About Sinister Sports
We believe in people. We believe in their ability to push their bodies farther than they ever thought possible. To break records. To inspire others to step up. To rise over and over, despite the odds, and give it every drop of energy and passion that they have. Whether it is a seasoned athlete who wants to be the best, or a beginner athlete who wants to be a better version of themselves, these are our people.
These amazing people need venues to push themselves – they need places that inspire them. This compels us to create the most challenging, most professionally run endurance events in Canada. We are always true to our people, and we celebrate our Rocky Mountain Heritage by highlighting the natural splendour that surrounds us.
Our Staff
These are just a few of the people who make the Sinister world go around. There are dozens of other outstanding people who work at our various races throughout the season.
Brian Gallant (Mr. Sinister)
Owner + Director
In 2000 a few friends at work were talking about this 36-hour adventure race called Full Moon in June. I couldn't believe that it was possible for anyone to race that long without a break, so I supported their team to see it for myself... then I entered my own the next year. In 2002, eight of us we took over managing Full Moon in June and branched out to hosting several more adventure races. In that time, I discovered a deep passion for orienteering and trail running. One by one the partners dropped out and in 2015 we changed our company name to Sinister Sports to keep up with our evolving focus. I'm not competing like I used to when I first started out in endurance sports, but I'm glad I still get to mess people up a bit by putting on races. It completes me. Hosting races keeps me hopping all summer, and I've been spending as much time as possible cross country skiing in the winter, but I'm always happy to see the first signs of spring.
Alana
Admin Assistant / Race Site Coordinator
I’ve been a Sinister employee since 2021. I started off volunteering in 2014 then moved on to coordinator soon after that. My evil plot to overtake the company is all coming together. In my spare time I do enjoy running and spending time on the beautiful trails here in the Crowsnest Pass. I live on a small acreage near TA 5/6 with my three dogs, three cats, two horses and one husband.
Jillian
Assistant Director of Operations
Coming Soon...
Cary
Bookkeeper
International man of mystery. Cary comes and goes like a shadow in the night, leaving behind a trail of cheques and P&L documents.
Kevin
Director of Development
Coming soon...
Kirsti
Director of Customer Experience
My name is Kirsti and I work as our Director of Customer Experience. Chances are, you know me via email or our social media channels. My roll is to ensure you enjoy our races!
With a master's degree in Socio-cultural Aspects of Sport, and a background in both equestrian and distance running, I bring a unique perspective to Sinister Sports. My encouragement for one’s personal growth is matched only by my desire to cultivate meaningful experiences for the athletes and supporters of these incredible events.
When I heard about the Canadian Death Race I trained hard and subsequently completed it in 2021. As I grow continually as an athlete, I am drawn deeper into the ultrarunning community and love supporting others along their journey.
When I am not in social media land, most of my time is spent outdoors sharing my passion with others, by both running in the mountains and being on my farm near Cochrane, Alberta.
Mark
Search and Rescue + Communications (Crowsnest)
In 2007 they approached me and asked, "If we were to do a race in The Pass, could you show us the trails?" and I have been helping out with the races ever since. That's almost 20 years - you owe me bigtime, Brian.
Shep
Manager of Field Operations
Hey team, my friends call me Shep! I love to work with my hands and I can fix just about anything. As part of the Sinister team, I get to do all the fun behind-the-scenes things to make sure our runners have the most amazing time out on these breathtaking trails! Outside of work you'll either catch me in the mountains or running absurd distances on short loop courses. A few running achievements I am proud of: 2x Team Canada Backyard Ultra National Championships, 200km Columbia Plateau Trail FKT, 6-Day Personal Best: 701 kilometers
As a serial volunteer and friend of Rotary, I love to use my skills to improve my community. I aim to approach all of life's challenges with a positive attitude and endless curiosity. There is so much to be experienced in this world and I hope to capture it all.
Suzanne
Sponsorship Coordinator
I’ve been with Sinister Sports for six years and while my job title is sponsorship coordinator I feel like I get to do a lot more cool stuff than just that. Most of my time is spent connecting with sponsors to bring our racers a bunch of awesome stuff. I also try to find ways to get our sponsors directly involved with our events and by doing so have made tons of great connections that have turned into real friendships.
I live in Coleman just a couple blocks from the Sinister course and it’s my favorite place to go trail running with other sinister staff and my three crazy dogs. I love showing people my backyard so reach out if you’re in town and want to run!
Awards We've Received
In 2013 the Sinister 7 Ultra won the Travel Alberta Alto Award for Sustainable Tourism. Sinister 7 Ultra was selected by the Alto judges due to our commitment to reducing waste, our cultural sensitivity, and our support of the community.
From 2009 to 2015 the Sinister 7 Ultra won Get out There Magazine's Readers' Choice Award for Best Ultra in Western Canada. We've worked hard to keep that title.
Most recently the Sinister 7 Ultra was honored as Event of the Year at the Southwest Alberta Service & Tourism Awards. The judges presented the award stating that the event brings in over 1,400 athletes, and that the race has become a “bucket list” event with a strong international following.
