Want to race the most famous ultramarathon in the world? Here’s a breakdown of Canadian races currently eligible to gain points towards getting into the lottery.
To enter the race lottery, with 2,300 runners eventually getting a slot for the Chamonix, France 100-miler, one must gain 15 points from a maximum of three trail races. Points are based on race difficulty on a scale of 1-6, with six being the most difficult.
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For 2018 UTMB registration, race results from 2016 and 2017 are eligible.
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Diez Vista Trail Run – April
Port Moody, B.C.
100K (elevation gain: 3,820m) – 4 points
50K (elevation gain: 1,890m)- 3 points
One of the oldest ultramarathons in the country, runners start and finish at Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Regional Park.
Ultra-Trail du Mont-Albert – June – July
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Que.
167K (elevation gain: 7,340m) – 6 points
101.5K (elevation gain: 4,590m) – 5 points
44.4K (elevation gain: 1,900m) – 2 points
21.8K (elevation gain: 1,110m) – 1 point
Known as one of the more challenging races in Canada, run through Gaspe National Park in the 100-miler.
Ultra Trail Gaspésia 100 – June
Percé, Que.
100 miles (elevation gain: 3,860m)- 5 points
106K (elevation gain: 2,600m) – 4 points
53K (elevation gain: 1,540m) – 2 points
A stunning set of races in the Gaspé region.
Buckin’ Hell – July
North Vancouver, B.C.
50K (elevation gain: 2,540m) – 3 points
A showcase of the best trails and viewpoints on Vancouver’s North Shore.
Sinister 7 Ultra – July
Crowsnest Pass, Alta.
Solo 159.5K (elevation gain: 5,770m) – 6 points
Relay – 1-2 points, depending on leg
A rugged and remote course in the beautiful Rocky Mountains range.
The North Face Endurance Challenge Ontario – July
Blue Mountain Resort, Ont.
50 miles (elevation gain: 2,120m) – 4 points
50K (elevation gain: 1,540m) – 3 points
The only Canadian stop on The North Face Endurance Challenge Series, enjoy views of Georgian Bay and take on the challenging terrain of popular Blue Mountain Ski Resort.
Vert le Raid – July
Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que.
47.8K (elevation gain: 1,550m) – 2 points
Mont-Sainte-Anne is the home of Quebec Mega Trail on the shores of the St. Lawrence River.
Black Spur Ultra – August
Kimberley, B.C.
100K (elevation gain: 4,220m) – 5 points
50K (elevation gain: 2,150m) – 3 points
Relay – 1 point
From the same creators as Sinister 7, you know this race will be tough.
Fat Dog 120 Trail Race – August
Manning Park, B.C.
120 miles/194.8K (elevation gain: 9,080m) – 6 points
70 miles/111.3K (elevation gain: 3,830m) – 5 points
50 miles/77.7K (elevation gain: 3,150m) – 4 points
A stunning point-to-point course in southern British Columbia.
Squamish 50 – August
Squamish, B.C.
50 miles/77.3K (elevation gain: 2,980m) – 4 points
50K (elevation gain: 2,120m) – 3 points
22.4K (elevation gain: 820m) – 1 point
One of the hottest tickets in Canada, the quick-to-sell-out Squamish 50 is held in the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, located between Vancouver and Whistler.
Finlayson Arm – September
Victoria, B.C.
100K (elevation gain: 4,990m) – 5 points
50K (elevation gain: 2,460m) – 3 points
Technical mountain terrain with plenty of single-track trail.
Golden Ultra – September
Golden, B.C.
84.8K (elevation gain: 4,100m) – 4 points
58.2K (elevation gain: 2,410m) – 3 points
21.9K (elevation gain: 610m) – 1 point
The three-day stage race allows for runners to choose between race distances or build their own event.
La Chute du Diable – September
Saint-Mathieu-du-Parc, Que.
81.2K (elevation gain: 2,450m) – 4 points
49.7K (elevation gain: 1,230m) – 2 points
35.1K (elevation gain: 990m) – 1 point
Plenty of race distances for every level of runner. Plus, post-race beer is included in race registration.
Ultra-Trail Harricana – September
La Malbaie, Que.
125K (elevation gain: 3,490m) – 5 points
65K (elevation gain: 1,600m) – 3 points
28K (elevation gain: 970) – 1 point
Breathtaking views at the UNESCO World Heritage site, located within a crater created by a meteor hundreds of millions of years ago.
Whistler Alpine Meadows – September
Whistler, B.C.
50K (elevation gain: 3,150m) – 3 points
25K (elevation gain: 1,410m) – 2 points
Alpine meadows, waterfalls, wildflowers, glaciers and mountain views in one of Canada’s hottest tourist spots.
Bromont Ultra – October
Bromont, Que.
160K (elevation gain: 5,880m) – 6 points
80K (elevation gain: 2,900m) – 4 points
Perhaps the toughest ultramarathon in Canada east of the Rocky Mountains.
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RELATED: Top Quebec ultrarunner’s big-time mileage ahead of toughest race of his life.
The list above is up-to-date as of 2017 registration with all stats and race distances from the UTMB site. See UTMB’s official listings for more details.
This year’s UTMB goes off on Sept. 1 at 6 p.m. local time.
