Inaugural (2003) Forbidden Forest Run Starters
2003 Forbidden Forest Run Finish Line
This, the first year of the Forbidden Forest Run, was full of mystery and excitement. Where would we start? Where would we finish? Where would we go and what dangers were waiting for us on this top secret mission?
Since none of us had run this route, we often stopped to consult the topographical maps. Arriving at the Forbidden Forest itself, we had to discover a way in. Once in the Forest itself, we had to be constantly vigilant for motion detectors, helicopter and Humvee patrols, hidden cameras and all manner of booby traps.
As night fell upon the Forbidden Forest, a sharp call of, "It's a light...hit the dirt," rang out and all 6 Capilano Commandos leaped from the trail impaling themselves on sticks, scraping their hands and shins on the rough rocks. But they were not discovered. A muffled cheer rang out and the mission continued with 4 commandos running forward and 2 running backwards to keep watch for the returning patrol vehicle.
It was now total darkness, but the Commandos ran without their headlamps. Several kilometers down the trail, dark shadows were seen milling about ahead. Was it bears... or worse, an ambush? Actually, it was a road sign and an outhouse, but the adrenalin level was definitely running at a high.
"Hit the dirt!" Again, we leapt from the trail into the inky darkness, but this time into a patch of prickle bushes. Again, the patrol passed without discovering our presence. We exchanged high-5s and soldiered on.
At roughly 37K into the mission, we rounded a corner and came to lights. "It's an ambush!" and we scattered, only to learn that these were the lights of civilization at the far edge of the Forbidden Forest.
Once back onto familiar territory, our pace picked up and mission became one of making last call at the pub. We arrived at the Avalon at roughly 12:30 and managed to get in 2 quick rounds before closing.
Mission accomplished. 100% success with no losses save a few scrapes and bruises.
