Sinister 7 Ultra - 50 Miles

Sinister 7 Ultra takes place in Crowsnest Pass in the Canadian Rockies nearby Coleman, Alberta. The 50 mile course traverses the slopes of Mount Tecumseh and over the shoulder of the Seven Sisters Mountain. The route includes approximately 2900 metres of elevation gain, many creek crossings, navigating roots and mud, and steep climbs.

The Course

Driving... With a start time at 10:30am, there was plenty of time to eat, hydrate and so forth.

The 50 mile event starts at the York Creek Staging Area.

Leg six of the route, shortly after reaching the top of the climb up Seven Sisters Mountain

Looking back toward Seven Sisters Mountain

Following the ridge along the shoulder of the Seven Sisters Mountain. The route continues along the ridge in the distance.

Finish line... I ran the course in about 15ish hours at an average heart rate of 107. It was an excellent opportunity to practice my pacing, nutrition and hydration for a 100 mile event next year.

Final Thoughts

Sinister 7 50 mile was an enjoyable experience. With numerous creek crossings, mud and roots, and rocky sections, the course tested the durability of my feet. Aside from a few blisters due to running in wet shoes, my feet were fine. With a start at 10:30am and a fairly exposed course through the mid-day, the heat tested my ability to manage my pace to keep my core temperature down to ensure I could continue to fuel properly. As someone who doesn't fair well in hot temperatures (i.e., sweating more heavily than most people), it was an important learning experience.

Sinister 7 50 mile was a well organized event and the course has some beautiful viewpoints. I appreciate the generous assistance from volunteers along the way. Most of the route follows ATV track. For some sections, there were often ATVs and dirt bikes on the trail. While most trail users are respectful and courteous, some were less so. Overall, I am grateful for the lessons learned along the course!