What’s Up in Ultra This Weekend — August 3

The first weekend in August kicks off with 46 ultramarathons on the UltraRunning Magazine race calendar. In this week’s What’s Up in Ultra, we feature races in Canada, Oregon, California and Wisconsin.

Canadian Death Race

To my knowledge, no one has ever died attempting the Canadian Death Race in Grand Cache, Alberta, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a killer of a race. First run in 2000, the 118-kilometer point-to-point course challenges runners with 17,000 feet of climbing, three mountain summits, rugged terrain, creek crossings and the potential for a variety of extreme weather conditions. Race highlights include running alongside the breathtaking Canadian Rockies and the famous boat crossing of the Smoky River where runners will have to present a coin to the Grim Reaper for passage across the water. Any runner who loses their coin earlier in the race will be denied access to the boat, resulting in a DNF. Participants have 24 hours to complete the course and earn their Western States Endurance Run qualifier.

Waldo 100k

Starting and finishing at Willamette Pass Ski area, just outside of Oakridge, Oregon, the Waldo 100k is a classic Pacific Northwest race that has attracted top runners over the years for its scenery, exceptional single-track trails, hard-working volunteers and all-around old-school vibe. First run in 2002, the race features three major climbs over 2,000 feet, two minor climbs over 1,000 feet and a total elevation gain of over 11,000 feet. Some of the best parts of the course include the early morning views from atop Mount Fuji, summiting Maiden Peak late in the race and cruising along the Pacific Crest Trail and past Maiden and Rosary Lakes to the finish. Runners have 18 hours to finish the race and receive their finisher hat, with a special “Wet Waldo” award given to the runner who swims in the most lakes and finishes before 10 p.m. A post-race party kicks off at 3 p.m. and continues until the last runner and volunteer comes in. Race proceeds benefit the Willamette Pass Ski Patrol and the local search and rescue and HAM radio groups.

Angeles Crest

The Angeles Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run has faced its share of challenges over the past few years due to ongoing trail and road closures from the 2020 Bobcat Fire and historic winter storms, but the race is back for its 34^th running in California’s beautiful San Gabriel Mountains. Established in 1986, Angeles Crest 100 is one of the original five 100-milers in the United States and features a point-to-point course that begins in Wrightwood, California, and ends in Altadena. Along the way, runners will have to navigate rocky terrain, steep climbs and downhills, dry heat and significant variance in altitude from a high point at 9,000 feet to a low point at 1,000 feet above sea level. The net downhill course includes 19,400 feet of gain and over 23,700 feet of loss. Participants have 33 hours to complete the course, with sub-24-hour finishers staking claim to the elusive sterling silver buckle.

Wild Card: Badger Trail Races

In this week’s Wild Card Race (where we feature an event you may not be familiar with), we head to Belleville, Wisconsin, for the Badger Trail Races (100-mile, 100k, 50-mile and 50k distances). Created by the folks from the popular running podcast, Ten Junk Miles, all races take place on the fast, flat and smooth Badger State and Jane Addams trails between Belleville and Orangeville, Illinois. Race highlights include running through scenic Midwestern towns, dropping in historic Dot’s Tavern at mile 35.1 for a unique souvenir (and perhaps an adult beverage), well-stocked aid stations every 4 to 8 miles, and a finish line celebration with free local beer and pizza. Participants in the 100-mile race have 36 hours to finish the course, with those taking over 30 hours receiving a “bigger and better” special buckle.

Other races this weekend include Dark Divide 100 Miler (Randle, WA), Ragged 75 Stage Race and 50k (Danbury, NH), Skyline 50k (San Leandro, CA), Dahlgren Heritage Rail Trail 50K (King George, VA), Hood Hundred (Mt. Hood, OR), El Vaquero Loco (Afton, WY), A Louisianna Summer Night (Lafayette, LA), HURL Elkhorn Endurance Runs (Helena, MT), Bob’s Big Timber Backyard Ultra (Glenmont, OH), Loopy Looper 12-Hour (Pennsauken Township, NJ), Sheep Mountain Trail Runs (Fairplay, CO), Trail of the Dragon 50k/50 Mile Run (Ida Grove, IA), Drew’s Angel Creek 50 (Fairbanks, AK), Jarmans Invitational Marathon (Crozet, VA), Volcanic 50 (Cougar, WA), and Capt’n Karl’s Colorado Bend (Lampasas, TX).

Good luck to everyone racing this weekend!