Gary Robbins' Backyard 100 Miler - THE BIG CHILL

In August 2020, Gary Robbins set out to complete a mountain route in his backyard of Chilliwack, BC, covering 109 miles / 176 km of mountain terrain with over 33,000 ft / 10,000 metres of climbing and descent. I followed along with Gary's adventure, both to document it as a filmmaker, and to help support him on his crew and as a pacer.
This was filmed on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Stó:lō People.
MY CAMERA EQUIPMENT: bit.ly/3oanbYd
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#trailrunning #ultrarunning #barkleymarathons

[@philippjochem6308]

Route finding in the mountains feels like something we’ve evolved to do-it's such a primal and rewarding challenge. Huge props to Jeff Pelletier for filming while running a big portion of the course. The best man for the job. The cinematography is outstanding and truly captures the spirit of this adventure!

[@renaudgenest2584]

"In ultra-running in general, you're going to suffer, but what's really special is if you can suffer in beautiful places" Great quote !! (13:46)

[@heighRick]

Gary, Jeff, Geoff, Sam, Anne-Marie and everyone else involved, thanks for sharing a great journey with us, what a place and what an experience. Thanks, helps a lot!

[@EthanDurant]

Not only are you an incredible athlete but also a story teller, filmmaker and editor. So fire

[@djkatiec]

"This was filmed on the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Stó:lō People." I love seeing this recognition in your video description!

[@Ryouhana7]

Gary seems like such a humble and good dude. Glad he was able to accomplish this under the 40 hour goal he had set. Congrats, man. Also, well done with the filming, Jeff. Really enjoyed this video.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Rami 🙏

[@tonybowen455]

Crazy how we're exploring space but still finding stuff here!

[@seansteede]

Well said.

[@assassinduke]

The advancements we make in space helps everyone, countless technologies have been developed because it was required for space travel. But yeah the earth is so beautiful i love it aswell.

[@greenhat7618]

We’ve only mapped like 5% of the ocean floor

[@therevanchist8967]

I bet theres lots of unexplored trails on mars

[@matiaslindner6635]

Very emotional video! One of the things I like the most is the life metaphor: you walk your way, you struggle, you slow down, speed up again and then you need to find your route. But most importantly, in all these steps, you know someone is always with you: your friends, your family, and your kids! Today they are supporting you and tomorrow you will support them! The running community you created is amazing! An impressive accomplishment for Gary, a superhero!

[@species5022]

Beautiful film Jeff, you captured the emotions just right without overdoing it! And what an achievement from all of you, Gary, you Anne and Sam!

[@luiscolome75]

One of the most emotional documentaries I've seen on YT. Thanks Jeff for this amazing job. You manage to make us feel the huge success this was for Gary, and the whole team, of course.

[@evacwerdna]

OMG, this quote right at 6:13. So meaningful. This is something to remember 😄

[@whatsupbadger]

As a Brit I always struggle with this sort of vid as it occasionally comes across v self-promoting and congratulatory. Once I accepted that this is simply a cultural and stylistic difference the photography, location and story did grab me. I had to remind myself that the filming of this thing makes the thing itself so much harder. Huge congrats to the entire team (I'm sure it was much bigger than I think). It is a stunning piece of documentary film making.

[@eualdito]

What an incredible story. Masterpiece video. Scenery. Music… everything.

[@Ray.J]

I'm going to take a different tack and discuss everything BUT the event. To me, the story is much, much bigger than any event. It begins with Gary and his passion, a passion so evident it pervades the whole video. And again, it begins outside of The Big Chill with family and friends. You can see the devotion to family and the friends devotion to Gary. That sort of devotion comes from mutual respect. Gary's passion for the sport is obviously genuine and it is intoxicating. Watching him persevere makes us believe that we too can accomplish great things. I'll never run a 100 miler, but part of me believes I could. Thanks Gary, for the motivation and for sharing your passion. It truly is intoxicating.

[@GaryRobbins]

This is the most pleasant and wonderful comment ever. Thank yo so much Ray! Happy Holidays :)

[@carlkligerman1981]

Gary just blows my mind. Such an inspiring and intelligent human being.

[@gavsta18]

Said it before and I’ll say it again... The production quality in your videos is top tier. Another cracking film, Jeff.

[@c.thompson9771]

OH, I was SO hoping that there was a DIRECT route from Depot Creek area OVER to Jones Lake road highlighted. Next time? Bought here in 07' Chilliwack River Valley; and fyi, the forest people are still in charge. Awesome effort, much appreciated!

