Welcome to the Sinister 7 Ultra. The event has become a tradition for many people and we will do whatever we can to live up to your expectations.
This document is made up of information found throughout our website, but it is all on one convenient page so that you can print it easily.
We live and play in Crowsnest Pass so we are constantly reminded that the Sinister 7 Ultra course is truly magnificent. The race combines some of the best trails in the area with viewpoints and scenery that only a few people ever get to enjoy. With 6,321m of elevation gain across the 160km of rugged terrain that makes up the course, this race is not for the weak of heart. We cannot stress enough the fact that this race is incredibly difficult. Be prepared for one of the toughest experiences of your life. Both solo and relay runners alike will find this race challenging.
We hope this package will cover all of the information you need to know and more. It was written with the über-planner in mind, so we hope it covers all of the details. We want to provide an amazing experience from start to finish. We’re racers too and know it can be frustrating if something seems to be missing or vague. Contact us at any time and we will be happy to answer your questions or clarify race details for you.
Thank you again for signing up and we look forward to seeing you at the race.
Brian Gallant
Race Director
The following changes to the course and race format all come from racer requests and our own logistical concerns. Everything is detailed elsewhere in the document but here is an overview.
We are introducing a 50-mile option for soloists. It's actually more like 51.5-miles, but this is an Ultra so you'll have to suck it up and do the extra 1.5. Full course details will be released in late October, but essentially you will start from west Coleman and follow the rest of the course, starting after the big up and down on Saddle Mountain. Don't think of this as easier; it's hard but shorter. We will also be introducing a "mini-triple" for those who do the short distance at each of our three ultras.
We are getting rid of individually packaged gels. Instead, we will provide all of our racers with a custom, HydraPak gel flask and have bulk pouches of GU Energy Labs available. We have been working on this concept for over a year, and we’re so happy to have both HydaPak and GU on board.
With this plan, our first goal is to decrease the amount of waste generated at the races. With over 3,500 competitors across our season, we are looking at how to decrease our footprint as a whole. The second goal is to reduce the possibility of garbage on the trail. Most litter isn’t intentional; you stuff a bit of trash in your pocket and the next time you reach in something falls out. The third goal is to provide something memorable for you, our competitors.
HydraPak is sponsoring the gel flasks and GU is supplying bulk 15-Serving Energy Gels for the season. It’s so exciting to be partnering with two companies that share the same vision. We already removed disposable cups from our remote aid stations in 2013, and we plan to take on at least one big project like this every year.
Yes, you can bring your own gel packages, but we enourage you to buy bulk and use this nice flask.
Crowsnest Pass may be Alberta's best-kept secret. Located in the southwestern corner of the province, the Pass is nestled into the Rocky Mountains just outside of the Continental Divide. Home to stunning views, abundant wildlife, challenging terrain, and a supportive community, it was only natural to bring the Sinister 7 Ultra to the area.
In the early days, the Pass was a community focused on resources. The extraction of coal and timber drew many people to the area, who then settled into one of the many towns now making up the district. Although faced with many tragedies, such as the Frank Slide of 1903 and the Hillcrest Mining Disaster of 1914, Crowsnest Pass became a well-populated and thriving community. Today the community is made up of the neighbourhoods of Bellevue, Hillcrest, Frank, Blairmore, and Coleman. The ruins of former towns, like Lille, stand in testament to the legacy of the area.
Supported by a strong volunteer base, Crowsnest Pass offers many amenities to its visitors and residents. Attractions such as the Frank Slide Interpretive Center, the Crowsnest Museum, and the Bellevue Underground Mine welcome visitors for daily tours.
Crowsnest Pass offers boundless recreational opportunities. Whether your interest is running, mountain biking, rock climbing, ice climbing, scrambling, road biking, white water paddling, cross country skiing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, or fly-fishing, there are endless opportunities to get out and play.
Book your accommodations early; rooms fill up fast here in the summer. You will be hard pressed to find a bed after January. We have a user generated Accommodation Database here. Listings are posted for both home-stays and formal accommodations. This database will grow throughout the year so keep checking back.
