Registration and dates released for local endurance events

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Those looking to run, hike or crawl for a good cause can register for Fort St. John’s local extreme endurance races in 2026.

Organized by the Vertical Slam Ultimate Challenge Society, the Vertical Slam Ultimate Challenge is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th 2026 in Beatton River Valley near Fort St. John.

The race offers distances of five, 10 or 21-kilometres, and all funds raised benefitting School District 60 food programs.

Just one week later, the distance-based duration Sadownik Miles for Smiles event will take over the city’s Fish Creek Community Forest for 24 hours starting on Saturday, June 12th and ending Sunday, June 13th.

The race is held in honour of Steve and Nicole Sadownik, noted running enthusiasts from the area. Steve joked the “most horrible” endurance race would be loops around the forest, hence the venue.

People are encouraged to race for one lap, one hour, or the entire day-long duration. Funds raised by the race go toward grocery gift cards for cancer patients in Fort St. John Hospital.

Registration is available on the Race Roster website, with a tiered structure for entrants of the former race: $30 to enter the five kilometre, $40 for the 10, and $50 for the half-marathon.

Meanwhile, the Sadownik Miles for Smiles Race will cost $40 to enter. More details are on the Vertical Slam Ultimate Challenge’s Facebook page.