs their own race. At the end of the 24hrs, we will add your team laps together to determine your team total. The top two teams will take home something from SJTR.
On-site Camping
We are offering on-site camping the night before the race! The cost is $10, and all funds go back to the YMCA Strong Communities Fund.
The Route
The trail, which is entirely on private land, is a 3.1km loop around Ashburn Lake in Saint John, N.B. The loop has 90 meters (295ft) of climbing/descending per lap on moderately technical trail. Most of the climbing happens on one small hill that takes you up to a lookout and features a great view of Ashburn lake and Loon island. It is an absolute gem of a trail, one that is worthy spending 24hrs on.
The entire property is rented for this race, so the trails are exclusive to the Loonie Loops crew only!
Race Headquarters
Race headquarters (aka, start/finish) is at the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre. This area has lots of room where runners and crew can setup their own aid stations/tent. This is optional, as we will have a big spread available for the runners. The parking is roughly 200-600m away.
