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Ultra coming to Elk Valley in 2017 running season

The running community is excited, and the town of Fernie is behind Stag Leap, it’s time for a new race in town!

Stag Leap Running Co. launched in April 2016, is aiming to build a trail running community in Fernie, BC. Offering a variety of services, from running club and training runs, to races and events, the primary aim is 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.

With the amazing array of trails, the running community near and far is excited, and the town of Fernie is behind Stag Leap and what they strive to achieve, it’s time for a new race in town.

The Elk Valley Ultra 50 kilometre /25 kilometre, takes place on July 29, 2017. A high-vert, challenging 50-kilometre 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 unraced trails, including the iconic Mount Fernie to Windy Pass, down to Island Lake Lodge - a stunning high alpine route. Also included is 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 3,000 metres of climbing, it’s set to be an amazing route promising 95 per cent single track, and five per cent 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 50 kilometres of #ferniestoke. With a 25 kilometre gateway option, being sure to utilize the best bits.

There is strong local support from Island Lake Lodge, Fernie Alpine Resort, Fernie Trails Alliance, City Council, Fernie Brewing Co. and Tourism Fernie – with whom Stag Leap worked 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 B.C., Alta. and MT. trail running communities, who are already very familiar with Fernie as an amazing mountainous  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, well-organized and flagged courses, local Fernie Brewing Co. finish line beers, swag and awards, thanks to the amazing support of the local community and beyond.

Registration will open Nov. 1, on ultrasignup.com. With further details on the route, trails, elevation, race details and sponsors appearing at stagleaprunning.com, as they are finalized. We look forward to seeing you on July 29, 2017.