Inaugural Hidden Oasis ultramarathon boasts some remarkable features

Runners will reach new highs as they hit the uppermost point (1466 metres) between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador this weekend during the inaugural Hidden Oasis ultramarathon, held in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial park.

Race director Rita Pasiciel “quickly found the Cypress Hills an extraordinary training environment” when out exploring during her own runs, and was inspired to plan a race based in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. The park boasts a diverse combination of forests, hills and lakes within the prairies.

Pasiciel teamed up with local ultrarunners, Karen Fogen and Marvin Genno to create Hidden Oasis 100 in 2018. After a COVID-19 delay, they are thrilled to finally see the race go ahead this Saturday, June 11th.  Pasiciel says “nothing can stop it from becoming a reality now.”

Hidden Oasis will be the first inter-provincial 100 mile event. Cypress Hills park is nestled between southeastern Alberta and southwestern Saskatchewan, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Alta. side of the park, a 45 minute drive from the Medicine Hat, annually hosts the annual small but popular Futterwacken trail race.

Hidden Oasis Ultra has 6 legs, completed by a solo athlete or a relay team of up to 6. Runners have 30 hours to complete the event, with legs varying in length from 23-32km and a total elevation gain of 3300 metres. This year’s inaugural event will welcome around 60 participants, and over 90 volunteers manning well-stocked aid stations.

Seasoned racer Heidi Schmaltz, 39, from Lumsden, Sask. says being a part of the first Hidden Oasis 100 is particularly special. Schmaltz has been eagerly awaiting this weekend where she will push herself in “some of the prairie provinces’ most difficult and beautiful terrain.” Pasiciel agrees. “I’m very excited to finally welcome all the runners and participants” she says.