Racer Information Package

• WELCOME FROM THE RACE DIRECTOR
• WHAT'S NEW
• DIRECTIONS TO THE RACE
  • Air Travel
  • Driving Directions
• HOST SITE INFORMATION
  • Race Package Pick-Up
  • Post-Race Awards Ceremony
• RACE WEEKEND AGENDA
• RACE INFORMATION
  • Safety
  • Medical and Health Concerns
  • Cut-off and Start Times
  • Race Start and Finish
  • Transition Area
  • Drop Bags
  • Transition Information for Relay Runners
  • Checkpoints
  • Course Markers
  • Food and Water on Course
  • Race Rules
  • Recommended Gear
  • Additional Gear
  • Restricted / Prohibited Items
• ROUTE MAPS & DESCRIPTIONS
• SUPPORT CREW INFORMATION
  • Support Crew’s Role
  • Support Crew Area
  • Medical Help
  • Stuff to Bring
• DRIVING DIRECTIONS

WELCOME FROM THE RACE DIRECTOR

Thanks for signing up for the Canadian Death Race. The race has been challenging runners since 2000, and we are so excited to continue this legacy. The Canadian Death Race combines some of the best trails in the area with viewpoints and scenery that only a few people ever get to enjoy. Both solo and relay runners alike will find this race a daunting challenge.

 

We hope this package will cover all of the information you need to know and more. It was written with the über-planner in mind, so we hope it covers all of the details. We want to provide an amazing experience from start to finish. We’re racers too and know it can be frustrating if something seems to be missing or vague. Contact us at any time and we will be happy to answer your questions or clarify race details for you.

 

Thank you again for signing up and we look forward to seeing you before the race.

 

Brian Gallant
Race Director
(403) 563.5766 | Email:

 

Photo by Raven Eye Photography

 

WHAT'S NEW

The biggest and most obvious change is that the race is now managed by Sinister Sports. Organizationally that will mean a number of behind the scenes changes that our racers should never notice. Regardless of anything, we promise you the same tough Death Race experience that you are used to. The course will not change, except for any minor tweaks that need to happen due to land issues, but our intention it to keep it the same. Some changes:

• We are lowering the price for both solos and relay runners. We want to be sure the race is accessible as possible.
• What we serve at aid stations is under review, as well as the number of aid stations. We use checkpoints to ensure that racers are safe, but Sinister Sports is also known for great aid stations.
• The race will now start right at 8:00am, not 7:55, although we will keep the Le Mans start to spread racers out.
• The race will now use hands free timing, which is provided by Zone4.
• Solo runners will now be allowed to have a drop bag at each Transition Area. We are debating whether to allow a drop bag at Ambler Loop.
• Cutoff times are going to be modified to show the time you must leave the station, not the time you must arrive. This is to ensure that racers are not lingering in transition areas for unreasonable lengths of time.
• Mandatory Gear is now Recommended Gear.
• The race rules are under review and will be updated to mesh with other Sinister Sports practices. No matter what, every race is unique so the rules are never 100% the same.
• We are reviewing the time of the awards ceremony as well as potentially including the post-race breakfast as a part of your registration at no extra cost. Stand by as we work figure this one out!
• Volunteer incentives for 2019 are under review. We will honour any volunteer credits offered for the 2018 race.
• We will be getting rid of our billeting and substitutions Facebook groups. They will be replaced with Accommodations and Team Finder tools on our website. You can still post on the main Facebook group if you are in a pinch.

DIRECTIONS TO THE RACE

 

Air Travel

The nearest commercial airport (Domestic): Grande Prairie (YQU) + 2 hours drive. International Airports: Edmonton (YEG) + 5 hours drive, Calgary (YCG) + 8 hours drive. These airports offer daily flights to regional destinations on WestJet and Air Canada. Carpooling is encouraged. Check out our Facebook page for Racers coming to train in the weekends leading up to the race.

 

Driving Directions

Grande Cache is located 142km North of Hinton, and 184km South of Grande Prairie on the Bighorn Highway 40. Grande Cache is nestled on top of a 4,200ft plateau and is surrounded by 6000ft to 7000ft mountains on all sides. The scenery is as impressive as the challenge that lies ahead.

