Welcome to the Elk Valley Ultra – Fernie, BC

Welcome to the Elk Valley Ultra 50km/25km, taking place on Saturday July 29th, 2017.

Stag Leap Running Co. aims to put Fernie on the map as a trail running destination in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. — Photo: Stag Leap Running Co.

Stag Leap Running Co. launched as an online trail running resource in April 2016, aiming to build a trail running community, in the adventurous, destination mountain town of Fernie, BC. Offering a variety of services to date, from running club and training runs, to races and events, the primary aim being to bring both residents and visitors to Fernie together on the trails, and put Fernie on the map as a trail running destination in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

So far, so good, with a number of new offerings, including the screening of the touring Trails in Motion 4 Film Festival, and the King of the Castle Vertical Climb, July Long as part of the popular Fernie Roll & Sole Festival. But with the amazing array of trails, the running community near and far excited, and the town of Fernie behind Stag Leap and what they strive to achieve, it's time for a new race in town...

Welcome to the Elk Valley Ultra 50km/25km, taking place on Saturday July 29th, 2017. A high-vert, challenging 50km race. Starting and finishing in the Annex Park, alongside the Elk River, the route is set to encompass some of Fernie’s best and beautiful, yet un-raced trails. Including the iconic Mount Fernie to Windy Pass, down to Island Lake Lodge stunning high alpine route. The beautiful Old Growth Forest, infamous Project 9 climb and the aptly named Stupid Traverse. Followed by the deserving reward of the flowy, cedar filled Provincial Park Trails, over into Fernie Alpine Resort and home. With ~3,000m of climbing, it’s set to be an amazing route promising 95% single track, and 5% double track. No roads, no outs and backs. A route as challenging as it is beautiful, steep as it is rewarding. It’s pretty much 50km of #ferniestoke. With a 25km gateway option, being sure to utilize the best bits.

There is strong local support from Island Lake Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort, The Fernie Trails Alliance, City Council, Fernie Brewing Co. and Tourism Fernie – with whom Stag Leap worked with this past summer to put together a “Destination Fernie” Trail Running Video, to help promote Fernie as a trail running destination comparable to its skiing, biking and fishing fame. This race will cater primarily to the BC, AB and MT trail running communities, who are already very familiar with Fernie as an amazing mountainous and racing destination, looking for a new 2017 challenge to add to their calendar.

As a non-profit business to date, Stag Leap Running Co has so far ensured events are reasonably priced, offering an amazing race atmosphere, #ferniestoke, well-organized and flagged courses, local Fernie Brewing Co. finish line beers, race swag from the local Giv’er Shirt Works, personalised awards and top draw prizes, thanks to the amazing support of the local community and beyond.

Registration will open November 1st, on ultrasignup.com. With further details on the route, trails, elevation, race details and sponsors appearing at www.stagleaprunning.com, as they are finalised. We look forward to seeing you Saturday July 29th, 2017!