The Route
The trail, which is entirely on private land, is a 3km loop around Ashburn Lake in Saint John, N.B. The loop has 90 meters (295ft) of climbing/descending per lap on moderately technical trail. Most of the climbing happens on one small hill that takes you up to a lookout and features a great view of Ashburn lake and Loon island. It is an absolute gem of a trail, one that is worthy spending 24hrs on.
The entire property is rented for this race, so the trails are exclusive to the Loonie Loops crew only!
Race Headquarters
Race headquarters (aka, start/finish) is at the YMCA Glenn Carpenter Centre, which during the week plays host to summer kid's camps.
This area has lots of room where runners and crew can setup their own aid stations/tent. This is optional, as we will have a big spread available for the runners (see the 2024 athlete guide for the aid station 'menu'.)
The parking is roughly 200-600m away.
History of the Glenn Carpenter Centre
Glenn Carpenter was a community builder, a businessman and an early adopter of social entrepreneurship. A proud New Brunswicker and ultimate visionary, Glenn understood the potential of his province that he strived to unlock by advocating for strong, healthy communities.
In addition to founding storage solutions company Tabufile Atlantic Limited, Glenn was a dedicated volunteer. He was a long-time member of the Y Service Club, an avid supporter of Junior Achievement New Brunswick, and he played an integral role in the development of the Crane Mountain recycling and composting facility. A humble and selfless character, Glenn often used his platform to champion the important causes he held dear.
Though this was exemplified in many of his actions, he memorably used his entire Outstanding Business Award acceptance speech to promote the importance of blood donation in 1986.
Where your donation goes...
At the YMCA of Southwestern New Brunswick, our commitment goes beyond the ordinary. We are not just a charity; we are the spark that ignites potential, fostering enduring personal and social change. Our mission is simple: to provide opportunities for individuals to shine, ensuring that cost is never a barrier to participation.
In this monumental 170th year of impact, we are embarking on a visionary project. Our goal is to raise $2M, propelling us to expand free programming, broaden access to Child Care, and operate Youth programs across Southwestern New Brunswick. The heartbeat of this initiative revolves around our hidden gem, the Glenn Carpenter Centre.
Imagine a place where children can be their authentic selves – safe, joyful, and immersed in nature. Glenn Carpenter envisioned this haven, which materialized as a 220-acre property at Ashburn Lake owned by the Wilson family. With a lodge, a lake, and ample space for boundless adventures, the Glenn Carpenter Centre opened its doors in 2000, a tribute to Glenn's dream and legacy.
Some of the beautiful sights along the way
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!
More sponsors to come. Please stay tuned to our social media.
TITLE SPONSOR OF LOONIE LOOPS
At Fundy Coast Counselling and Therapy Services, Adam Tremblay and Anne Daley are dedicated to empowering individuals to reach their potential; using evidence based therapeutic practices; to create meaningful, lasting positive, life changes and achieve their mental health and wellness goals.
"We were inspired to provide sponsorship to this event in recognition of the direct connection that physical activity, time outdoors, and a sense of community has on people’s mental health and wellness. As both Counselling Therapists and avid runners ourselves, we felt it was important to acknowledge and support these valuable opportunities provided by the Saint John Trail Running community."
PARTNERS OF LOONIE LOOPS
The Chasing Trails Podcast is a podcast for the everyday trail runner. Chasing Trails was created and hosted by two lifelong friends that wanted to share some of the everyday trail running joys and struggles that we all face and to have a lot of laughs along the way.
With a down to earth relatable feel and local running scene focus Chasing Trails always brings a unique perspective to the trail running podcast scene. Sprinkle in a healthy dose of great special guests and some great discussion and you have a podcast that can help you pass the time as you keep chasing the trails.
NUTRITION & HYDRATION SPONSORS
Loyalist City Brewing Co. are brewers of consistent, top quality local craft beer made from only the finest ingredients available. Significant investments are made each year in research, development, and innovation.
Owner, Mark McGraw is involved in Saint John Trail Running community, and understands the importance of a nice cold craft beer at the end of a big adventure. He has spent many years perfecting his craft, and from personal experience, he has NAILED IT!
Hey there! Let me introduce you to Made with Local – the planet-friendly, socially conscious, gluten-free real food bar company that’ll become your snacking sidekick! Hailing from beautiful Nova Scotia, Canada, we are known for turning nutritious nibbling into a flavour-packed fiesta while being kind to the Earth.
With our commitment to using fresh, locally sourced ingredients, we've got your taste buds doing the happy dance. Made with Local isn't just about bars; it's about redefining snack time and giving back. When you're on the move or need a quick bite, these bars have your back. Supporting local farmers and producers while indulging in these goodies makes it a triple win for your taste buds, the community, and the planet. Go on, join us in this snacking adventure, where every bite is a step towards a better world!