Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,

We are just a little less than four weeks before the 9th annual Black Spur Ultra! Stop dunking that donut and cram in some KM while you can.

Take a moment to read the Racer Info Package, and that should answer any of your outstanding questions.

https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/racer_information_package

GETTING AROUND KIMBERLEY

Kimberley is an incredibly friendly and accessible community. https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/travel

All of the race activity happens at Kimberley Alpine Resort, but that does not mean you just have to stay there. The Platzl is home to a lot of great businesses, and a hub for activity. It is also the home of Purcell Outdoors, our favourite running/outdoor/adventure store in BC! Stop by and chat with Paddy about trails and adventures. A big thanks to everyone at Purcell for their support of the outdoor community in the Kimberley area.

KAR WAIVER

Kimberley Alpine Resort has a separate waiver that everyone needs to fill out online. No waiver = no race! Make sure to use the email address that you gave us when you signed up, or our list and their list won't sync up.

Adult competitors: https://passes.skircr.com/event

Parental Release Agreement (for competitors 15yrs and younger): https://passes.skircr.com/parental

Don't make me chase you for this! ;)

BIB TRANSFER CUTOFF

I know y'all want to be out there on the course, but if you have to transfer your bib to someone else, you have until noon on August 12. At that point, we have to square away our paperwork and get ready for race day.

SCHEDULE

This is all on the website, but here is the schedule for the weekend.

Friday

• 2:00-8:00pm – Racer Check-in
• 7:15pm – Volunteer Meeting
• 8:00pm – Racer Meeting

Saturday

• 6:30-7:30am – Late Racer Check-in
• 8:00am – Race Start
• 9:00am – Kids Race Start
• 6:30pm – Cutoff - 54k runners must start loop 3
• 7:30-8:30pm – 54k post-race dinner (location TBA)
• 8:00pm – 54k Finish
• 8:15pm – 54k Awards
• 8:30pm – Cutoff - 108k runners must start loop 4

Sunday

• 6:00am – Cutoff - 108k runners must start loop 6
• 8:00am – 108k Finish
• 8:00am-9:30am – 108k post-race breakfast (location TBA)
• 9:15am 108k Awards

Note that with late check-in, try to not leave this as your only option. Everyone tries to show up in the morning, we will not be able to register you in time, and the race starts at 8am no matter what.

CUPLESS RACING + GELS

Just a reminder that we do not have cups at any of our aid stations on the course. That means you need your own cup, flask, bottle, or bladder to fill up. At main transitions, there are cups and bowls, primarily for hot food and drinks.

We also do not offer individually packaged gels. These wrappers get everywhere, even when people are careful. Sun River Honey provides bulk gel for us, so (once again) you need your own container. Or I'll just squeeze some into your face hole. Mmmmm!

20% Off HydraPak Hydration Gear using code sinister-cr20
https://hydrapak.com/

Inspirational video:

DROP BAGS + SUPPORT CREWS

Black Spur is about the easiest race for your crew to support. There is one location for your support crews, and it is right in the middle of the resort complex. They can literally see you coming down the hill if your hotel room faces the right way. You can set up a wee tent or canopy on the lawn outside of the transition area.

For drop bags, typically used by solo runners who do not have a crew, you can just put them under the huge tent in the middle of the race site. You can't miss it!

WE NEED VOLUNEERS!

Volunteers add so much to the race, and it takes a lot of people to make CDR happen. Volun-tell everyone you know to sign up! We reward them all with great swag and fun times. This year, volunteers are getting a race neck gaiter (AKA "Buff" but it is not a Buff brand so I can't say that), a Fenix mini flashlight, and a cool little travel cutlery kit that our crew loves.

https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/volunteer

CONDITIONS + FIRE UPDATE

It has been a warm summer in the East Kootenays, and the course conditions are good. Like many communities, Kimberley is not immune from the smoke and fire concerns throughout BC. Fortunately, Kimberley is not directly affected by fires at the moment.

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 an 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.

The closest monitoring station is in Cranbrook, just to the south, and we will use this for our daily updates when planning. https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/provincial_summary/bc_e.html

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

Stay positive and hope for rain!