From Edmonton: Take Highway 16 west toward Jasper. After Hinton turn North up Highway 40 to Grande Cache. This takes about 5 hours by car.

 

From Calgary: (The Scenic Route) Highly recommended, especially if this is your first time to the region. From Calgary drive up the Jasper/Banff Ice Fields Parkway, an absolutely breathtaking trip through the Rockies with spectacular glaciers, waterfalls and rocky mountain towns (including Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper). Trip time about 7 hours. For a shorter trip, go via Highway 22 or 2.

 

HOST SITE INFORMATION

 

Race Package Pick-Up

Race package pick-up and sign in will be held at Grande Cache Recreation Centre from 12:00pm to 8:00pm on Friday. Solos will also check in drop-bags, if necessary, at this time. If you are unable to attend on Friday night, we do not check in racers on Saturday morning.

 

The race will start and finish in Central Park, just to the west of the recreation centre.

 

The post-race awards will be held in the recreation centre.

 

Post-Race Awards Ceremony

Celebrate or commiserate with your fellow Death Racers at the post-race brunch and awards. Everyone is welcome, whether or not you finish the race, so please do stay and share your experiences. We will also honour racers for achievements such as First Blood, the Trevor Nickel Spirit Award, and more. Stick around – who knows what you may qualify for.

 

RACE WEEKEND AGENDA

Please see the Race Details page for the race agenda.

 

RACE INFORMATION

 

Be prepared for the Canadian Death Race. You are the best person to help get yourself through the course and out of any trouble you encounter. During the race, you will be in some very isolated areas and may not have immediate access to facilities, or assistance of any sort. If you are running solo and cannot complete the 125km course in the less than 13 hours, you will be running in the dark. The Canadian Death Race is as mentally demanding as it is physically grueling. We cannot stress enough that you will need to be self-sufficient when you are out there and the help you receive on course is very limited.

 

Please note that any course descriptions in this document are subject to change due to environmental factors, weather, and wildlife activity. We will do our best to update you if changes arise prior to the race but we will confirm all of the details at the pre-race meeting.

 

Safety

You will be running in remote wilderness, and the chance of injury is very real so prepare to be self-sufficient. We hire top-notch medical staff but they cannot be everywhere at once. If you are injured out on the course, be ready to hunker down for a few hours until a course sweeper or medic comes by. If you are injured but able to move, try and make it to the nearest Transition or Checkpoint. If not, try and send word with another racer or use a cell phone. Race marshals will be sweeping the course one to two hours after all runners have started the leg. Please take the time to read the Emergency Protocol document on our website.

 

There are definitely bears and cougars in the area. If there is reported activity around the course prior to, or during the race, we may modify the course. We cannot predict random animal activity so stay alert. Take note of the information pamphlets, which will be available at registration, on what to do if you come across a bear or cougar on the trail.

 

If you drop out of the race, it is essential that you contact the race HQ. If you do not, we will assume you are lost or injured and we will be out looking for you. If we mobilize a search party, you will be charged for any search and rescue fees that are incurred as this takes up valuable resources. Please just take a few minutes to check in. Even if you do drop out, we want you to join us at the awards lunch so you can share your stories and join in the camaraderie.

 

Medical and Health Concerns

If you have a medical condition or take medications that may affect your race in any way, you should consult your doctor before competing. We will have medical staff on site to help with first aid, search and rescue, and emergency transport only. They will not assess if you are capable to run. If you do have a condition that our medics need to know about, please fill out the Medical Form on our website. This is confidential and only used by our medics in case of emergency.

Cut-off and Start Times

125k runners have 24 hours to complete the course. Near Death Marathon runners have 9.5 hours. After that, you will not be able to continue the race. Each leg also has a cut-off time defined in the Race Rules; you must keep up with these times or you will not be able to finish in the allotted time. In addition, you must also start each leg by a specified time or you will not be allowed to continue.

 

Please see the Race Rules for full details.

 

Race Start and Finish

The start and finish area is located in Central Park, just west of the Grande Cache recreation centre. Parking is located at the south side of the centre, as well as on the street.