[@KreutzFahrer7]

grew up in BC but live in NZ now and with all the amazing scenery and nature in NZ i am still awed by my homeland, absolute inspiration you are Gary!!

[@JeffPelletier]

I can't wait to visit NZ one of these days. Any hikes I should add to my bucket list there that you can recommend?

[@KreutzFahrer7]

@@JeffPelletier thats a hard one... ive done alot here, and really have not had a bad hike, personally i find south island where i live the nicest.... nelson lakes, kurangi are great ... great walks are good but very busy....the hut system here is amazing.... most trails have a hut every 20km u can spend night in... what im saying is.. you cant go wrong for hiking here

[@JeffPelletier]

Awesome, I think it’s the hut system that would appeal most to be for some fastpacking.

[@Tinaly83]

It was the longest run to jump into the water I´ve ever seen!!! ;-) Nice run, nice video. I like it.... greetings from Germany, black forrest....

[@nihao4587]

what a professionally made documentary, great work Jeff! It was so touching and I truly feel like I am in it with Gary while he was scouting the trails.

[@silversurfer5400]

best ending ever! wow what an accomplishment

[@shadowwarrior2030]

Looking forward to the day when Gary's visions come to fruition. All best!

[@brettandrewclarke]

This landscape so insanity. Great video. And again great inspiration for summer adventure.

[@ThePlantParadigm]

I madly respect how much mountaineering knowledge you’d have to have to tackle and conquer all these exposed landscapes 🙌

[@JeffPelletier]

Gary's got years of trail running, adventuring races, and light mountaineering experience! Always a pleasure spending a day with him in the mountains as I learn so much.

[@Karma7711]

Props to the guy filming this as well!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@Karma7711]

@@JeffPelletier great job man! (from a fellow camera op/dop)

[@HBCrigs]

love me a backyard adventure. Best kind of adventure and best kind of adventurers

[@yomommashaus]

19:05 wow, incredible graphics on the map! great work on the video guys!

[@reynardthefox9072]

very interesting scout and run mission. I live in a place where the trails are hundreds of years old, so going off trail and finding pristine locations is very fun 🦊🦊🦊🦊🦊

[@chrisbarnaby7754]

What a fantastic film. Thank you for making and sharing it 🙏🏻

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Chris!

[@matthewthomas9644]

Gary doing what he does best, absolutely brilliant! great video.

[@DM_RUNNING]

Great film, loved it, just finished watching for second time

[@chrisemmons9725]

Thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@carstenbeinecke5493]

What a story. Thanks to Gary and Jeff.

[@FlyingScot911]

Loved this. Grew up hiking and fishing in those hills. Left to explore Mexico for about 10 years. We live on a very, very beautiful planet. Thank you for the work, dedication, and putting your journey to film and sharing it with us. I really appreciate it.

[@philiprogers8620]

What an excellent film Jeff, great work putting this together! Deserves millions of views, hope more people discover your channel.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Philip 🙏

[@morencymusique]

Gary is certainly one of the most inspiring athlete. Love ya man.Thank Jeff for sharing such a journey.

[@JeffPelletier]

Agreed! 💪

[@zefrenchrunner4344]

Great trail running movie. And i mean every word. Landscape and trails look amazing. Gary running's journey is epic once again. Cinematics and storytelling are just perfect. Congrats to you both.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks so much for the kind words 🙏

[@OmarAbdulMalikDHEdMPASPACPAPro]

I've been binge-watching your videos! I did a 12 mile run this morning, I want to do an ultra on a BEAUTIFUL trail like this, Lord willing. I live in Washington, D.C. (flat w/ no elevation). Your videos are so inspiring! I'll keep training! 😃🗻🏃🏾‍♂️⛰

[@paulkim1384]

This is super cool!! 💕 I love the fact that it's right at your neighborhood with world class scenaries. 👍👍 Exploring all by yourself without other runners/crowd must be very peaceful and special!!👍 Thanks and awesome work Jeff!! 👍

[@valorhsu]

The shot is great, the scenery is also very beautiful, I like your video very much, thank you for sharing.

[@jancksLC]

Awesome video and accomplishment!

[@Vancouver_Ohi]

Wowoo~~~ I am really amazed with your journey 😃🤗😃

[@lmbraga]

Going for my first 100 miler in 2021 after not doing anything in 2020. Gary is a great source of inspiration! Thanks!