Most of the accommodations in the community are B&Bs and Holiday Homes. Please visit the Crowsnest Pass Holiday Home Association website: http://www.crowsnestpassholidayhomes.com/.
You may also book campsites near TA2/TA3 and next to the Finish area in Coleman by going to the Camping section of the Accommodations page. You must book ahead to reserve one of our campsites. The community maintains a campsite in Bellevue, just off Hwy 3, on a first come, first served basis. You can also camp for free anywhere in the forest reserve that surrounds the town. Some racers with RVs like to camp at TA5/TA6.
If you cannot find a room and you do not mind driving a little further, also check in the towns of Fernie, Sparwood, and Pincher Creek.
The closest airports to Crowsnest Pass are in Calgary and Lethbridge, Alberta or Cranbrook, British Columbia. A wide variety or domestic and international carriers service Calgary International Airport. Both Calgary and Cranbrook airports are approximately a two and a half hour drive from Crowsnest Pass and Lethbridge is one and a half hours, however fewer airlines fly there.
Please use this map for basic driving directions to Crowsnest Pass and the key locations on the course. We will also have driving directions available at Registration.
Race package pick-up and sign in will be held at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman on Friday. Solos will also check in drop-bags, if necessary, at this time. We do not accept drop-bags on Saturday morning. The Sports Complex is also the Finish Line and the post-race awards dinner will be held here (Covid regulations permitting). You are welcome to store gear in the Sports Complex but we do not have people to monitor anything that is left behind.
The race start is located on 20th Avenue in Blairmore, in front of Gazebo Park. This is just to the east of the centre access to the area. Several blocks will be shut off to vehicles to allow us to have the start here. Please look at the map for parking areas. We suggest that you park at the Albert Stella Memorial Arena (TA2/TA3) and walk over from there – it is only a few blocks and there is a lot more room in this area.
We have arranged three shuttles to assist runners:
There is additional camping available northwest of the Albert Stella Memorial Arena (ASMA). ASMA has limited parking and RVs are not allowed in the parking lot. RVs may camp in the fields north of 19th Ave for a reasonable fee, which goes to a local charity. Note that you are not allowed to camp within 50’ of the CP Rail tracks. Vehicles are not allowed in the tenting field so you must walk your gear to the tent site. As mentioned above, for unsupported solos who choose to camp at TA2/TA3, we will have a shuttle van going back and forth from the finish area to ASMA so you can leave your vehicle here if you need to.
All of our camping is available by reservation only. Book Here.
We love dogs but they can cause a great deal of disruption for racers and create extra mess that is not appropriate around the areas that make up the host sites. If you do bring your dog, it must be on leash at all times around the host site and all transition areas throughout the race. Dogs are not allowed near the food areas at TAs, inside the Albert Stella Memorial Arena, or inside Crowsnest Sports Complex at any time.
**Subject to Covid Gathering Restrictions**
All racers should plan to attend the pre-race meeting the day before the race. We will talk about the course, safety, and any last minute changes that may occur due to trail conditions, weather, or animal activity. Most importantly, this will give you a chance to check in without stress and allow us to welcome you with a dinner hosted by the race organizers and our sponsors. The meal is included as a part of your registration. Extra meals will be available for purchase at the race.
**Subject to Covid Gathering Restrictions**
Celebrate the Sinister 7 with your fellow Sinners. Competitors receive tickets to the post-race meal and awards as part of their registration. Extra meals will be available for purchase at the race. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you finish the race, so please do stay and share your experiences. We will also honor racers for achievements such as “first blood”, the Marty Lund Spirit Award, and more. Stick around – who knows what awards you may qualify for. Extra meals will be available for purchase at the race.
Be prepared; the Sinister 7 Ultra may be the toughest experience of your life. We do not want to downplay the intensity or severity of this race in any way. You need to be ready through training and planning.
During the race, you will be in some very isolated areas and may not have immediate access to facilities, or assistance of any sort. If you are running solo and cannot complete the 161km in the less than 15 hours, you will be running in the dark. The Sinister 7 is as mentally demanding as it is physically grueling. When you have been running for hours on end, your mind will give you a million reasons to quit - you have to decide that it is more important to finish.
