A run to remember!

by Marc Cayen

50k from the south end of Sudbury to the border of Blezard Valley. A run decades in the making.

30 some odd years ago, you could find me playing in the trails with my pedal bike. Exploring new territory, pushing boundaries, and having the best time with neighbourhood friends.
Fast forward to 4 years ago, I’d find myself running some of these trails during the winter with my cousin Michelle and Vince. I was new to running, and trails were my happy place.
I lived in new Sudbury, so I had to learn all new trails. I got to explore again and push boundaries with friends. Running makes me feel like a kid again.

I’d slowly learn new trail systems. I have a good sense of direction, and I have an easy time remembering points of interest on trails. I’d learn the Laurentian trails and the Bioski, I’d learn the Rainbow routes from one end of town to the next.

A few years ago, my buddy Brian and I would run from new Sudbury to the valley via a trail system following the back side of Whitson Lake. Then, a few months ago, I had a discussion with Vince about potential trails linking Moonlight Beach to Second Avenue. He’s assured me that there were some trails back there, so I set out on a mission to find them.

I now knew how to connect different trail systems that would start in Sudbury’s south end and lead us deep into the heart of the valley. Rough estimate of 50kms.

I mentioned to a few friends that I’d like to try and run one way from one end of Greater Sudbury to the other. We picked a date and made it happen.

On Sunday, July 13th at 7 a.m., a group of 11 of us headed into some trails for what would be an epic day of running! We stayed tight together, walked the big hills, and made our way north. Up and down mountains of black rock , across bridges, through fields, and around lakes, the Laurentian trail system would be the first part of our journey. Making it to Bioski and choosing to stay on single track, we weaseled our way through the Bioski into the Moonlight beach area. 15 k in, this would be our first water refill station.

The second quarter would be totally different terrain. A little flatter, a lot softer, and some pretty cool features.
We’d head west in the grasslands behind the baseball field, crossing through a tunnel that led us to the other side of the train tracks. This was a cool highlight of the run. The trail stayed tight to the tracks over some easy terrain to Finlandia village. We’d cross the road at 2nd Avenue and find more trail to Bancroft. Across the street was another trail system that would lead us to Best Buy. The old sand dunes of Minnow Lake. From Best Buy, we’d head west again and find a trail leading up to the Chrysler dealership on the Kingsway. Cross the busy street and make our way north again. Up and over Adanac ski hill (this was also a really cool feature) through the marshes of New Sudbury, we’d take the train tracks for 500 m avoiding swampy water. We’d cross Lasalle and head over to Grandview Park where there was a van waiting for us. This was our last water refill station before leaving toward the valley. 26km into the run.
3 people would leave and 1 more would join.
9 of us head out.

The 3rd quarter of the run was going to be the toughest. No shade, enough deer flies to drive a man insane, and hills as far as the eye can see. For the next 15 kms, we’d crest countless mountain tops, endure soakers and mud, and more mud, but we’d also be blessed with some of the best views. Looking back on the pole line for as far as the eye can see, you’d spot our trail in the distance. It would give you a sense of accomplishment. The yin to the yang.
Exiting the pole line at km 40, we had 4 more runners call it. A smart move to be able to run another day. 40 kms of these trails is no joke, and I’m proud of everyone that made it this far. I’m proud of their new personal records, and I’m proud to have friends that can do hard things.

With 10 kms remaining, 5 of us headed into the flat valley trails. Made mostly of clay and sand, these trails were fast. We’d put some of the fastest kms of the run here. Zig zagging through trail intersections, finding our way to 2 different bridges that would cross the Whitson river. Crossing Hwy 69 and heading toward Blezard valley, we would face the Whitson river once more. This time there was no bridge; it was the perfect spot to cool off and clean our shoes.
This would bring us within 3 kms of our 50k goal. We left the river and did the rest of the trail system to Brian’s house, where our friends were waiting and where Brian had a spread of food waiting for us.
A few kms short, so we ran down the road past the finish line and back to round it up to 50 even.

It was a run I’ll always remember and with friends I’ll never forget.
Thank you all for being awesome and ready to tackle these crazy adventures with me. I’m proud of you!

Marc Cayen.

Got my 50k stamp!

by Kris Cacciotti

Got my 50k stamp! Marc's 50 from LoEllen to the Valley. 95% on trails. Ups, downs, battles, epiphanies, new friends, and lots of Evvy time.
We started at Shelley and Stacy's house, where we jumped on the Laurentian trail system. Vibes were high, people were joking around, and most importantly, the legs felt light and the body felt strong.
Start

..Moonlight Beach ..Finlandia Village ..Rona ..Adanac Ski Hill.. Downsview Park = 25k

At Downsview Park, Tim's car - which contained a cooler full of water, Gatorade, pickles, etc. - was waiting for us. We grabbed a quick snack, reloaded our water flasks, and continued our journey.
We also picked up Brian (who you will see later was the MVP of this entire run).
The route to the Valley was along a hydro line. There was lots of elevation, marshy areas, bugs, and razor sharp grass. There was also a beaver dam that we had to traverse, which ended with us taking turns using a stick to pole vault across to solid land - the highlight of the section.
Around 30k, I started to feel human. Shelley gave me two pierogies, which put some pep in my step.
At 45k, I hit a brick wall. I was overheated and undernourished, but determined to finish. Shortly after this bonk, we crossed a river, which I laid in to cool off.
At 48k, I was running on fumes. I had nothing left in the tank. I couldn't think.
Marc - "Get out of your head." Ok.
Shelley - "Who's going to carry the boats?" I am.

49.75, 49.80, 49.85, 49.90, 49.95, 49.99... 50!!!

As soon as we got to Brian's house, I collapsed onto the lawn, and Marc hosed me down.
Remember when I said Brian was the MVP? He had a spread waiting for us - pizza, coke, homemade beef jerky, and watermelon. Everything our bodies needed after burning 4,000 calories.
Lessons learned:
- You need more than just gels when running ultra distances.
- You run way farther with people than you can running alone.
- The human body is capable of great things, especially if you don't let your mind cut it off early.
Grateful for the warriors I did battle with yesterday.
Grateful for my body for carrying me.
Grateful for this beautiful life I get to live.

KEEP SHINING!

  July 26-27 2025

Wilderness Traverse

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  July 27, 2025

Apex Adventure Challenge

  July 27, 2025

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