Hundreds of endurance runners will be travelling to Kimberley Alpine Resort on August 19-21 for the second annual Black Spur Ultra, a challenging ultramarathon with 54km and 108km distances.

The 54km event is the Canadian National Championship for 2016 with the top female and male runners being crowned Canada’s top 50k trail runners.

“The course is unlike any other,” said race organizer Brian Gallant. “A world-class venue, the natural beauty, and the rugged terrain are a perfect combination for an epic mountain ultra.” The race has 300 registrations with elite runners coming from as far as California and the Brazil.

During the race, the runners will be largely self-sufficient, despite the aid stations located at approximately 15km intervals. The race is not for the faint of heart; many competitors will find the distance, combined with the rough course, fatigue, and weather, too much to handle. In 2015, the inaugural year, Black Spur gained a reputation as an “instant classic” and a “bucket list” event.

For people who would like to see what is happening, the race is hosted at Kimberley Alpine resort, and spectators are welcome. For those who would like to get more involved, there are many volunteer opportunities, and the organizers provide a fun atmosphere at the event.

The race organizers continue to work with local stakeholders, and the province, in ensuring the race is sustainable and well run. In addition to advocating a ‘Leave No Trace’ policy during the event, the organizers will make a monetary donation to the Kimberley Nature Park Society, Kimberley Trails Society, and Kootenay Freewheelers for the purposes of trail development and maintenance.

“Maintaining the natural beauty that attracts our racers to these venues is one of our highest priorities, and we do this by supporting groups whenever we can,” said Gallant.

Lead image: Black Spur Ultra by Raven Eye Photography

Submitted by Black Spur Ultra

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