Relay racers can expect to run from 11km to 36km on rugged trail, depending on the leg you chose. Runners on legs 4, 5, 6, and 7 may be running in the dark, depending on how fast you, or how fast your team runs. Each leg is a little different and some will take you far out in the wilderness. We cannot stress enough that you will need to be self sufficient when you are out there and the help you receive on course is very limited.
Please note that any course descriptions in this document are subject to change due to environmental factors, weather, and animal activity. We will do our best to update you if changes arise prior to the race but we will confirm all of the details at the pre-race meeting.
You will be running in remote wilderness, and the chance of injury is very real so prepare to be self-sufficient. We hire top-notch medical staff but they cannot be everywhere at once. If you are injured out on the course, be ready to hunker down for a few hours until a course sweeper or medic comes by. If you are injured but able to move, try and make it to the nearest Transition Area or Checkpoint. If not, try and send word with another racer. Race marshals on foot, bike, and ATV will sweep the course approximately one hour after all runners have started the leg. Please take the time to read the Emergency Protocol document on our website.
There are definitely bears and cougars in the area. If there is reported activity around the course prior to, or during the race, we may modify the course. We cannot predict random animal activity so please stay alert. Take note of the information below on what to do if you approach a bear or cougar on the trail. We may dress up in bear suits to “motivate” runners; please do not pepper spray bears if they are wearing Sinister 7 t-shirts and running shoes.
If you drop out of the race, it is essential that you contact the race directors at either the nearest Transition Area or the race HQ (Albert Stella Memorial Arena). If you do not, we will assume you are lost or injured and we will be out looking for you. If we mobilize a search party, you will be charged for any search and rescue fees that are incurred as this takes up valuable resources. Please just take a few minutes to check in. Even if you do drop out, we want you to join us at the awards lunch so you can share your stories and let us wish you on your way.
If you have a medical condition or take medications that may affect your race in any way, you should consult your doctor before competing. We will have medical staff on site to help with first aid, search and rescue, and emergency transport only. They will not assess if you are capable to run. If you do have a condition that our medics need to know about, please fill out the Medical Form on our website. This is confidential and only used by our medics in case of emergency.
Every year we get a report of a racer seeing a bear or cougar on the couse. The reality is that most encounters with these animals rarely lead to aggressive behaviour and attacks are even rarer. Bears especially prefer to avoid contact with humans, and any animal you do see is probably just as frightened as you are.
The best way to prevent an unpleasant encounter is to avoid them all together. Bears and cougars usually avoid people, and most people don’t even know when they’ve come close to an animal. To ensure a surprise or unpleasant encounter doesn’t occur, try to remain with other runners as much as possible and make lots of noise by talking or singing. Put the iPod away and pay attention to your surroundings.
If you do encounter a bear or cougar, pepper spray and bear bangers can be useful IF you know how to use them. Remain calm. Stay together if you are in a group; you will appear larger and more intimidating if you stick together. Identify yourself by speaking in a calm, appeasing tone. Back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, don’t run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react. In most cases, the animal will flee.
To learn more about bear encounters, check out these BearSmart guidelines, or the Alberta Bear Smart brochure. For cougar information, read the Alberta Cougar safety brochure.
Both solos and teams have 30 hours to complete the Sinister 7. After that, you will not be able to continue the race. Each leg also has a cutoff time; you must keep up with these times or you will not be able to finish in 30 hours. In addition, you must also start each leg by a specified time or you will not be allowed to continue.
The start area is located in front of Gazebo Park in Blairmore. Parking for the start is located at the Albert Stella Memorial Arena, and along the railroad tracks just off of 20th avenue. The finish area is located at the Crowsnest Sports Complex in Coleman.
Between each stage of the race is a Transition Area (TA) where you will be able to access supplies, meet your support crew or relay runner and take a break in relative comfort. TAs will also have some basic facilities such as portable washrooms, snacks, water, and shelters.
When you finish a leg, there will be a chute that you will follow in order to check in, get your time, and continue on the next leg. This is also where relay runners will tag off. These chutes are extremely visible and will have large signs stating the end of the leg and where to go for the start of the next leg. Staff and volunteers will be waiting at the chutes to assist you if required. Some TAs are used multiple times so it is critical that you follow instructions in order to avoid confusion. We know you will be tired and probably delirious, but please be aware of the signs.
