Following the massive success of the Elk Valley Ultra 50km & Relay, the race event will return again to Fernie next year.

Event organizers, Stag Leap Running Co. announced next year’s race will take place on July 28, 2018. Registration is set to open January 1st 2018, and like last year, spots are expected to be filled rapidly. Registration fees for solo racers and relay racers have been outlined at $125, and $100 (per person in a relay team), respectively.

This hugely popular high-vertical race encompasses some of Fernie’s best and beautiful trails.

The 50-km course of primarily single-track dirt started at town level before trailing up a steep ascent to the iconic Mount Fernie Ridge, and beyond to the high alpine at Windy Pass. Connecting onto Heiko’s Trail, the root descends loose rock on a very technical Tamarack Trail towards Island Lake Lodge, where the first leg concluded shortly after on the Old Growth Trail.

The next big climb follows up the gruelling Project 9 trail, and across the Stupid Traverse before a tricky downhill run down S-Bomb. The final leg weaves through the provincial park followed by a final climb and ascent of Stove trail to Mushroom Head.

With 2,800m of climbing and 95% single track, the outstanding route makes the Elk Valley Ultra a fun yet challenging race experience, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

In its maiden event, Ron Ellis was first to cross the line with a time of five hours, 57 minutes and 45 seconds, winning the Men’s Solo Catagory. Becky Bates took the Women’s Solo crown with a time of 6hrs 59min 36sec.

Lead image from Tourism Fernie

Tourism Fernie

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