 

Transition Area

Between each stage of the race is a Transition Area (TA) located next to the start/finish area. At the TA you will be able to access supplies, meet your support crew or relay runner and take a break in relative comfort. The TA will also have some basic facilities such as washrooms, snacks, water, and shelters.

 

When you finish a leg, you will pass through a chute which will allow you to check in, get your time, and continue on to the next leg. This is also where relay runners will tag off. These chutes are extremely visible and will have large signs stating the end of the leg and where to go for the start of the next leg. Race crew and volunteers will be waiting at the chutes to assist you if required. It is critical that you follow instructions in order to avoid confusion. We know you will be tired and probably delirious, but please be aware of the signs.

 

Drop Bags

All solos are allowed to have a drop bag at each TA. If you are running the relay, you are still allowed to have drop bags, but please try to have any necessary gear with your teammates.

 

We will provide labels for your bags at racer check-in with a different colour for each TA. Drop bags will only be accepted at check-in on the Friday before the race. Bags will be placed in a line at the TA so make your gear noticeable. Use a weatherproof bag or bin, as we may not be able to shelter this gear. If you feel you can get by without support or drop bags, this is perfectly acceptable.

 

 

Transition Information for Relay Runners

You will need to meet the previous runner on your team at the TA which starts your leg. There is a designated chute for racers to enter and leave a TA. Please do not linger at the entrance or exits to the chutes – this holds up everyone else and creates a traffic jam.

 

Try to be at the TA, ready to meet your runner, 30 minutes before they are expected. We are not able to give ongoing updates as to where runners are on the course so it is up to you to be ready. If you are not at the TA when your runner comes in, you do not get any time credit. There are also cut-off times listed in the Race Rules. If a team cannot keep up with these times, they will be given a forced start or disqualified. In the event of a forced start, relay racers are more than welcome to run but without an official time. If this is the case you still must start by the specified time.

 

Checkpoints

The course is further divided by several Checkpoints (CPs) staffed by race marshals. These locations are typically remote and act as safety points. All CPs are equipped with a radio and some have emergency supplies. Some, not all, also have food and fluids.

 

Course Markers

The Canadian Death Race course will be well marked with flagging, signs and reflectors. There are a lot of trails out there, so you must pay attention to which leg you are running. Leg numbers are posted on all of our signs to help remove any guesswork. We cannot flag every 100m of the course but we will put markers in critical areas. All trail junctions will have a number of markers to show the right direction. If you don’t see a flag or sign for a while, you may want to retrace your steps to the last junction. Since the course is all counter-clockwise, you will be making mostly right turns at junctions… but watch the signs.

 

We will talk about course markings at the racer meeting. Remember: It is still up to you to stay alert and watch for markers. We will do our best to make them frequent and visible, but the rest is up to you. We highly recommend reviewing the route on our website and making a visit to the area to run the course ahead of time.

 

Food and Water on Course

We will have a variety of snacks available at TAs. We cannot accommodate every need so please plan to bring anything you really want via support crews, drop bags, or your relay teammates. Some CPs will also have fluids and snack food. Water stations are marked on the course map.

 

We strongly recommend that you be prepared to drink from streams or rivulets if you need water when higher up in the mountains. The water in the area is generally clean, and besides, illnesses like Beaver Fever take about two weeks to manifest symptoms so you should be fine for the duration of the race! Anything after that is your problem...

 

Also note that all food and supplies are for racers and volunteers only. Relay runners are welcome to eat at aid stations on their leg, but spectators and support crews need to bring their own food; we do not want to run short.