All solos are allowed to have a drop bag at TAs. Up to four drop-bags are allowed and they will be placed at the appropriate TAs. If you are running relay, please try and have any necessary gear with your teammates but you are still allowed drop bags. Drop bags are placed at the following locations:
Look at the course and plan your drop bags accordingly. We will provide labels for your bags at racer registration. Racers must submit their drop bags on Friday before the race. No bags will be accepted on Saturday morning. Bags will be placed in a line at the TA in whatever order they come off the truck so make your gear noticeable. Use a weatherproof bag, as we may not be able to shelter this gear. We also will not transfer drop bags, or any gear, from place to place so put what you need where you want it. If you feel you can get by without support or drop bags at every location, this is perfectly acceptable.
Drop bags are intended to act in lieu of a support crew. If you have a support crew, please do not leave a drop bag with us unless absolutely necessary. Any gear left with us will be returned at the end of the race.
You will need to meet the previous runner on your team at the TA that ends their leg. For example, if you are running Leg 2, you need to meet the runner from Leg 1 at TA1. There is a designated chute for racers to enter and leave a TA. Please do not linger at the entrance or exits to the chutes – this holds up everyone else and creates a traffic jam.
Try to be at the TA, ready to meet your runner, 30 minutes before they are expected. We are not able to give ongoing updates as to where runners are on the course so it is up to you to be ready. If you are not at the TA when your runner comes in, you do not get any time credit. There are also several cutoff times, which are listed on pages 15-22. If a team cannot keep up with these times, they will be given a forced start or disqualified. In the event of a forced start, relay racers are more than welcome to run but without an official time. If this is the case you still must start by the specified time.
You can find driving directions to TAs here.
The course is further divided by several Checkpoints (CPs) staffed by race marshals. These locations are typically remote and act as safety points. All CPs are equipped with a radio and some have emergency supplies. You can expect at least one checkpoint per leg and the distances vary.
The Sinister 7 course will be well marked with flagging, paint, reflectors, reflective markers for night sections, and coloured direction signs. There should be no guesswork when it comes to following the proper route. We cannot flag every 100m of the course but we will put markers in critical areas. All trail and road junctions will have a number of markers to eliminate any doubt as to the right direction.
We will talk about course markings at the racer meeting. Remember: It is still up to you to stay alert and watch for these signs. We will do our best to make them frequent and visible, but the rest is up to you. We highly recommend reviewing the route on our website and making a visit to the area to run the course ahead of time. If you have a GPS, the routes are available for download on our website at on the Course page.
We will have a variety of snacks available at all TAs and some “real” food later in the race. We cannot accommodate every need so please plan to bring anything you really want via support crews, drop bags, or your next racer if you are on a relay team. Any CP that is accessible by road will also have water and snack food.
We recommend that you be prepared to drink from streams or rivulets if you need water when higher up in the mountains. The water in the area is generally clean, and besides, illnesses like Beaver Fever take about two weeks to manifest symptoms so you should be fine for the duration of the race!
Also note that all food and supplies are for racers and volunteers only. Relay runners are welcome to eat at aid stations on their leg but bring your own if you are visiting other TAs as a spectator; we do not want to run short.
Updated May 9, 2021
New! See our new Gender Category Policy.
Definitions
Race Rules
*Examples:
**We do not encourage teammates to run together as it is meant to be one person per leg, however, we recognize that teammates often run together in order to show support to young or new runners. The runner designated for that leg is the one who must run the entirety of that leg. For safety reasons, Race Administration must be aware that additional runners are on that stage of the race.
The weather conditions in the Rockies can change dramatically in a short period of time. A light drizzle combined with 80km winds will cause hypothermia in short order, unless you are properly equipped. Some of the higher areas of the course will still have snow in July. You may be on your own for several hours if something goes wrong.
