Black Lungs
Cabot Trail Relay
Flight Plan · Course
Course explorer
Route, team experience, and historical performance — one leg at a time. Classic map: Course map.
Full-course elevation profile
Detail lens
Full course
Overview
Cabot Relay at a glance — 17 legs around Cape Breton.
- Distance
- 274.5 km (GPX tracks)
- Climb / descent
- +4415 m / −4451 m
- Highest point
- 452 m
- Legs
- 17
Hardest legs: Leg 9, Leg 4, and Leg 10 (GPX difficulty ranking).
Shortest legs: Leg 8, Leg 7, and Leg 3.
Course shape: clockwise from Baddeck — eastern shore, Cape Breton Highlands (highest terrain mid-course), western coast and Margaree Valley, finish back into Baddeck.
Experience
What is our history on this course?
- Years completed
- 13 (2012–2026)
- Team finishes
- 13
- Unique runners
- 58
- Archived leg splits
- 221
Most leg completions in archive:
- Michael Doyle — 19 legs
- Dan Way — 18 legs
- Ross Bain — 17 legs
- Nick Croker — 14 legs
- Robert Campbell — 10 legs
Full course on legs: 2 runners have completed all 17 legs in the archive — Dan Way, Ross Bain.
Performance
Headline team results from the archive.
- Fastest finish
- 16:43:49 (2025)
- Median finish
- 17:09:11
- Best place
- 2 (2012)
- Podium finishes
- 9
- Top-10 finishes
- 13
Recent years (2022–2026) cluster around 17:00:42; a few minutes faster than the early archive.
Strongest leg vs field: Leg 3 (about 98th percentile average).
Value Added leaders: Nick Croker, Dan Way, Ryan Tice (cumulative, archived legs).
How to use this view: drag the elevation profile (or arrow keys) to move along the course; pick a leg for route notes, Lungs history, and field context.
Leg 1
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 1
Plan
- Distance
- 17.00 km published · 17.04 km mapped
- Elevation
- +178 m / −210 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Mid-pack on the mapped index (rank 8 of 17)
About 17.0 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 178 m of climbing and 210 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 7.3–8.0 (+35 m over 0.9 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 1.5–1.8. The main descent appears around km 0.7–1.4 (−30 m over 0.7 km).
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Steep climbing around km 1.5–1.8 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Nick Croker — 58:51 (2015)
- Curtis Anderson — 59:12 (2019)
- Dan Way — 59:22 (2016)
Typical Lungs split: 1:01:40 (3:38/km median).
Planning roster: 8 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Alex Hutton, Curtis Anderson, Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Nick Croker (+3 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 58:51 (2015, Nick Croker)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:01:40 (3:38/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:38/km (1:01:40; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 2
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 2
Plan
- Distance
- 17.92 km published · 17.67 km mapped
- Elevation
- +174 m / −163 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mostly flat and runnable
- Difficulty
- Relatively gentler on the mapped index (rank 12 of 17)
About 17.7 km of relay road; the mapped profile is relatively flat and runnable. Expect about 174 m of climbing and 163 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Approx.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 2.0–2.7 (+29 m over 0.9 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 0.0–0.4. The main descent appears around km 8.4–8.9 (−26 m over 0.6 km).
Pacing: This is a longer, mostly runnable leg — settle into even effort early and save a kick for the exchange, not the first few kilometres.
Watch for: Steep climbing around km 0.0–0.4 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Ryan Tice — 59:06 (2026)
- Graydon Snider — 59:36 (2013)
- Nick Croker — 1:01:03 (2024)
Typical Lungs split: 1:04:04 (3:35/km median).
Planning roster: 7 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain (+2 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 95th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 59:06 (2026, Ryan Tice)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:04:04 (3:35/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:35/km (1:04:04; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 95th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 3
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 3
Plan
- Distance
- 13.46 km published · 13.46 km mapped
- Elevation
- +124 m / −135 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Relatively gentler on the mapped index (rank 17 of 17)
About 13.5 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 124 m of climbing and 135 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Wreck Cove General Store.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 11.1–11.5 (+18 m over 0.8 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 11.1–11.4.
