Bussing

Stage S1–S3 Bus Procedures (South Phase)

Due to environmental and safety considerations,  stages 2 and 3 of the South Phase will be unsupported by team vehicles.
Race officials and Parks Canada personnel will be on course if needed.

🚫 No team vehicles are permitted on the Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise.

This restriction ensures athlete safety and protects sensitive wildlife corridors.

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Overview

To support runners in the early stages, bus transportation will be provided for runner drop-off and pick-up for Stages S1, S2, and S3.

• Stage S1 runners: athletes make their own way to the start(Castle Mountain Junction), upon completion of stage 1, athletes will be returned to Lake Louise Inn by bus.

• Stage S2 runners: dropped off at the start (Castle Mountain Junction) and later returned to Lake Louise Inn by bus.

• Stage S3 runners: transported by bus from Lake Louise to the Stage 3 start (Herbert Lake).

Captains are responsible for:

• Getting S1 and S2 runners to Castle Mountain Junction by 6:30 AM

• Picking up S1 and S2 runners from Lake Louise Inn around 11:15 AM

• Ensuring S3 runners are on the bus at 8:45 AM from Lake Louise

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📍 Procedure Summary

Stage S1 & S2

• 6:30 AM: S1 and S2 runners meet at Castle Mountain Junction (parking lot across from the gas station).

• 6:40 AM: S1 runners load their gear (clearly marked with team number) onto Bus A.

• 6:50 AM: S2 runners board Bus A for transport to the Stage 2 start area (Baker Creek).

• 7:00 AM: Stage 1 begins.

• 7:05 AM: Bus A departs for Baker Creek with S2 runners and S1 gear.

• 7:25 AM: S2 runners unload at Baker Creek and prepare for their start.

• 7:45 AM: S2 runners load their bags onto Bus B.

• 7:55 AM: S1 runners begin arriving at Baker Creek to collect their gear from Bus A.

• 8:25 AM: Bus B departs Baker Creek for Lake Louise with finished S1 runners.

• 8:40 AM: Forced start for Stage 2 begins at Baker Creek.

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Stage S3

• 8:45 AM: Bus B arrives at Lake Louise; S1 runners unload.

• 8:50 AM: S3 runners board Bus B at Lake Louise Inn.

• 8:55 AM: Bus B departs Lake Louise for Herbert Lake.

• 9:05 AM: Bus B arrives at Herbert Lake; S3 runners unload and prepare for their start.

• 9:10 AM: S3 runners leave bags (marked with team number) on Bus B, together with S2 runners’ bags.

• 9:20 AM: S2 runners finishing at Herbert Lake collect both their own and their S3 teammate’s bag from Bus B.

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Return Buses

• 9:20 AM: Bus A departs Baker Creek with remaining S1 runners to Lake Louise.

• 9:35 AM: Bus A arrives at Lake Louise; S1 runners unload.

• 9:45 AM: Bus A departs Lake Louise for Herbert Lake.

• 10:00 AM: Bus A arrives at Herbert Lake.

• 10:10 AM: Bus A departs Herbert Lake for Lake Louise with some S2 runners.

• 10:20 AM: Bus A arrives at Lake Louise; S2 runners unload.

• 10:20 AM: Forced start for S3 begins at Herbert Lake.

• 11:00 AM: Bus B departs Herbert Lake for Lake Louise with remaining S2 runners.

• 11:10 AM: Bus B arrives at Lake Louise; remaining runners unload.

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🕓 Quick Reference: Bus Schedule (Chronological)

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🚍 Notes for Team Captains

• Clearly label all runner gear with team number and stage.

• Only runners with bibs may retrieve gear from the buses.

• Ensure all runners understand the bus timeline — buses will not wait for late arrivals.

• Each stage operates under Parks Canada regulations; no private vehicles may follow runners during these stages.