We suggest you carry the following gear. You will be in remote wilderness, and you are responsible for your safety. If you are injured it may be several hours before we can reach you, so you need to be prepared. Do not think it will not happen to you! Weather changes quickly in the mountains, and every year we have racers that DNF due to environmental conditions, so prepare accordingly. You may elect to carry additional gear, like bear spray, at your discretion.
If you do not wear your timing chip or bib number, as per the race rules, you are not considered a competitor in the event.
Note: We do not supply disposable cups at our aid stations, so you must have a vessel if you want water or electrolyte. You are welcome to refill bottles and bags.
Not one bit of pavement on this course!
Distance: 28km
Gain: 2,250m
Loss: 2,250m
Duration: 8.5 hours to complete the course
Distance: 8.8km
Gain: 722m
Loss: 722m
Max: 2,122m
Trail Type: Singletrack, doubletrack, dirt track, cross country
Must Start: 09:00hrs
Cutoff: 12:00hrs
You start with a steady climb up Paradise Valley, followed by a relentless climb up to Haig Ridge. This is one of the most scenic, but seldom-visited highlights of the area. Then it's a steep, fast downhill back to the resort for the start of Leg 2
Distance: 8.5km
Gain: 440m
Loss: 440m
Max: 1,826m
Trail Type: Singletrack, doubletrack, dirt track
Must Start: 12:00hrs
Cutoff: 14:30hrs
Heading south down the Haig Lake valley, you get some incredible, winding single track, and more of that. This is a prime berry-picking area if the weather has been just right and they haven't already been eaten by our grumpy, hungry, four-legged friends. Cresting the hill to Haig Lake is one of the most stunning vistas in the area.
Distance: 10.7km
Gain: 865m
Loss: 865m
Max: 2,250m
Trail Type: doubletrack, dirt road
Must Start: 14:30hrs
Cutoff: 17:30hrs
Get ready for the big climb. Fun fact - Castle Mountain Resort isn't actually on Castle Mountain... it's on Gravenstafel. Ol' Gravey throws it all at you: steep climbs, wind, and generally gnarly weather. The out-and-back along Gravenstafel Ridge offers views into the Syncline Valley to the south; another seldom-visted area of southern Alberta. With another rapid descent, and your toes bursting out of your shoes, you'll be dreaming of Leg 4 (AKA the T-Bar Lounge).
Support people (aka Support Crews) are typically only required for solo runners as most relay runners do one leg and hand off to a teammate at the Transition Area. A good support person can truly be the lifeline for a solo racer. Nothing beats coming into a TA where there is food, fresh gear, and encouraging words waiting. Support people help keep their racer moving. If you intend to support a racer, do not be afraid to ask questions – we want your experience to be as rewarding for you as it is for the competitors.
Do not plan on cell phone coverage while in the more remote TAs. Any emergency communications should be done through Race Staff, who are all equipped with a radio. We do not have the ability to track all racers on the course at all times so please refrain from asking for competitor updates.
Some Transition Areas (TAs) are tight and excess traffic makes it difficult for everyone, so please try and keep the number of support vehicles you have to a minimum. You do not need a 4x4 to support this race, but a vehicle with good ground clearance will make it easier on you. Trailers and RVs are acceptable but, again, some TAs are tight and you will find it difficult to maneuver. You will be moving at odd times during the race, so be prepared to drive at night. You will drive primarily on pavement, but some TAs are accessed by gravel roads. Be sure you have a spare tire, a jack that works, and know how to use them. You may be out of town for a long while so bring what you need to be comfortable.
We will have printed copies available at the host site. You are able to drive to all TAs to meet your racer. Once your racer starts on a leg, you should make your way to the next TA and set up for their arrival.
You can find all of the driving directions online HERE, or pick up a copy at race check-in.
If your racer doesn’t look well (delirious, dehydrated, or somehow broken), please contact our staff. The racer will not be disqualified for receiving basic medical aid.
Many of the TAs we use are random campsites with no services. Please keep your campsite simple; in some cases there is not a lot of room. Please do not light fires at the TAs. Whenever possible, we'll have a porta-potty if facilities aren't available. Make sure you have enough gear to keep yourself comfortable during the race. You will be in the mountains and it can get pretty cold at night. There can also be blistering heat during the day. Suggested crew gear:
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