COURSE CONDITIONS + FIRE UPDATE

It has been cool and a bit rainy in Grande Cache. The course is in good shape, despite some logging adjacent to the route on the far east end when you go up Flood Mountain on Leg 2. Everything else has been checked, and the conditions are good.

There is a heightened sensitivity about fires at the moment, which is understandable. Currently, we have no plans to cancel or postpone Canadian Death Race.

We have received a few questions about what happens next if the fire or smoke situation changes. Smoke is now a part of our annual summer weather, and it changes and move just like the weather. Because of that, it is really hard to predict what will happen, although the signs are all good right now. When looking at this, we are balancing the promise to put on an amazing event with the possibility of a safety hazard. We have extensive emergency protocols that guide us in our planning, and we conduct this type of planning for all parts of the race, not just smoke and fire situations. Here are a few notes about how we handle smoky conditions:

• Within an AQHI range of 1-6, most people are not expected to see adverse health effects and the event will proceed as normal*. Individuals with specific health concerns should take additional steps to protect themselves if they feel it is necessary.
• At an AQHI of 7 we will review with our safety personnel to determine if it is safe to proceed.
  • If the smoke forecast/AQHI reaches 7+ temporarily and looks to be declining, we will consider going ahead.
  • If it is 7+ in the morning, but the forecast is that it will subside over the day, we will attempt to start the race on time or delay slightly.
• If we see really negative signs a few days in advance, we can make a call then, but more than likely it would be the day before or even the morning of the race. An earlier cancellation would mean the presence of a new fire in the area, or an AQHI of 7+ for several days preceding the event.
• If conditions deteriorate during the race, and the AQHI climbs into sustained, unsafe levels, we will suspend the race. This would be similar to cancelling due to any other environmental hazard, like a freak blizzard or tornado.
• We do extensive emergency planning, including evacuation plans, and we would not send anyone into a situation where there is imminent risk.

*We do have our own AQHI monitor on site so that we do not have to rely on theoretical/projected information. It works real-time in the immediate vicinity of the unit, so there can be variations around the course. Our paramedics are also well aware and prepared for potential respiratory distress due to heat and smoke.

This is not my favourite AQHI site because it works on regional monitoring stations and predictions, not real-time data, but it gives an approximation of the conditions. https://www.iqair.com/ca/canada/alberta/grande-cache

Ultimately, when we have seen this in the past, most of our competitors want to continue, and we will do that as long as the conditions are safe. Our promise is to put on the event, and we will always work towards making that happen.

I want to add that I was heartbroken by the devastation in the town of Jasper. I used to live there many years ago, and it is a place that is dear to me. The fire in the park and town has affected many lives, especially of young people working there for the summer, and I hope we can all help to support them in this time of crisis. #jasperstrong

HOW HARD IS DEATH RACE?

In case anyone misled you... https://www.sinistersports.ca/deathrace/how_hard_is_cdr

While we have aid stations, SAR, and Paramedics, you are still the #1 best person to take care of yourself in the woods. Come prepared for variable weather conditions, and make sure you know the course, which is available on the website.

The back of your bib: