8 registration dates you don’t want to miss

As the weather cools alongside our 2018 race season, it’s time to start planning for 2019. Registration for popular trails races and lotteries is fast approaching. Don’t miss out on some of Canada and USA’s most popular ultrarunning events. Here’s a quick list of races with limited registration or lottery deadlines.

RELATED: It’s never the “off” season: Canadian winter running races/events in January and February

1. Cabot Trail Relay – May 25-26th 2019 – Cape Breton, N.S.

276K relay race with 17 stages along the Cabot Trail from Baddeck, Cape Breton through the mountains in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, to Margaree Valley. Put your team together quick, as registration is via snail mail. The deadline is December 22nd.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BUAiVOblFkV/?tagged=cabottrailrelay

2. Western States 100 miler – June 29-30th 2019 – Squaw Valley, California

If you have accumulating tickets with qualifying races, this may be your lucky year for the historical Western States Lottery. Don’t forget to put your name in November 3-10th. Lottery draw is December 1st.  

https://www.instagram.com/p/BafpHHelOUC/?taken-by=wser

RELATED: Western States 100 announces rule change on lottery entries

3. Knee Knacker 48K – July 13th 2019 – West Vancouver, B.C.

The Knee Knacker races along the famous Baden Powell trail from West Vancouver to North Vancouver, BC with over 4,800 metres of elevation gain. 2019 marks the 26th year of the event. Entering the lottery is no guarantee you’ll have the privilege of racing, so best put your name in the hat. Lottery registration opens December 15th to January 31st 2019. 

4. Hardrock 100 miler – July 19, 2019 – Silverton, Colorado

The Hardrock 100 is like the unicorn of 100 milers. We know it exists, but never know if the lottery will grant us permission to stand on the start line. If you’ve completed a Hardrock qualifying race in the last two years, then don’t forget to register for the Hardrock 100 lottery from November 1-15th. 

RELATED: How Hardrock 100 runners prepare for altitude 

5. Canadian Death Race 42.2K and 125K – August 3-4th 2019 – Grande Cache, Alta.

Register as a relay team or solo. The 125K distance offers over 5,100 meters of elevation gain and is part of the Sinister Triple, which includes Sinister 7 and Black Spur Ultra races. Registration opens December 1st.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfD6KUeFrkw/?taken-by=canadiandeathrace

6. Squamish 23K, 50K, 50 mile, and 50/5o – August 17-18th 2019 – Squamish, B.C.

With over 3,300 metres of elevation gain in the 50 mile, on technical Squamish trails, this race is tough. Last year, the 50K sold out in 44 minutes. Set your alarm for November 23rd at 7am.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnvwKDTBJOV/?taken-by=squamish50

7. UTMB 171K – August 30-September 1st 2019 – Chamonix, France

It’s almost time to calculate your International Trail Running Association (ITRA) points and put your name in the UTMB lottery. The famous mountain race around Mont Blanc is part of the Ultra Trail World Tour, which offers race distances 40K to 171K. Don’t have 6 points to enter the UTMB lottery? Use your points from previous races to register for the CCC (101K), TDS (119K), OCC (56K), or YCC (15K) lotteries. Lottery registration happens December 18-January 3rd 2019. 

https://www.instagram.com/p/BnLNPTKhbwe/?taken-by=utmbmontblanc

8. Finlayson Arm 28K, 50K, 100K – September 6-8th 2019 – Victoria, B.C.

A weekend of trail race parties that starts with the 100K at 5pm. One of the toughest 28K, 50K, and 100K races you will find in Canada. Spend your Valentine’s Day setting new goals as registration opens February 14th.

RELATED: Nine early-season Canadian trail races for 2018

Trail and ultrarunning races are more popular than ever. Plan ahead and mark your calendars. You don’t want to miss your chance to race these exciting events.