Race Rules

1. Racers are required to sign a waiver provided by Sinister Sports prior to commencing the race. You are not considered a participant without a signed waiver.
2. Racers are responsible for their own medical coverage and all costs incurred by any form of treatment or hospitalization if they are injured during the race.
3. The race officially begins at 08:00hrs on race day.
4. Near Death Marathon racers have 9.5 hours to complete the race.
5. Ultramarathon racers, including teams, have 24 hours to complete the race.
6. Cut-off times are as follows:
• Start Leg 2 – 1:00pm Saturday
• Finish (Marathon) – 5:30pm Saturday
• Start Leg 3 – 6:00pm Saturday
• Start Leg 4 – 7:45pm Saturday
• Hamel Escape – 10:15pm Saturday
• Start Leg 5– 4:45am Sunday
• Last Boat – 6:00am
• Finish (Ultra) – 8:00am Sunday
7. Competitors cannot change categories or distances once the race has commenced.
8. The only means of travel allowed for racers on the course is self-powered on foot (running, walking, crawling); if you accept or partake in any other means of travel, you will be disqualified.
9. Pacing by a runner not registered in the race is prohibited; registered runners can pace each other.
10. Headphones are not allowed on the race course.
11. The timing chip provided at registration must be returned at the end of the race. Not doing so will result in a $60 charge with no exceptions.
12. Race numbers must be visible and worn on the front of your body.
13. Racers must have their assigned race number, timing chip, Death Race Coin, and ID bracelet on their person at all times during the race.
14. All racers must show their Death Race coin at the relay exchange zones, and the summit of each mountain if requested by race marshals. In Greek mythology, Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the river Styx (that divides the world of the living from the world of the dead). A coin is used to pay Charon for passage. This coin must be carried at all times by soloists and the runner for each leg and given to the grim reaper at the river for access to the boat. Runners who lose their coin will not be permitted access to the boat resulting in a DNF.
15. All runners must check in at all Checkpoints and Transition Areas. Your number and time will be recorded before you continue on the course.
16. The course is marked and runners must adhere to the designated route; any deviance or short cuts will result in disqualification.
17. During the highway sections, racers are not permitted to run on the pavement of the Highway and must stay in the ditch, following the quad track. Racers may only cross the highway at designated marshaled locations when safe to do so. Watch for traffic as the highway is not closed.
18. Upon reaching the summit of Hamel racers must check in at the Forestry cabin with race volunteers. The racer will then be instructed to run along the spine of Hamel and retrieve a summit flag at the cliff bluffs above Hell's Canyon. The racer then must return to the Forestry cabin with the summit flag as proof of having attained the turnaround point. Details to follow on race day at the race briefing Friday night.
19. You may not loiter at the Hamel Forestry cabin for any reason other than to check-in with race marshals and to turn in your summit flag. Seeking the shelter of the cabin for any period of time will disqualify a racer. The Hamel Hut is intended as an emergency shelter only for rescue purposes.
20. ABSOLUTELY NO PARKING ON THE HIGHWAY. Vehicles will be towed and/or fined by RCMP that will be strictly enforcing this rule. Race Parking Pass is required for entry to transition areas and strictly enforced. Obey all parking rules and Parking Marshals.
21. If any act of nature and/or uncontrollable act takes place that inhibits your progress on the course (e.g. train crossing, rockslide) no time credit will be given; these factors are a part of the race.
22. Racers are allowed assistance (i.e. support crew, volunteer, race marshal or bystander) only at designated Transition Areas (TAs). This assistance can in no way help you in covering mileage on the course or give you required items after the race start. Accepting assistance outside a TA from anyone besides a registered racer or medic will result in disqualification. You can receive assistance from registered runners or appointed race medics anywhere on the course, even outside of designated transition areas, providing that the assistance is not in the form of transportation.
23. Racers are not allowed to cache food or gear along the course except at the designated Transition Area.
24. Littering on the course is unacceptable and will result in immediate disqualification.
25. Any racer found using, or supplying performance-enhancing drugs to other racers, will be disqualified and permanently barred from all Sinister Sports races. See http://list.wada-ama.org/ for banned substances.
26. Any competitor that drops out of the race must notify the nearest race marshal or director at the earliest opportunity. Do not drop out of the race without telling race officials as this will result in a costly search and you will be billed.
27. If emergency evacuation is required, the cost will be the responsibility of the individual in need of assistance. This includes the cost of airlifting and helicopter or ground search if required.
28. Medical staff and/or Race Directors may remove any racer from the race course if they feel it is unsafe for the racer to proceed (e.g. natural hazards, hypothermia, dehydration, frostbite, debilitating injury).
29. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated and may result in disqualification at the discretion of the Race Director.
30. Any disputes with the race course, race results, course management, or the actions of other racers must be submitted to the Race Director, in writing, within 30 minutes of the end of the race. If not received within this time, complaints will not be considered.
31. The Race Director will determine if there has been a violation of these rules and will be the final authority in assigning penalties.