[@JeffPelletier]

Which 100 miler are you planning on in 2021?

[@lmbraga]

@@JeffPelletier it's in Portugal, called Peneda-Geres.

[@JeffPelletier]

Oh wow, that park looks beautiful. I’d imagine there’ll be a fair bit of technical terrain?

[@lmbraga]

@@JeffPelletier it's not high-mountain alpine terrain, but it's mostly narrow techie trails. An adventure, for sure.

[@literarybeard2259]

Well that was delightful

[@littlejogger95]

17:40 Just that shot alone seems otherworldly to me. I have nothing like that in my local area, you guys are so, so lucky!

[@sangitparajuli1227]

such as a great accomplishment by Gary! so happy for him

[@DavusPlagus]

That was wonderful.

[@susanhinde2114]

Watched it twice already. Fantastic. Posted to UK Fell Running Site - hope that's okay.

[@JeffPelletier]

Post away! Thanks Susan.

[@CarlinDoeksen]

Wow. Incredible film, Jeff. Thank you. Amazing job. Amazing project and accomplishment Gary. Moving.

[@maxwright4387]

i just watched this a second time. so awesome. i think you should scrub the initial 50 km, move the start to chilliwack lake so it's not a loop anymore, sort out some of the navigation around the peaks, and make it a race. i won't sign up, but im sure some people will.

[@honzikck82]

Love it, love the emotions, love your strugle....

[@peckermusic]

That was truly lovely and inspiring

[@adamsadams5540]

Now I wanna run it!!!!!! Oh my goodness please just make a lil race outta this!!!

[@LucaBaldassarre]

Fantastic!

[@lukegraham5105]

Unreal video! You're a BEAST in so many ways man!

[@lukegraham5105]

You too Jeff! I've been watching all your videos lately and you have accomplished some crazy stuff! The fact you also do such an insanely good job of filming everything and putting out HIGH quality videos! Congrats! I'm def a fan now!

[@lukegraham5105]

Name of opening song?? :)

[@jonathanfysh4744]

I loved that film so much! Such beautiful scenery. Thank you

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Jonathan 🙏

[@mikemaby5497]

Dude I'm so glad you made it, I love stuff like this. Thanks man. :)

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Mike, glad you enjoyed it!

[@mikemaby5497]

@@JeffPelletier :)

[@simonn1978]

Again a beautiful made video/Movie. Thank you for sharing your work with us.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Simon!

[@1972njm]

Loved this, Brilliant 👏

[@UNS33NSHAD0W]

thank you for sharing this epic adventure i really enjoyed this!

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad to hear it!

[@patrickcarroll334]

I'm 54 in March Gary. Keep on keeping on and sharing the love. Bravo Sir.

[@anaisr1804]

What a great guy. Amazing movie!

[@tomstrack42]

Absolutely loved this!

[@imranawan5977]

Man just wow Amazing work.

[@SergiuSalcau00]

so glad he did this in the sense ride 2. i m gonna run my first trail running race in them in 2 weeks, hahahah. great motivation, thanks Gary.

[@pedromacd]

Lovely films. This channel deserves way more subscribers. What an amazing part of the world to do a veeeeeeery long run!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Peter. It's a great place live.

[@pierrotgodot]

Great video. Great adventure. I noticed that it was shortly after aid stations and at night is when Gary had his nausea problems. If he was taking caffeine pills and/or loading up on coffee to stay awake caffeine intoxication could definitely cause that in conjunction with the darkness and headlamp.

[@JeffPelletier]

I don't remember him taking in too much caffeine, but that may have been part of it. Sometimes, it's just not your day.

[@Mangoapple87]

This was very very cool.

[@M365PowerAdmins]

Very cool video. Nice work all round.

[@MissNikkor]

Wow! So cool for sharing this and taking us along on your journey. Was incredible. I'm not a trail runner at all, i'm a hiker. but still love watching video like this one. Very inspiring. Great job Gary and Jeff

[@ИльяБывалый-ф5т]

Cool video! Thank you for your inspiration!👏

[@mikhailpodobin7635]

Good movie! Good people!

[@CanadianSkylights]

That was incredible. Excellent trip and an even better film. Great stuff Gary and Jeff!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@jamiedunnett4152]

I have enjoyed running the terrain around Cultus but have yet to venture deeper into the surrounding mountains. This film is a great inspiration. Well done fellas!

