1996-1998 - Ken gets the race to ten (years)!

The last 3 years of the first decade saw a new Race Director steering the good ship Knee Knacker. I met Ken Greenaway at the YMCA Marathon Clinic in the early 90's, and I managed to talk him int helping out as volunteer at first, and then on the Race Committee. Ken also ran in the race in 1993 and 1994.

Now hear from Ken himself, as he describes those 3 years directing the race as it became more and more popular. And, yes I know we skipped a few years of the race (1993-1995). We'll get back to those years later!

What do I remember of my Race Directing duties of 1996 thru 1998? A lot of impressions, but very little detail!

At one of our race committee meetings post-1995, Enzo made mention of handing off the Race Directing duties. I think the next step was a case of volunteers being asked to step forward, and everyone but me stepping back. <sigh>. I was excited about my new responsibility but nervous at the same time. We had a great group of folks organizing though and things worked out very well.

The runup to race day in 1996 was a blur of training for my first 100 miler (Vermont 100 Mile Endurance Run, also celebrating 20 years in 2008), trying to gather volunteers, and fielding a surprisingly large number of calls from runners trying to get in, asking for directions on the course, and telling me about lost runners on training runs! Thankfully, no one got seriously lost, the volunteers cheerfully offered their help prior to and on race day, and we started with a full complement of runners.

Race day itself was a blur as I was working with some sleep deprivation by that time. Thankfully Enzo and others provided thinking on my behalf. Johan Kruus from Rossland BC raced his first and only KneeKnacker and came away with the overall victory in 5:11:30, while Nicola Hastings won the women’s side with a 5:45:41, still a top 10 all-time result.

1997 was another terrific year for the run. Frank Wolf, from North Vancouver won on the men’s side, while Nicky Hastings repeated her victory of 1996 for the women.

During 1997 and 1998 I had made a lot of changes in my life and felt that it would be a great time to pass on the RD duties after the 10^th running of the race in 1998. Paul Quinn, indispensable as an organizer in many past years graciously offered his services, so I knew the race would continue and continue to improve.

Our 10^th anniversary champion was Derek Reed in a time of 4:55:44. Derek was truly a worthy champion; he had set the record for fastest ascent of the Grouse Grind in the year prior, in 27:18! Tracy Lavin of Vancouver won on the women’s side, in a time of 5:59:25

What do I remember, and what made the most lasting impression on me? I loved the race, still do actually, even though I haven’t run it for the last 10 years. I made some incredible friends, and met some exceptional people. The Kneeknacker was my introduction to both trail running and to ultra running, which has become integral to my life since then. For that I owe Enzo and the Kneeknacker family a huge amount of gratitude.

The race itself can’t go without dedicated volunteers and organizers. I worked with the likes of Greg Dines, Wendy Woodfield, Amanda Barlow, Jim Helten, Maureen Fitzgerald, Paul Quinn, Paul Truelove, Greg Horner, Rod Hatfull, and of course Enzo and Francine.

Part of the legacy I am most proud of is the fact that many of the people who came onboard with me when I was around are still there volunteering to make your day that much more enjoyable – Doug Turnbull, Maureen Macpherson and team up on Black Mountain, Rick and Barry of R&B Brewing to name just a few. Thank them, and all of the other great helpers when you see them along the way.

Ken Greenaway
RD 1996-1998