Recommended Gear

We strongly recommend that racers carry the following gear. You may elect to carry additional gear, like bear spray, at your discretion.

1. Headlamp w/ new batteries (carried after 6:00pm)
2. Full water bottle or hydration pack
3. Wind/water resistant jacket
4. Toque or warm hat
5. Sun hat
6. Sunglasses
7. Clear eye protection (on Leg 5 due to dense forest)
8. Whistle
9. Space blanket
10. Bear spray or bear banger (IF you know how to use it)
11. Timing Chip (mandatory - assigned at registration)
12. Race Number (mandatory - assigned at registration)
13. Death Race Coin (mandatory - assigned at registration)

If you do not wear your timing chip or bib number and carry the Death Race Coin, as per the race rules, you are not considered a competitor in the event.

Additional Gear

While the list above is suggested gear, please consider bringing extra kit that will help you in case of foul weather or crushing heat. These items can be stored in your support vehicle for easy access. Also see the Support Crew Information other ideas.

 

Restricted / Prohibited Items

• Headphones: You are in the wilderness and need to be aware of your surroundings. We have had several instances at previous races where our race marshals were unable to communicate with runners because of headphones. If you really require music, consider a small, clip on, external speaker for your media player. This may even help keep away the bears!
• Performance-Enhancing Drugs: We will not be doing drug testing but any racer found using, or supplying performance-enhancing drugs to other racers, will be disqualified and permanently barred from all Sinister Sports Races. We will also cooperate with any investigation by federal/provincial authorities and anti-doping agencies. Please see http://list.wada-ama.org/ for a list of banned substances. Some drugs do have a reasonable medical exemption. If you have concerns, please contact us.

ROUTE MAPS & DESCRIPTIONS

 

Total Distance: 42.2km/26.2mi (Marathon) | 125km/77.7mi (Ultra)
Total Elev. Gain:  2,132m/6995' (Marathon) | 5,181m/17,000' (Ultra)

Duration: 8.5 (Marathon) – 24h (Ultra)

Cutoff Times*:

• Start Leg 2 – 1:00pm Saturday
• Finish (Marathon) – 5:30pm Saturday
• Start Leg 3 – 6:00pm Saturday
• Start Leg 4 – 7:45pm Saturday
• Hamel Escape – 10:15pm Saturday
• Start Leg 5– 4:45am Sunday
• Last Boat – 6:00am
• Finish (Ultra) – 8:00am Sunday

*Except for the Finish, all cutoffs indicate the time the racer must start each leg of the race

 

Leg 1: The Downtown Jaunt

Distance: 19km

Elevation: +430m / -538m

 

Description: Approximately 6 km of initial pavement, followed by trail and 3.5 km of gravel road. It includes a net elevation loss of 500 feet, rolling hills with flat sections, several creek crossings, and one significant downhill. The course will start in downtown Grande Cache at the start/finish line, and the race officially begins at the 5 km mark, after passing the Grande Cache Saddle Club. It then continues past Grande Cache Lake and Peavine Lake, mainly on quad trails, and includes a section along a ridge with a spectacular view of Peavine Lake and the mountains of Willmore Wilderness Park. After crossing Washy Creek and skirting the north end of the CN rail yard through a deep mud bog, enter the first full aid station and relay exchange zone.

 

Leg 2: Flood & Grande Mountain Slugfest

Distance: 27km (23.2 Marathon)

Elevation: +1946m / -1841m

Description: Includes about 1 km of pavement. The rest is dirt trail with rocky and swampy sections and approximately 6 km of hard packed dirt road. Net elevation gain is 500 feet, but the total elevation change is well over 6000 feet. This leg of the race is characterized by long sustained climbing with about 3 km of very rough terrain and two creek crossings. The trail from the summit of Flood Mountain to the summit of Grande Mountain is the roughest piece of trail in the Death Race. The power line down the front of Grande Mountain leading back into town is the most dangerous part of the entire course. This is due to the steep, rocky drop-offs and unstable footing while running downhill. The Slugfest is the most technical section and is rated the second hardest leg of the Death Race (although many rate this leg as the hardest of all). The Near Death Marathon course bypasses the Flood Summit Loop but otherwise is the exact same Legs 1 and 2 and finishes at the Start/Finish Line at the end of Leg 2.

