Sisterhood of the travelling trail runners

Sisters Katie and Nancy Wadden have returned to Newfoundland with a desire to share their passion for the sport.

RDF Trail Company says it's not just a run, it's a social experience

Mark Squibb · CBC News · Posted: May 29, 2016 4:30 AM EDT | Last Updated: May 29, 2016

Sisters Katie (left) and Nancy Wadden say that it's their passion to grow trail running in Newfoundland and Labrador. (Submitted by RDF Trail Company)

Trail runners Nancy and Katie Wadden say it is their passion to bring the sport of trail running to Newfoundland and Labrador.

The sisters launched the website for their company, the RDF Trail Company (RDF being an acronym for common Newfoundland weather conditions – rain, drizzle, and fog) in March of this year.

"We launched our website initially just on our personal Facebook, and we had such a great response, and other people started to share it, and we've had some communication and positive response from Destination St. Johns and NL Tourism," said Nancy.

"So far we've had a great response from people locally, and we're hoping to grow it more into the tourism market."

Trail running is common in western Canada, where both women have lived, and they say that their home province is a perfect contender for the sport.

The iconic East Coast Trail, with 265 kilometres of maintained trail that runs along the coastline of the Avalon Peninsula, is where the majority of their runs take place.

We don't see rain, drizzle and fog everyday, as this photo taken along the East Coast Trail proves. (Submitted by RDF Trail Company)

"The East Coast Trail is really unique… you have these amazing views for miles. The coastlines, the terrain is fantastic. The East Coast Trail Association has done an excellent job maintaining the trails and mapping them out… it's a great way to get out and connect with nature," said Nancy.

"Whenever I got to come home during my PhD, whether it was for Christmas or in the summer, and I got to run on the East Coast Trail it was so exciting, and I was inspired to bring the sport to Newfoundland, and grow it, so other Newfoundlanders could have the same experience as I did," said Katie.

Building a running community

The sisters said their desire is to lay the foundation for a trail running community, and everyone is welcome to join them for a run. They have seen runners as young as eight, and as young-at-heart as 70.

The company says it is offering not just a run, but a social, community experience.

"We're all about building people's confidence on the trail. If you've hiked the trail, then we would definitely encourage you to consider the sport of trail running," said Katie.

The East Coast Trail passes through Cape Spear, the most easterly point in Canada, and home to a historic lighthouse. (Submitted by RDF Trail Company)

Local reaction has been favourable, with 36 participants showing up for the company's first run.

"We're really excited about partnering with other local businesses," said Katie, describing a weekend run in Petty Harbour.

"That will start off with a trail run, and then we're going to stop at the Watershed cafe. Then we're going to move into a yoga session above the mini aquarim. We love the idea of partnering with other people to give people the full, Newfoundland experience," she said.

A unique twist on traditional running

For participants who already run, the company says that trail running offers an entirely different, unique experience.

"It's more of a relaxed environment," said Nancy. "It's not so much trying to get a personal best, or trying to get 10 miles. It's more about the experience of being out in nature, of being on the trails. You feel almost like you're free when your running along the coast line."

You don't know what's around the next corner or how much mud you're going to end up in.- Sarah Whelan

Sarah Whelan, a local recreational runner, has participated in four RDF trail runs, and said trail running offers a unique twist on traditional running.

"It's a whole new challenge. The trails around Newfoundland are so beautiful that it's great to actually get out and spend some time on them," said Whelan.

"You're thinking about where you're going to step, what hill you're going to go up, what's around the bend," she said.

"This has an adventurous element to it. You don't know what's around the next corner or how much mud you're going to end up it. It's great."

Qualified Instructors

Both Katie and Nancy are experienced trail runners who are familiar with the local trails. Katie earned undergraduate and master's degrees in Kinesiology from Memorial University of Newfoundland, and is currently finishing her PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from the University of British Columbia, while Nancy Wadden earned a Bachelor of International Business from MUN.

"They bring experience... where to run and the distance of the routes. They're very good at giving us tips and advice," said Whelan.

The Wadden sisters say that they would love to grow the and expand across the island, and possibly even into Labrador.