The half marathon takes racers along the Robson River to the shores of Kinney Lake. The turn-around point is on a broad outflow plain below the towering slopes of Mount Robson. Although runners will be halfway to Berg Lake, they will encounter less than 1/4 of the elevation gain of the full marathoners.
Volunteers at the half marathon turn-around point on Kinney Lake flats.
The half marathon takes runners up the Robson River past Kinney Lake to the flats where the river drains into the lake. Whitehorn peak is visible from the flats.
The route winds around the turquoise water of Kinney Lake.
The half marathon has an elevation gain of about 180m/600ft over the 10.55km distance to the turn-around point. Most of the elevation gain is spread evenly along the 4km between the Berg Lake Trailhead and Kinney Lake. There are only two short sections (perhaps 200m each) of what could be considered steep uphill.
The Berg Lake Trail is the most heavily used backcountry trail in the Canadian Rockies, with over 2,000 overnight users each year. The trail is very well maintained, and is mostly hardpacked ground with very few exposed roots or protruding rocks.
Half Marathon Route Overview
Click on the link to view and download the PDF map of the Mount Robson Half Marathon: MRM2015_map_profile
• start at Mount Robson Visitor Centre
• 2km flat paved road to Berg Lake trailhead (aid station, 15m elevation gain in 2km)
• mostly gradual climb along Robson River through cedar rain forest to Kinney Lake picnic area (aid station, 160m elevation gain in 4km)
• short up and down section followed by a flat section along the shore of Kinney Lake to Kinney Lake campground (aid station, no elevation gain in 3km)
• gentle incline through coniferous forest onto the gravel flats of the Robson River where the half marathoners turn around ( 20m elevation gain in 1.25km)
• The Kinney Lake aid station (located just before and after the half-way point) will be supplied with: water, Gatorade, cut up energy bars (Vega and Clif), and energy gels (E-Load and Clif). The Finish line aid station will have chocolate milk, cut up fruit, cookies, chips, Gatorade and water. Other aid stations at the Outflow Bridge and Trailhead will have water and Gatorade.
Click on the link to view and download the PDF map of the Mount Robson Half Marathon: MRM2015_map_profile
Course profile and distances – click on the image to see an enlarged version.
Runners will pass by Kinney Lake on the half marathon and full marathon routes.