Background - Sweet Go Deep

2011 Sweet Go Deep logo

Home | Registration | Agenda | Course| Results
Background  | Thanks  |  FAQ | Contact

The Go Deep or Go Home has morphed over the years.  Conceived 2004 by Dom Repta as a fall ultra to fill the need for a little late season competition for both the hard core ultramarathon runner, the beginning trail runner, and everyone in-between, he realized the following year the need for more daylight during a tough 80km trail run. He moved the ultra into August and kept a 20km option (the Go Home) in the fall. 

Turned out 80km might have been a bit too much to chew.  While the 20km course became a favourite summer run, the 80km never took off.  In 2007 Dom decided to explore organizing another ultra, a 100 miler in the Sea To Sky country, and handed event hosting over to Cheryl Johnson (Go Deep) and  Des Mott (Go Home). In 2010, Reagan White hosts this event and introduces a new course option (Go Sweet).

The Go Deep or Go Home is held almost entirely on trails in the spectacular North Shore mountains above Vancouver, Canada. The trail surface is a mix of steep ascents and descents, technical terrain and fast, rolling groomed trails with approximately 2500m (8,000') of vertical change. In order to appeal to a wide range of experience levels and abilities, the course now offers 1 or 2 loops of 20km, and *updated for 2011* the 14K course option follows a "lollipop" route.

In keeping with Club Fat Ass guidelines, we aim to tread lightly and leave no trace of the event on the trail or the environment. The course will not be marked with surveyor tape. Directions won't be painted on rocks. There will be no flour used at intersections or along the trail that could wash off or alert the hazardous materials squad. Written course directions that note existing signage and key landmarks can be downloaded from the Agenda page.

 

The Glory

  • Completing either distance on some of the most spectacular trails in North America!
  • Take a chance at setting the course record at one of the distances
  • *insert your reason for glory here*
  • Earn bragging rights
  • Finish!

The Differences

This event follows the guidelines provided by Club Fat Ass for safe and successful, informal endurance sports "parties":

  • It is free for Club members
  • It is hosted by a Club member
  • It is small and informal. Guests should come prepared for the weather and the terrain and not expect aid or course marking. They should expect to follow detailed written course instructions
  • It is environmentally friendly. We aim to leave our route in better shape than it was before we passed though.
  • It is as much about the camaraderie as the competition.

Guests at the event download from the Internet directions based on natural and physical landmarks. As with orienteering, those who aren't familiar with the course will pause frequently to consult the written directions, giving a slight competitive advantage to those who have trained on it. Course directions are available year 'round on this website and we encourage everyone to enjoy the route as often as they please throughout the year.

Detailed questions and clarifications specific to this event are provided in the Go Deep or Go Home FAQ.

Home - Registration - Background - Agenda - Course - Thanks - Results - Contact - FAQ