If you like running and you live in the Sea to Sky corridor, chances are you’re a fan of Comfy Numb.
Built in 2003 by Chris Markle, the original Comfortably Numb Trail is one of Whistler’s longest and most demanding singletrack trails. Formerly lacking exits, shortcuts and cell reception, the course instead treats people to rocks, roots, bridges, and more than 3,000 feet of elevation gain. It has stood the test of time, as have those who love it.
On June 8, Run Comfy Numb will commemorate its 20th anniversary.
“It’s too good of an event to let go of,” said race director Kristian Manietta. “We want to have the community feel like it’s a local, grassroots event, but the athlete experience is world-class.”
A last-minute 2018 cancellation interrupted Comfy Numb’s longevity. That wasn’t the end for Manietta, who along with Dean Eggleton petitioned former owner Chris Colpitts to take over the race. Colpitts was willing to sell under two conditions: that his buyers were local and that they were passionate about keeping Comfy Numb alive.
Manietta and Eggleton both fit the bill, and the contest has seen steadily increasing numbers since 2019 (COVID notwithstanding). This year, registration is closed at 320: an unprecedented field and a far cry from the inaugural lineup of 95 participants.
“More and more people are getting into the sport of trail running,” Manietta said. “It’s accessible to all and we’re getting word out there a little bit more. We don’t have to have a hard cap [numbers-wise], but we do that to make sure we put on a quality event each time—and that people experience everything there is to experience.”
Graphic designer Andy Gimson, known for collaborating with Crankworx, will put together unique visuals for the milestone race. Sizzling burgers await at the finish line, alongside brand-new ice baths for recovery. Kids can entertain themselves with cornhole and giant Jenga while their family members are on course.
Land of confusion
In its modern iteration, Comfy Numb is a point-to-point undertaking that begins in Wedge and finishes at Spruce Grove Park. A 50-kilometre route was added two years ago, with its first half situated along the Sea to Sky Trail, to complement the classic 25-kilometre stretch.
Manietta loves going long, and 50 kilometres isn’t overly daunting for him personally. Overall, he thinks both distances add variety and help the race cater to more people: from high-end athletes to the relative layman.
“We have people that go really, really fast and anyone that breaks the course record over the last couple of years can get a $100 bonus,” said Manietta. “But we have so many that jump in for the first time and have this amazing day of challenge out there, and I think that’s what people are looking for. ‘Can I actually do this?’ That’s the ultimate question.”
One especially memorable part of the Comfortably Numb trail is known as the Land of Confusion. You need only to do it once to understand why, for the path twists, winds and doubles back repeatedly. It seems to go on forever, turning athletes this way and that.
Reigning 25-kilometre champ Jeffrey Russell of North Vancouver will be back to defend his title against Squamolian Adam Campbell, who returns to Comfy Numb after two victories in years past. Campbell set a record time of one hour, 58 minutes and 45 seconds in 2007, but today’s record is Phillippe Brunet’s 2:07:19 due to the route having changed.
Meanwhile, Claire Dewar has a shot at the ladies’ 50-kilometre crown. She owns a number of accolades including gold from the 2023 XTERRA Pemberton 22k on home turf, but Jenny Quilty of Abbotsford (11th in last year’s Western States Endurance Run) looks to push her hard. Megan Konori Kennedy owns the course benchmark at 5:36:05.
“The feedback so far has been really positive. I’m enjoying the way people are smiling when they get to the finish. Of course, they could have been smiling because they don’t have to run anymore,” quipped Kevin Titus, one of the original organizers, in a press release. “Every time I run that route, I’m just amazed by how great it is.”
Comfy Numb has raised more than $1,100 for the Whistler Food Bank and Whistler Off Road Cycling Association (WORCA) this time around, with more donations welcome. Further details are available at runcomfynumb.com.
