The Course

GPX Files

Download the course files in GPX format. This can be used with most navigation products and Google Earth.

RunGo

New! Check out the course on RunGo with turn by turn info and commentary. Download the app to your phone, then download the routes so you can use it without a cell connection. In your phone app, search for Sinister 7 and make sure the max distance is set high.

RG Leg 1 | RG Leg 2 | RG Leg 3

CAUTION: If you choose to explore using this information, you do so at your own risk. These files are for reference only. Portions of the S3 Ultra course cross private land and we ask that you respect the owners. Do not enter land that is marked as private.

Elevation Profile

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Course Map

Descriptions

All distances and elevations have been verified by GPS at maximum 10m point intervals, as per ITRA standards. Difficulty is based on how hard the leg is in comparison to the other legs of the race, in our opinion. Every leg of the race is hard.

Distances: 65.8km

Elevation: Gain:2,692m / Loss: 0m

Duration: 14 hours to complete the course

Leg 1 - Frank Slide

Distance: 18.3km

Gain: 535m

Loss: 344m

Max Elevation: 1562m

CPs*: CP1 - 13.25km

Difficulty: 1/3

Trail Type: Paved road, gravel road, double track, single track

Est Time: 1 to 3.5 hours

Cutoff: Must start Leg 2 by 3h 30m from your individual start time

The first leg of the race crosses the massive debris field of the Frank Slide. Spread over several kilometers, the slide consists of rocks and boulders as large as houses. Experts say the mountain will fall again one day; maybe tomorrow, next week, or next year... After the Slide, the route passes through the town of Hillcrest and through Bear Valley to the base of Hastings Ridge.

Leg 2 - Hastings Ridge

Distance: 16.7km

Gain: 772m

Loss: 942m

Max Elevation: 1873m

CPs*: CP2 - 10km

Difficulty: 2/3

Trail Type: Single track, double track, dirt road

Est Time: 1.5 to 3 hours

Cutoff: Must start Leg 3 by 8h from your individual start time

Beginning at the base of Hastings Ridge, runners begin a grueling climb to a rewarding view. Once atop the ridge, you get a view of the entire valley, including Crowsnest Mountain and the Seven Sisters; certainly worth the punishing climb to the top! There is no time for rest as runners drop down the other side and head towards Blairmore to the finish of leg two.

Leg 3 - Willoughby Ridge

Distance: 30.8km

Gain: 1385m

Loss: 1385m

Max Elevation: 1776m

CPs*: CP3a - 8km/ CP3b - 17k/ CP3c - 24km

Difficulty: 3/3

Trail Type: Double track, single track, gravel road

Est Time: 3 to 5 hours

Cutoff: Must finish the race by 14h from your individual start time

Also known as "Satan's Sack", Leg 3 is dry, hot (in the summer), and exposed. This leg of the race has the most elevation gain and distance. In return, you are rewarded with stunning views of the mountains atop the Continental Divide! This leg crosses through the haunting remains of the 2003 Lost Creek fire where one feels as though they are on another planet. After passing the burn scar, runners once again climb back into Blairmore.

*Distance to CPs accurate to within 500m.