[@mattomeara9865]

Thank you for putting this out for everyone to enjoy! Super inspirational to see Gary out there crushing his goals.

[@Nimixor]

Amazing story and video. Really inspirational. Thanks!

[@JeffPelletier]

🙏

[@Sejdr]

This was awesome - life can be an adventure, if you want it to be!

[@FreeRangeMiller]

Very nice cannonball finish!

[@JeffPelletier]

One of the best finishes I've ever seen, for sure.

[@cliftonmadden1992]

Awesome effort for Gary and a fantastic film Jeff! Thanks!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Clifton!

[@danielmagana5125]

Great attitude great high spirit... Well done... Cheers from NYC

[@pavelkucera5563]

I just love all your videos. Very inspirational.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Pavel, I appreciate it!

[@GopiNath-xt4tv]

Amazing. Beautiful chilliwack.

[@simonkluckow8920]

So good. Thanks for sharing Jeff and Gary.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you enjoyed it Simon!

[@souravsaha3140]

Wonderful

[@kristinelim174]

Wow, this was incredible. Thank you for documenting and sharing this with us! Easily one of my favorite videos I’ve seen in a long time.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, I appreciate that!

[@makingupaminute600]

Such a great video! We throughly enjoyed watching this with our kids. Hmmm looks like we may have to road trip it over when we get the chance and explore the area for ourselves!

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad to hear! I made sure to bleep out the swears to keep it family friendly ;)

[@adamreese6829]

Great film, Jeff. Such a beautiful area and a grand adventure through it. Your story telling through your films is top notch.

[@jeffm234]

Wow what a beautiful location!

[@alesiabock9305]

Awesome film and super inspirational story about Gary Robbins and BC 💖

[@hibiru6868]

This was bittersweet to me. On one hand a great personal triumph. On the other hand I very much dislike people moving into areas and then wanting to change that area to meet their goals and disregarding the goals of others. If someone lives in an area for solitude there simply is no other way but to destroy their dreams while bringing in the masses to meet your dreams. While I understand things in life change continuously it still leaves a bad taste with me. I see that a lot in rural areas where people from cities/suburbs feel like they're discovering an area - no you're not, if you weren't there first then you didn't discover anything, you want to exploit an area. Keeping it the way you found it seems like it'd be the biggest success to me. That's just my opinion.

[@JeffPelletier]

It's a great discussion. Something to consider is that this area in Chilliwack is currently mainly used by offroad vehicles, something which is less in balance with nature compared to relatively light use by hikers and runners. My understanding is that this is why those in charge of the parks in the region would like to see more hiking trails be developed - it's a sustainable use case, as opposed to seeing the slopes suffer from further clear cutting or other development.

[@runcationsviajarycorrer]

Awesome challenge and landscapes. Good job Gary

[@mixpix]

Great video. Thanks for the journey and tour of the mountains. I hope to see more of them in the future. Grew up in Abby and Hope.

[@sergiominoggio396]

Hi Jeff, what a wonderful places showed in a really beautiful video! Great Gary, one of my preferred athletes. See you soon in VdA (tor des glaciers is waiting fo you)😜

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Sergio! See you at Val D’Aran!

[@sergiominoggio396]

@@JeffPelletier ..Vallée d'Aoste! 😉

[@JeffPelletier]

Ahh, of course!

[@brwilkinson1977]

I've watched this one about 10 times... Also just listened to it while I work a few times. Definitely a good value and inspirational film and story.

[@kimkranz9764]

So incredibly beautiful, so glad you shared it with us.

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@clairenortham]

Beautiful! So glad you all captured this for us to enjoy.

[@wouternrs]

Thanks for sharing this and taking us along on your journey. This definitely gives me more strength and determination to also push through current injuries and working hard to make better days happen!! 👊👊👊

[@shawnr.9681]

Great film Jeff, That was some awesome looking pizza the first time I saw it ! Congratulations Gary!!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Yea, the pizza looked much better going down than it did coming back up 🤢

[@peaksandpaws]

Damn!!! Can you believe that this is your backyard? Amazing job again, Jeff!! Great film!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks. It’s pretty incredible terrain!

[@calvinwesterfeld1518]

such a moving and inspiring film, well done to everyone involved, and of course congrats to gary for an amazing run :)

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Calvin!