Annual Haliburton Forest Trail Run only for the brave
By Terrance Gavan -at Haliburton Forest Preserve
Gailanne Joachim was a tiny speck in the distance as the clock ticked inexorably to noon.
High noon.
Important spot on the clock for the gritty Mississauga
Two yellow clad volunteers were pacing Joachim, urging her through the triple threat of seeping hypothermia, aching legs, and burning lungs.
She was the final person on the trail last Sunday, and the last runner in the 100 mile challenge race, which began at 6 am on Saturday morning in the Haliburton Forest Preserve.
The final participant still on the course was struggling.
Word trickled through the woods and camping area at the Haliburton Forest
Suddenly like ghosts, other racers appeared from the woods, and began to line the road.
Over 100 of Gailanne’s fellow competitors and friends started to clap and yell encouragement.
Joachim was obviously spent, but hearing the crowd, even in the distance, about 500 meters away, the shouts seemed to inspire her to pick up that grueling pace.
As race organizer Helen Malmberg watched Joachim’s progress still far off down that dirt road, she glanced quickly at the watch.
The look on her face said it all.
“I don’t think she’s going to make it,” said Malmberg.
By make it, she was referring to the time restriction posted in the pre-race guidelines.
All runners who came in after 30 hours – 12 noon – were subject to a no time.
