Since the start of the millennium, racers have come to the Canadian Rockies to cheat Death in one of the world's toughest ultramarathons. The 118km course begins and ends on a 4200-foot plateau, passes over three mountain summits, and not only includes over 17,000 feet of elevation change but a major river crossing at the spectacular Hell's Gate canyon at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. Each year, extreme athletes push themselves to the limits of their endurance against the breathtaking background of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Well-trained and totally committed, they battle heat, cold, altitude, and their own demons. Finishing is the prize and the bragging rights are priceless.

We are proud to announce that Death Race is a Western States Qualifier; one of the few in Canada.

Be sure to check out the Racer Information Package for full race details.

The Canadian Death Race is now a part of the following qualifiers and series:

Race Details

Full race info is in the Racer Information Package.

Date/Start Time:

August 2-3, 2025

Friday
- 1:00pm-8:00pm – Racer Check In & Package Pickup (Arena, Rec Centre)
- 7:00pm – Volunteer Meeting (Curling Rink, Rec Centre)
- 8:00pm – Racer Meeting (Main Stage, Central Park)
Saturday
- 8:00am – Race Start (Central Park)
- 5:30pm – Near Death Marathon Cutoff
Sunday
- 8:00am – Race Ends
- 10:00am – Post-race breakfast (Arena, Rec Centre)
- 10:30am – Awards (Arena, Rec Centre)
- 1:00pm-1:45pm – Kids Race LATE Check In
- 2:00pm – Kids Race Begins (Central Park)

Host Site:

Community Recreation Centre / Central Park
Grande Cache, AB

Distance:

42km Half Death Marathon, 118km Ultra & Relay

Elev. Gain/Loss:

2,132m/6995' (Marathon) | 5,181m/17,000' (Ultra)

Duration:

Marathon - 9.5 hours
Ultra - 24 hours

Course:

Please see the course description here

Registration Cap:

1,000 racers*

Solo = 350 spots reserved until March 15 with up to the maximum on the first day of registration
Near Death Marathon = 200 spots maximum
Relay registrations will make up the balance of registrations

*Note that we reserve the right to raise or lower the registration cap without notice.

Registration Opens:

Solos – October 10, 12:00hrs (MST)
Teams – October 10, 12:00hrs (MST)

Registration Deadline:

July 18, 23:59hrs (MST) or when full

Support Crew:

A support crew (someone to move your gear and food) is not required but recommended for solo runners.

Aid Stations (CPs):

CPs are located throughout each stage of the race.

All stages will have at least one CP but supplies vary
Runners are not allowed to cache gear at CPs (picking up or dropping off) but they are encouraged to leave garbage here
Most CPs are staffed – some have snack food and drinking water available
Support crews and relay teams are not permitted to meet their runners at CPs

Drop Bags:

Solo competitors may leave a drop bag for each TA and CP423. One bag is required per TA as they are not moved during the race. Drop bags MUST be submitted at check in on Friday before the race.

Categories:

Female Solo – Ultra
Female Junior – Ultra
Female Masters – Ultra
Male Solo – Ultra
Male Junior – Ultra
Male Masters – Ultra
Female – Marathon
Female Junior – Marathon
Female Masters – Marathon
Male – Marathon
Male Junior – Marathon
Male Masters – Marathon
Co-ed Team
Female Team
Male Team