Under glorious sunshine and unseasonably warm skies, a record-breaking 249 runners and hikers gathered yesterday to tackle the 33rd annual Marathon Shuffle. Participants journeyed 27 kilometers along the iconic Sunshine Coast Trail, trekking from Malaspina Road to the finish line at the Shinglemill Pub and Grill.
Elite Performance and Blistering Pace
The “perfect” course conditions paved the way for historic performances. Darbykai Standrick, a three-time top finisher from Powell River, shattered the women’s course record with a time of 2:49. “Somebody had cleared all the salal,” Standrick noted. “Even though I did the course two weeks ago and there were a few trees down, they were all cleared for today. It was phenomenal.”
Local runner Adam Skinner secured his second career top finish, completing the technical 27 km trail in 2:44. Skinner credited the qPAWS trail crew for the fast conditions: “The crew widened the trails and cleared deadfall, which made for some really incredible descents.”
A Remarkable Feat of Endurance
While the elites set records, another local, 12-year-old Kevin McLean stole the show with a display of “overachieving” stamina. He cycled to the start line while his family drove. Kevin completed the Shuffle in 4:22. After a brief rest and a cinnamon bun from Nancy’s Bakery, he ran the entire 27 km course in reverse to retrieve his bike and ride home.
A Boost for Local Tourism
The event continues to put the qathet region on the map for outdoor enthusiasts.
“Most of our participants traveled from away,” said Event Director Ean Jackson. “Those I spoke to on the course shared that they had no idea qathet was such a great place and are already planning return trips… some permanently!
“While we were blessed with a fine trail and exceptional weather, our secret sauce is the generosity and hospitality of this community. It’s the volunteers—the ‘Dirt Monkeys’ who prepare the course and the teams at our aid stations. The Marathon Shuffle remains a free event thanks to the support of the Tla’amin Nation and local businesses including 460 Realty, Rural Septic, Coastal Cookery, Raymond James, the Brick, and Powell River Search and Rescue.
Results
249 people participated in the Marathon Shuffle #33. Here are the results:
https://www.marathonshuffle.com/results/2026-year-33/
If you notice any errors in your results, please get in touch with us by Monday at midnight so we can make it right.
Lost and Found
The pile is large this year! Please contact us ASAP if you see something of yours. Anything left after the weekend will be donated to charity.
Photos
Snapped any great Shuffle moments? Share them with friends, family, and the world at:
https://www.marathonshuffle.com/photos/
Environment
The Shuffle left the Sunshine Coast Trail in better shape than we found it. Thank you for being careful with your gel wrappers and for picking up any trash you found while on the trail. Our sweep (Will) reported that the only trash he found on the course was two little pieces of paper. We separated and recycled the orange/banana peels. True, we provided some paper cups at aid stations so those who forgot their water bottles didn’t get dehydrated, but none ended up on the trail.
Supporters
These amazing folks help us keep the Shuffle free. Please consider supporting them—and tell them the Shuffle sent you!: https://www.marathonshuffle.com/sponsors/
Survey
Got 5 minutes? Tell us what worked, what didn’t, and how we can improve. We read every response! https://forms.gle/YrpSPoHcjVQMoHYa6
Join the team?
The Shuffle management team will meet this week to review your feedback and begin planning next year’s event. Want to help—as a sponsor, planner, or volunteer? Just share your contact info. You can also help qPAWS with a donation.
VIPs
Want to guarantee your spot next year? Earn VIP status this summer and skip the waitlist: https://www.marathonshuffle.com/vip-application/
Registration for 2027
Registration for the 2027 Marathon Shuffle opens on February 1 at 06:00. Mark your calendar—and check the registration page on New Year’s Day to stay ahead of the pack: https://www.marathonshuffle.com/registration/
Thanks again for joining us—and happy trails to you! 
Ean Jackson
Director, Marathon Shuffle