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Sinister 7 Ultra is a 100 miles ultra marathon in Blairmore, Canada. Distance: 161km. Elevation: 6,600m D+. Difficulty: brutal (Challenge Rating 51/100). DNF rate: 30%. Time limit: 36h. Surface: trail. Established 2009.

100 miles brutal mountainous trail scenic mountain

Sinister 7 Ultra

Blairmore, Alberta, Canada

"Seven summits, 100 miles through the Canadian Rockies — each leg a different mountain challenge."

51
Challenging
Distance 161km
Elevation Gain ↑6,600m
Surface trail
DNF Rate 30%
Cutoff 36h
What Makes It Unique

A seven-summit 100-miler through the Canadian Rockies — seven distinct mountain legs in Alberta's Crowsnest Pass region.

The Course

Seven legs through the Canadian Rockies' Crowsnest Pass region in Alberta. Each leg is a distinct mountain section with its own character — from creek valleys to high ridgeline traverses. The seven summits give the race its sinister name.

Profile

mountainous

Topology

multi-loop

Aid Stations

14

Highest Point

2,500m

Yes Crew Access
Yes Pacers (after 80km)
Yes Mandatory Gear

Runner Experience

Scenery 5/5
Organization 4/5
Community 3/5
Aid Stations

Solid aid station network with 14 stops along the course. Standard ultra fare — food, electrolytes, first aid.

Post-Race Culture

Intimate finish in a remote setting. The camaraderie of shared hardship creates deep bonds between finishers.

Race Day Weather

Temperature

12°C

2° – 24°

Humidity

40%

Rain Chance

30%

Conditions

July in the Canadian Rockies. Warm days, cold nights. Thunderstorms possible. Variable conditions across the seven legs.

Stats & Records

Established

2009

Finishers

120

Avg Finish

30:00:00

Course Record (M)

17:22:45

Mike Ambrose (2022)

Course Record (W)

21:45:12

Sally McRae (2023)

Entry

Entry Cost

CAD 400

Opens

November

Sells Out

months

Max Starters: 200
Official Website →

Lore & Trivia

Sinister 7 Ultra runs through the mountain passes of the Crowsnest Pass region in the Canadian Rockies of Alberta. The 100-mile course crosses 7 major summits (hence "Sinister 7"), climbing through subalpine meadows, crossing scree fields, and navigating ridgelines where the Rocky Mountain panorama stretches to the horizon. The race is held in July when the alpine wildflowers are at their peak — fields of lupine, Indian paintbrush, and fireweed carpet the meadows between brutal climbs. Sinister 7 is Canada's most respected point-to-point mountain hundred, and the remote Alberta setting means wildlife encounters (bears, elk, moose) are common.

  • 100 miles crossing 7 major summits in the Canadian Rockies.
  • Crowsnest Pass region of Alberta.
  • July timing means alpine wildflowers at peak bloom.
  • Bear spray is strongly recommended — grizzlies inhabit the course.
  • Over 7,000m of total elevation gain.
  • One of Canada's most respected mountain 100-milers.
  • The Frank Slide — a massive 1903 rockslide — is visible from the course.

Seven summits in the Canadian Rockies. The name isn't marketing — it's a warning.

— A Sinister 7 finisher On the race's honest branding

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Sinister 7 Ultra? +

Sinister 7 Ultra is a 100 miles (161km) ultra marathon with 6,600m of elevation gain. The course is multi-loop on trail terrain.

How hard is Sinister 7 Ultra? +

Sinister 7 Ultra is rated brutal with a Challenge Rating of 51/100 (Challenging). The DNF rate is 30%. Runners have 36 hours to finish.

What is the weather like at Sinister 7 Ultra? +

Average temperature is 12°C (range 2°C to 24°C) with 40% humidity and a 30% chance of rain. July in the Canadian Rockies. Warm days, cold nights. Thunderstorms possible. Variable conditions across the seven legs.

Are crew and pacers allowed at Sinister 7 Ultra? +

Crew access is allowed. Pacers are allowed after 80km. Mandatory gear is required.

What is the course record for Sinister 7 Ultra? +

The men's course record is 17:22:45 set by Mike Ambrose in 2022. The women's course record is 21:45:12 set by Sally McRae in 2023.

What is the average finish time for Sinister 7 Ultra? +

The average finish time is 30:00:00. About 120 runners finish each year. The DNF rate is 30%.

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