 

Leg 3: Old Mine Road (AKA “City Slicker Valley”)

Distance: 19km

Elevation: +689m / -952m

Description: Includes 5 km of pavement: the rest is a dirt road with several creek crossings. One creek runs right down the trail as you descend the first part of the Mine Road; making for very slippery, rocky, terrain for 30 meters. This section passes through the lowest point in the race, hitting the very bottom of the Smoky River valley floor, with knee deep water for 25 meters. (If it’s a wet summer, it's worse.) With a net elevation loss of about 1000 feet, this section is the fastest and easiest of the race and one of the most beautiful, offering stunning views of the Smoky River valley.

 

Leg 4: Hamel Assault

Distance: 38km

Elevation: +2465m / -2476m

Description: This is mostly dirt trail and hard packed gravel. While the net elevation gain is zero, the total elevation change is well over 6500 feet, which comes practically all at once. The ascent of Mount Hamel (Elevation: 6,986 feet) is broken into two very long climbs, with one small reprieve as you gain the shoulder of the mountain at the mid-point. You will pass the Hamel Escape station where racers can bail out if they've had enough (Cut off Time 10:15 pm). At the forestry tower on the summit of Mount Hamel, runners check in and then continue toward the spectacular cliff bluffs at Hell's Canyon, where they must retrieve a prayer flag as proof they have made the turnaround point. The descent is strewn with boulders and deep ruts. The downhill is not that technical, but any falls will be on very unforgiving ground. (Read the waiver section about being in remote areas and not being rescued in time to prevent serious injury or death.) This entire leg is fantastically scenic.

 

Leg 5: The River Crossing

Distance: 22km

Elevation: +838m / -567m

Description: Includes 1 km pavement, 6 km gravel road, and a river crossing. The rest is dirt trail, grass, and single track. Net elevation change of over 2500ft. This section runs from the Northwest end of the Hell’s Gate Access Road southward to the Sulphur Gates Road - across from the Hell’s Gate emergency aid station. It crosses the Hell’s Gate road and heads down to the Boat Launch Road. Runners will be ferried across the Smoky River. There is an emergency aid station on the west bank of the river. From the raft crossing, racers will proceed up the east shore of the Smoky River and follow the trail to the Sulphur Rim trail. The course passes the Firemen's Park, heads up Firemen's Park Road and continues to the Finish line in the Grande Cache town square. Please note: For most runners, this leg will be completed in darkness with much of the trail under a heavy canopy of trees, so eye protection is required. Although this section is well marked with reflective markers, flagging tape, and signs, we recommend you bring a halogen headlamp with brand new alkaline batteries. Daylight training on this part of the course is highly recommended. In Greek mythology, Charon is the ferryman of Hades who carries souls of the newly deceased across the river Styx that divides the world of the living from the world of the dead. A coin is used to pay Charon for passage. This coin must be carried at all times by soloists and the runner for each leg and given to the grim reaper at the river for access to the boat. Runners who lose their coin will not be permitted access to the boat resulting in a DNF.

SUPPORT CREW INFORMATION

 

Support Crew’s Role

Support people (aka Support Crews) are typically only required for solo runners as most relay runners do one leg and hand off to a teammate at the TA. A good support person can truly be the lifeline for a solo racer. Nothing beats coming into a TA where there is food, fresh gear, and encouraging words waiting. Support people help keep their racer moving. If you intend to support a racer, do not be afraid to ask questions – we want your experience to be as rewarding for you as it is for the competitors.

 

Support Crew Area

Support crews may set up a site next to the TA. We ask that you keep your site minimal. Always follow the directions of site crews and volunteers.

 

Medical Help

If your racer doesn’t look well (delirious, dehydrated, or somehow broken), please contact our staff. The racer will not be disqualified for receiving medical aid.

 

Stuff to Bring

Please keep your site simple as there is not a lot of room. You cannot light a fire at the TA. Make sure you have enough gear to keep yourself comfortable during the race. You will be in the mountains and it can get pretty cold at night. There can also be blistering heat during the day. Suggested crew gear: