Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,

We are just under four weeks until the 16th annual Sinister 7 Ultra! Put down the donut and go for a run.

This newsletter is full of helpful tips for check-in and race day, so read n. If you missed the last email update, you can find it here. https://raceroster.com/events/2024/80987/sinister-7-ultra/page/april-28-race-update-email

SHUTTLES

Leg 2 Relay runners have a mandatory shuttle from the start area to TA1. We do this in order to relieve congestion. There is almost no parking at TA1, and it gets to be a bit of a madhouse, so do not drive up there. Support crews for soloists can drive up, but they will be parking on the side of the road.

We have a courtesy shuttle from the Crowsnest Pass Sports Complex (where check-in is held) to the 100-mile and 50k start downtown in Blairmore. It leaves at 6:15am and will get you there with plenty of time. This allows unsupported soloists to park where the race ends.

We also have a shuttle from the Sports Complex to the start of the 50-mile, but it's only about ten minute walk. Again, this allows you to park your car at the finish.

You can see all of the shuttle details here. https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/racer_information_package#_Toc717

BREEZE THROUGH CHECK-IN

Race registration is open from 1:00-8:00pm on July 12. We are pretty efficient, and here are a few notes to help you cruise through registration:

• Come early. Registration opens at 1:00pm and it is usually a slow build-up until dinner time when things get really busy. Someone else can register on your behalf if necessary, as long as we get a signed waiver. You can also shop the expo if you're there early.
• Waivers should have been signed online, but if you managed to sneak out of that somehow, download it here and bring - http://www.sinister7.com/files/waiver.pdf. You cannot sign on behalf of someone else. No waiver = no race for you!
• Know your bib number. We will be assigning final bib numbers this coming week, and it helps you find your lane for check-in.
• Solos - if you are using drop bags, have them ready. You will have until 8:00pm Friday night to drop them off at registration. We have colour-coded tags for everything, you just need to write your bib number and drop them in the correct pile. You can put one drop bag at TA1, one at TA2/3, one at TA4, and one at TA5/6. We do not move drop bags from location to location. We take pretty much anything that is a reasonable size, just don't give us a huge bag or bin. They are all collected at HQ after the race.
• Teams - try and have your team together. We know that many of you are coming from different places but things tend to go a bit faster when you're all together. One person can register the entire team if we have all of the waivers.

We no longer offer late registration at the start line. If you cannot be there on Friday night, please make alternative arrangements with us or have someone register on your behalf.

HYDRAPAK IS BACK

We are so pleased to welcome HydraPak back again this year as our bladder and bottle sponsor. They are providing some great stuff, and they have a wee little promo for you.

20% Off HydraPak Hydration Gear using code sinister-cr20
The promo is sitewide and the code is active between 5/21 - 12/31, 2024 on https://hydrapak.com/.

HydraPak has been designing and producing flexible performance hydration systems since 2001. Whether you’re a first-time runner or an ultra endurance athlete, HydraPak’s line of performance hydration products are ideal for both training and race day. HydraPak’s run line consists of vest-compatible soft flasks, handheld bottles, and hydration reservoirs, giving you a variety of hydration options.

TRACKING SYSTEM RENTALS + LIVE TRACKING

We are once again offering racers the option to use a Garmin inReach during their run so that family and friends can see where they are the entire race. The device is set up with the course and ready to roll. If you are interested in trying this out, you can book online here.

https://dirtverthurt.com/products/wilderness-tracking-service

WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS

Every year we get a report of a racer seeing a bear or cougar on the course. The reality is that most encounters with these animals rarely lead to aggressive behaviour, and attacks are even rarer. Bears especially prefer to avoid contact with humans, and any animal you do see is probably just as frightened as you are.

The best way to prevent an unpleasant encounter is to avoid them all together. Bears and cougars usually avoid people, and most people don’t even know when they’ve come close to an animal. To ensure a surprise or unpleasant encounter doesn’t occur, try to remain with other runners as much as possible and make lots of noise by talking or singing. Put the iPod away and pay attention to your surroundings.

If you do encounter a bear or cougar, pepper spray and bear bangers can be useful IF you know how to use them. Noisemakers also do a great job. Remain calm. Stay together if you are in a group. Identify yourself by speaking in a calm, appeasing tone. Back away slowly, preferably in the direction you came. Walk, don’t run, and keep your eye on the bear so you can see how it will react. In most cases, the animal will flee.

To learn more about bear encounters, check out these BearSmart guidelines. For cougar information, read the Alberta Cougar safety brochure.

GET PREPPED WITH PRIMUS

I want to say a big welcome to our latest sponsor, PRIMUS. Primus has been fuelling adventures by offering the best solutions for outdoor cooking since 1892. Primus creates environmentally friendly, easy-to-use and lightweight products that ensure you won’t miss the opportunity to eat a hot meal and fuel-up for the long miles on the trail.

All of the racers at Sinister 7 will be getting a code for a big deal on Primus products, as well, so look for that in the next email update. Primus is available at spry in Blairmore, right by the start line of the race. https://primusequipment.ca/

DRIVING DIRECTIONS + PARKING

Crowsnest Pass gets busy during Sinister 7 Ultra. We love all of the excitement, but you will have an easier time if you know how to get around.

Check out the driving directions in the Racer Information Package. https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/racer_information_package.php#_Toc75333

We have some plum parking spots for you. Check out the parking situation on our Travel page. https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/travel

CAMPING

We work with a non-profit group to provide camping to the racers for the weekend. This is dry camping, and it is first come, first served. It is $40 for a trailer/hard vehicle and $10 for each tent. All of the proceeds go to the Crowsnest Pass Skating Club, which allows them to hire a coach for the winter, and not charge the kiddos any fees. These little things go a long way in a small town.

You can reserve a spot online here. https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/camping