Elk Valley Ultra
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About the race
Now in its seventh year, the Elk Valley Ultra is a high-vertical trail ultra held in Fernie, British Columbia, and organized by Stag Leap Running Co. The main event covers approximately 50 km with about 2,700 m of ascent and follows several named sections through local terrain.
The 50K course is described in three legs: Leg 1 climbs over Mt. Fernie, continues along Rocky Road to Island Lake Lodge, and passes through Old Growth Forest; Leg 2 follows the old Rail Trail, ascends Gorby and moves through Provincial Park singletrack; Leg 3 crosses the front of Mt. Fernie before a steep descent to the finish. The route is subject to change based on land use permissions and a GPX file is provided by the organizer.
An add-on race, the Headwall Hustle, is held the following day at Fernie Alpine Resort. That 15 km route climbs Timber Bowl toward the Headwall, traverses into Currie Bowl, and finishes with a descent; it lists about 840 m of ascent.
The event limits the 50K to 200 racers and offers categories by gender and age (<19, 19-49, 50+). Youth entrants under 19 must contact the Race Director before registering. Entry fees vary by early bird and regular periods; combo pricing is available for participants who enter both races. The race weekend includes mandatory check-in and waiver signing the day before the race. Amenities listed by the organizer include event shirts, aid stations, photographer downloads, finish-line food and drink, awards, and a donation to the Fernie Trails Alliance. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