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Gentler on the mapped index (rank 17 of 17), but distance and relay chaos still count. Steep climbing around km 11.1–11.4 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Mark Royce — 44:48 (2024)
- Daniel Kelly — 45:37 (2018)
- Nick Croker — 46:07 (2016)
Typical Lungs split: 47:45 (3:33/km median).
Planning roster: 8 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Chris Fitzgibbon, Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker (+3 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 98th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 44:48 (2024, Mark Royce)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 47:45 (3:33/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:33/km (47:45; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 98th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 4
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 4
Plan
- Distance
- 20.01 km published · 20.00 km mapped
- Elevation
- +470 m / −467 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mixed terrain
- Difficulty
- Harder end of the course (rank 2 of 17 on mapped index)
About 20.0 km of relay road; expect mixed climbing and descending along this leg. Expect about 470 m of climbing and 467 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Cape Smokey Ski area finish.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 10.0–10.4 (+57 m over 0.8 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 9.7–10.0. The main descent appears around km 12.5–13.4 (−61 m over 1.0 km).
Pacing: Mixed terrain — aim for steady effort on climbs, controlled descents, and an even rhythm on the rollers.
Watch for: Harder leg on the mapped index (rank 2 of 17) — fatigue and terrain both matter. Steep climbing around km 9.7–10.0 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Nick Croker — 1:08:54 (2022)
- Tim Huebsch — 1:09:04 (2018)
- Aaron Manning — 1:09:09 (2023)
Typical Lungs split: 1:15:33 (3:47/km median).
Planning roster: 6 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Nick Croker, Ross Bain, Ryan Tice (+1 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 94th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 1:08:54 (2022, Nick Croker)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:15:33 (3:47/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:47/km (1:15:33; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 94th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 5
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 5
Plan
- Distance
- 17.50 km published · 17.36 km mapped
- Elevation
- +201 m / −210 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Rolling terrain
- Difficulty
- Mid-pack on the mapped index (rank 11 of 17)
About 17.4 km of relay road; expect rolling terrain along this leg. Expect about 201 m of climbing and 210 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Mary Ann Falls / Warren Lake entrance area.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 2.7–3.3 (+24 m over 0.7 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 14.5–14.8. The main descent appears around km 16.2–17.1 (−35 m over 0.9 km).
Pacing: This is a longer, mostly runnable leg — settle into even effort early and save a kick for the exchange, not the first few kilometres.
Watch for: Steep climbing around km 14.5–14.8 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Dan Kelly — 1:00:43 (2025)
- Dan Way — 1:01:25 (2019)
- Scott Leitch — 1:03:20 (2024)
Typical Lungs split: 1:05:49 (3:46/km median).
Planning roster: 6 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Ross Bain, Scott Leitch (+1 more).
Most experienced on roster: Michael Doyle — 2 completions on this leg.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 1:00:43 (2025, Dan Kelly)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:05:49 (3:46/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:46/km (1:05:49; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 6
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 6
Plan
- Distance
- 17.50 km published · 16.99 km mapped
- Elevation
- +319 m / −219 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mixed terrain
- Difficulty
- Mid-pack on the mapped index (rank 6 of 17)
About 17.0 km of relay road; expect mixed climbing and descending along this leg. Expect about 319 m of climbing and 219 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Ingonish area / Cabot High School sector (ing.).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 15.1–17.0 (+72 m over 1.9 km). The main descent appears around km 11.3–13.7 (−93 m over 2.4 km).
Pacing: Mixed terrain — aim for steady effort on climbs, controlled descents, and an even rhythm on the rollers.
Watch for: Difficulty is mid-pack versus other legs on that same index (rank 6 of 17).
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Ryan Tice — 57:03 (2025)
- Dan Way — 1:01:36 (2022)
- Curtis Anderson — 1:01:49 (2018)
Typical Lungs split: 1:07:09 (3:50/km median).
Planning roster: 6 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Curtis Anderson, Dan Way, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain (+1 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 94th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 57:03 (2025, Ryan Tice)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:07:09 (3:50/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:50/km (1:07:09; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 94th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 7
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 7
Plan
- Distance
- 13.10 km published · 13.33 km mapped
- Elevation
- +176 m / −276 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Mid-pack on the mapped index (rank 7 of 17)
About 13.3 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 176 m of climbing and 276 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Cape North / Dingwall fire hall sector.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 0.0–1.8 (+56 m over 2.0 km). The main descent appears around km 7.3–9.1 (−112 m over 1.9 km).
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Difficulty is mid-pack versus other legs on that same index (rank 7 of 17).
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Aaron Manning — 46:47 (2018)
- Ross Bain — 48:09 (2025)
- Dan Way — 48:20 (2024)
Typical Lungs split: 51:43 (3:57/km median).
Planning roster: 3 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Michael Doyle, Ross Bain.
Most experienced on roster: Michael Doyle — 2 completions on this leg.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 46:47 (2018, Aaron Manning)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 51:43 (3:57/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:57/km (51:43; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 8
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 8
Plan
- Distance
- 12.36 km published · 12.12 km mapped
- Elevation
- +210 m / −189 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mixed terrain
- Difficulty
- Relatively gentler on the mapped index (rank 15 of 17)
About 12.1 km of relay road; expect mixed climbing and descending along this leg. Expect about 210 m of climbing and 189 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Big Intervale / before picnic park (PDF).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 0.0–0.7 (+46 m over 0.7 km). The main descent appears around km 5.2–7.0 (−62 m over 1.8 km).
Pacing: Mixed terrain — aim for steady effort on climbs, controlled descents, and an even rhythm on the rollers.
Watch for: Gentler on the mapped index (rank 15 of 17), but distance and relay chaos still count.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Nick Croker — 41:53 (2019)
- Dan Way — 42:41 (2013)
- Peter Speight — 44:34 (2017)
Typical Lungs split: 46:17 (3:45/km median).
Planning roster: 5 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Corbin Johnston, Dan Way, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain.
Most experienced on roster: Michael Doyle — 2 completions on this leg.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 97th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 41:53 (2019, Nick Croker)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 46:17 (3:45/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:45/km (46:17; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 97th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 9
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 9
Plan
- Distance
- 17.84 km published · 17.38 km mapped
- Elevation
- +560 m / −578 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mixed terrain
- Difficulty
- Harder end of the course (rank 1 of 17 on mapped index)
About 17.4 km of relay road; expect mixed climbing and descending along this leg. Expect about 560 m of climbing and 578 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Mountain View Motel Pleasant Bay.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 0.4–2.0 (+105 m over 1.6 km). The main descent appears around km 9.9–11.2 (−165 m over 1.2 km).
Pacing: Mixed terrain — aim for steady effort on climbs, controlled descents, and an even rhythm on the rollers.
Watch for: Harder leg on the mapped index (rank 1 of 17) — fatigue and terrain both matter.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Dan Way — 1:04:21 (2023)
- Nick Croker — 1:07:03 (2025)
- Curtis Anderson — 1:07:14 (2026)
Typical Lungs split: 1:09:47 (3:55/km median).
Planning roster: 5 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Curtis Anderson, Dan Way, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 93th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 1:04:21 (2023, Dan Way)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:09:47 (3:55/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:55/km (1:09:47; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 93th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 10
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 10
Plan
- Distance
- 14.70 km published · 14.44 km mapped
- Elevation
- +544 m / −166 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mixed terrain
- Difficulty
- Harder end of the course (rank 3 of 17 on mapped index)
About 14.4 km of relay road; expect mixed climbing and descending along this leg. Expect about 544 m of climbing and 166 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Benjie’s Lake rest area / Highlands.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 4.8–5.6 (+86 m over 2.5 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 4.7–5.1. The main descent appears around km 8.4–8.9 (−30 m over 0.6 km).
Pacing: Mixed terrain — aim for steady effort on climbs, controlled descents, and an even rhythm on the rollers.
Watch for: Harder leg on the mapped index (rank 3 of 17) — fatigue and terrain both matter. Steep climbing around km 4.7–5.1 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Nick Croker — 56:28 (2026)
- Chris Fitzgibbon — 56:48 (2025)
- Dan Way — 57:41 (2012)
Typical Lungs split: 59:55 (4:05/km median).
Planning roster: 7 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Chris Fitzgibbon, Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker (+2 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 95th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 56:28 (2026, Nick Croker)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 59:55 (4:05/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 4:05/km (59:55; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 95th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 11
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 11
Plan
- Distance
- 14.00 km published · 13.88 km mapped
- Elevation
- +286 m / −572 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Harder end of the course (rank 4 of 17 on mapped index)
About 13.9 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 286 m of climbing and 572 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Look-off past Trout Brook Picnic Park (approx.).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 12.9–13.8 (+71 m over 1.3 km). The main descent appears around km 7.3–7.6 (−107 m over 2.0 km).
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Harder leg on the mapped index (rank 4 of 17) — fatigue and terrain both matter.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Ross Bain — 48:45 (2023)
- Warren Ringler — 48:49 (2012)
- Nick Croker — 49:04 (2015)
Typical Lungs split: 50:36 (3:37/km median).
Planning roster: 6 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Jeff Mountjoy, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain (+1 more).
Most experienced on roster: Michael Doyle — 2 completions on this leg.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 48:45 (2023, Ross Bain)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 50:36 (3:37/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:37/km (50:36; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 12
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 12
Plan
- Distance
- 15.78 km published · 15.29 km mapped
- Elevation
- +177 m / −277 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Relatively gentler on the mapped index (rank 14 of 17)
About 15.3 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 177 m of climbing and 277 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Cheticamp CO-OP grocery parking (approx.).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 1.8–2.4 (+21 m over 0.7 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 1.7–2.1. The main descent appears around km 0.0–0.6 (−55 m over 1.0 km).
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Gentler on the mapped index (rank 14 of 17), but distance and relay chaos still count. Steep climbing around km 1.7–2.1 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Scott Leitch — 51:43 (2026)
- Ross Bain — 53:44 (2019)
- Nick Croker — 53:55 (2024)
Typical Lungs split: 56:01 (3:33/km median).
Planning roster: 7 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain (+2 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 51:43 (2026, Scott Leitch)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 56:01 (3:33/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:33/km (56:01; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 13
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 13
Plan
- Distance
- 15.88 km published · 16.40 km mapped
- Elevation
- +178 m / −174 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mostly flat and runnable
- Difficulty
- Mid-pack on the mapped index (rank 9 of 17)
About 16.4 km of relay road; the mapped profile is relatively flat and runnable. Expect about 178 m of climbing and 174 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Belle Côte / former Joe Scarecrow’s sector.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 7.2–8.7 (+36 m over 1.4 km). The main descent appears around km 6.7–7.2 (−40 m over 0.9 km).
Pacing: This is a longer, mostly runnable leg — settle into even effort early and save a kick for the exchange, not the first few kilometres.
Watch for: Difficulty is mid-pack versus other legs on that same index (rank 9 of 17).
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Mark Royce — 54:45 (2024)
- Ryan Tice — 55:44 (2026)
- Ross Bain — 57:14 (2018)
Typical Lungs split: 1:00:19 (3:48/km median).
Planning roster: 7 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Ross Bain, Ryan Tice (+2 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 54:45 (2024, Mark Royce)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:00:19 (3:48/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:48/km (1:00:19; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 14
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 14
Plan
- Distance
- 19.81 km published · 19.85 km mapped
- Elevation
- +167 m / −187 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Mid-pack on the mapped index (rank 10 of 17)
About 19.9 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 167 m of climbing and 187 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Margaree area Coady Tompkins Library (approx.).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 14.4–14.9 (+18 m over 0.7 km).
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Difficulty is mid-pack versus other legs on that same index (rank 10 of 17).
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Daniel Kelly — 1:09:55 (2018)
- Aaron Manning — 1:10:35 (2017)
- Tyson Loney — 1:11:27 (2023)
Typical Lungs split: 1:14:12 (3:45/km median).
Planning roster: 6 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Corbin Johnston, Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Ross Bain, Scott Leitch (+1 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 95th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 1:09:55 (2018, Daniel Kelly)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:14:12 (3:45/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:45/km (1:14:12; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 95th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 15
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 15
Plan
- Distance
- 15.42 km published · 15.37 km mapped
- Elevation
- +231 m / −135 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Rolling terrain
- Difficulty
- Relatively gentler on the mapped index (rank 13 of 17)
About 15.4 km of relay road; expect rolling terrain along this leg. Expect about 231 m of climbing and 135 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Lakes Cafe Margaree Forks (approx.).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 5.8–6.1 (+28 m over 1.0 km). The main descent appears around km 6.3–6.6 (−22 m over 0.5 km).
Pacing: Gentle grades dominate — run by feel, keep nutrition and handoffs in mind, and don't treat flat terrain as free speed late in the relay.
Watch for: Gentler on the mapped index (rank 13 of 17), but distance and relay chaos still count.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Aaron Manning — 52:53 (2023)
- Curtis Anderson — 52:58 (2018)
- Dan Way — 54:49 (2016)
Typical Lungs split: 57:30 (3:44/km median).
Planning roster: 7 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Alex Hutton, Curtis Anderson, Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle (+2 more).
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 52:53 (2023, Aaron Manning)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 57:30 (3:44/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:44/km (57:30; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 16
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 16
Plan
- Distance
- 15.35 km published · 15.27 km mapped
- Elevation
- +153 m / −221 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Net downhill
- Difficulty
- Relatively gentler on the mapped index (rank 16 of 17)
About 15.3 km of relay road; the mapped leg route is more downhill than uphill overall. Expect about 153 m of climbing and 221 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Middle River churches.
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 3.9–4.5 (+24 m over 0.6 km). The sharpest sustained climb appears around km 9.5–9.9. The main descent appears around km 9.2–9.5 (−31 m over 0.9 km).
Pacing: Net descent rewards control — stay relaxed on the drops, keep cadence on any flat rollers, and avoid sprinting into tired quads.
Watch for: Gentler on the mapped index (rank 16 of 17), but distance and relay chaos still count. Steep climbing around km 9.5–9.9 — ease off and find a rhythm.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Ryan Tice — 48:42 (2024)
- Tim Huebsch — 50:05 (2018)
- Nick Croker — 51:53 (2016)
Typical Lungs split: 54:43 (3:34/km median).
Planning roster: 6 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Dan Way, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker, Ross Bain, Ryan Tice (+1 more).
Most experienced on roster: Michael Doyle — 2 completions on this leg.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 96th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 48:42 (2024, Ryan Tice)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 54:43 (3:34/km).
Rolling or flatter legs on the map can still hide surges and footing changes; compare the profile to leg-level percentiles in Value Added when you interpret a split.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:34/km (54:43; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 96th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty
Leg 17
Cabot Trail Relay Race Leg 17
Plan
- Distance
- 18.70 km published · 18.62 km mapped
- Elevation
- +268 m / −274 m (smoothed)
- Character
- Mixed terrain
- Difficulty
- Harder end of the course (rank 5 of 17 on mapped index)
About 18.6 km of relay road; expect mixed climbing and descending along this leg. Expect about 268 m of climbing and 274 m of descent along the mapped route (smoothed GPX; not official measurement). Exchange finishes toward Baddeck courthouse finish (PDF).
On the profile: The longest steady climb appears around km 2.1–3.7 (+99 m over 1.6 km). The main descent appears around km 6.5–8.0 (−92 m over 1.5 km).
Pacing: Mixed terrain — aim for steady effort on climbs, controlled descents, and an even rhythm on the rollers.
Watch for: Harder leg on the mapped index (rank 5 of 17) — fatigue and terrain both matter.
Team
Top Lungs times:
- Graydon Snider — 1:02:05 (2015)
- Ryan Tice — 1:02:41 (2025)
- Curtis Anderson — 1:05:13 (2019)
Typical Lungs split: 1:06:47 (3:34/km median).
Planning roster: 7 of 14 runners have prior Cabot experience on this leg — Curtis Anderson, Dan Way, Daniel Kelly, Michael Doyle, Nick Croker (+2 more).
Most experienced on roster: Dan Way — 2 completions on this leg.
Field
- Lungs vs field: Lungs outings average about the 95th percentile versus the wider archived field (13 archived splits).
- Lungs best on record: 1:02:05 (2015, Graydon Snider)
- Mid-pack Lungs clock: 1:06:47 (3:34/km).
Legs that rank harder on the mapped course profile often show up as higher-stakes legs in the team’s historical percentiles — profile pain tends to correlate with where the field compresses or stretches.
A typical Lungs split sits near 3:34/km (1:06:47; median). (13 archived Black Lungs splits on this leg). Beating the Lungs' usual 95th-percentile baseline against the wider field often means landing around the 95–99th percentile — useful for debriefs, not a target clock.
Leg percentiles · Value Added · How to read Value Added · Course difficulty