The Big Wood Fish Run is, ultimately, a distance race that asks competitors to catch a fish along the course. While racers can choose to skip the fishing aspect of the race, and run the approximately 13 mile course as a simple run, there are time bonuses and penalties for catching a fish (see the Terms and Conditions document for the exact penalties/bonuses).
Yes, you do have to leave the starting gate with your fishing rod, net, and required fishing gear. Practice running with your most minimal set up, and start working on your transitions (set up/take down)!
The course runs along the BCRD’s Wood River Trail between River Run and Myrtle, offering racers multiple opportunities to enter the river to attempt to catch a fish. We strongly recommend visiting the area before the event to check out the stretch of river and the fishing opportunities.
So how will we know if you’ve caught a fish, and how big the fish is? Included in your race packet will be a waterproof measuring tape that you’ll need to use to measure your fish. Place the tape along the fish, and snap a picture with your phone. This is tricky! Get creative – zip tie the measuring tape to your net or fishing rod. Take a video so you can screenshot the measurement instead of trying to snap a single still photo. And like all race training programs – get plenty of practice in!
At the end of the race, competitors will have the option to drink a beer to attempt to earn another time bonus. Inspired by Gabe Schroder and Super Duper Downhill Mountain Bike Race in Sun Valley, racers will have sixty seconds after crossing the finish line to finish a beer. If the racer successfully finishes their beer in the required time (no spilling!) they will get 5 minutes taken off their overall time.
There you have it – a running race that requires you to catch a fish, and gives you a chance to drink a beer. Run. Fish. Beer.
Still have questions? Contact Liz at liz@woodriverlandtrust.org