Fort St. John shows strong presence at Canadian Death Race in Alberta

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Fort St. John had a huge representation in the annual Canadian Death Race last weekend in Grande Cache, Alberta.

A total of 67 participants from the energetic city took part in the day-long trail race, with 51 taking part as members of teams, 10 in the ultra marathon category, and six solo runners, according to organizers.

The grueling 118-kilometre trail race, which takes place through three mountain summits and has an elevation change of over 17,000 feet, is comprised of five stages over 9.5 or 24 hours.

Participants can choose between the “near death” event of 42 kilometres, up to an “ultra” solo or relay race for the full distance.  

Athletes who fail to finish one leg before the scheduled time of the following leg are “timed out.” 

Local resident Jennifer Desiar was along the trail course through the mountains.  Having previously been an active participant in prior races, she sat on the sidelines this year as an event volunteer.

Desiar says the swelling of Fort St. John athletes compared to her initial attempt in 2019 made her feel “excited and happy.” 

“The first time I went, there was only one team,” said Desiar, who volunteered at the start line and captured an image she posted on Facebook. “This year, there were so many fresh faces.”

“If you’ve done the Death Race, it’s an awesome experience. It’s challenging, and seeing these people going down the pipeline.  It’s amazing.”

Laurie Cardinal, who cut her endurance race teeth participating in the local ‘Emperor’s Challenge,’ has been involved in both solo and team races during her seven years of participation.

Cardinal has been active in the Death Race since 2014. She says her training involves as much as a 24-week running cycle, and recommends having a few ultra marathons “under your belt” 

“The first year I ran solo, I was actually [two minutes and 51 seconds] over the time limit,” said Cardinal. “I didn’t get a beer or a medal, but I finished.”

“Trail racers are the best when they get on the trail together. We’re all as one. We help each other, we encourage each other. It’s about community.”

Sinister Sports hosted the race. Since 2002, they have organized endurance events throughout British Columbia and Alberta.