Sinister 7 Ultra Update
Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,
Just two weeks to go until the biggest and most sinister... Sinister 7 Ultra yet. Put down the donut, because you need to get ready to rock and roll out there.
Have you checked out the Racer Information Package? It has everything from where to park to the whole weekend schedule.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/racer_information_package
If you missed the past racer updates, you can find them on the Race Roster registration page - over to the side (on desktop, inline on mobile).
IMPORTANT START LINE NOTES
We want to be sure you get these details covered before you arrive:
- 50-Mile Soloists
- You can park at the Sports Complex and either walk down to the Start, or take the shuttle bus
- https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/racer_information_package#_Toc717
- You CAN drive down with a friend but the 50-mile start is on private land, and you MUST move your vehicle right after 10:30
- DO NOT follow your own Google or Apple directions to the Start Line - it will likely lead you to the wrong side of the gate, and you will be locked in! Only follow our directions, here
- 50K and Half Marathon Soloists
- Your start time is 7:30am from Gazebo Park in downtown Blairmore
- We have had a number of 50k-ers start at the 100-mile time... don't let that be you!
- Your route deviates from the 100-mile route at CP 1A – know the route and watch the signs, or you will end up running a lot extra
- Your race ends at TA2/TA3, located on the edge of Blairmore – I suggest you park west of the dog park on 19th Avenue, and just walk around from there (to the start, and back to your car from the finish)
- 100-Mile Solo and Relay Runners
- Your start time is 7:00am from Gazebo Park in downtown Blairmore
- We have had a number of 100-mile starters begin start at the 100-mile time... don't let that be you!
- Your route deviates from the 50k/Half Marathon route at CP 1A – know the route and watch the signs, or you will end up running a lot extra
- LEG 2 RELAY RUNNERS should get the shuttle bus from the start line - we really don't want people driving up there because there is almost no parking
HARDER THAN YOU THINK
If you have not checked out the "how hard is S7" page of the website, now might be a good time. https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/how_hard_is_s7
The race is unapologetically difficult. We like it that way! You will struggle, curse, and regret your life choices, but it will make you a stronger, bigger, better person. I'm not saying this to scare you – we all want you to succeed, and the best way to do that is race smart. Be prepared for what is coming at you.
What is the #1 medical issue at Sinister 7? See answer below the warning graphic. Also see Brian's favourite word of the week, and a really common issue at the race.
This is the back of your race bib – don't say we didn't tell you! The #1 medical issue at S7 is dehydration. When it gets hot, and it can be a scorcher on Leg 3, AKA Satan's Sack, as well as any exposed area of the course. It isn't enough to just drink water. My favourite word at the moment is hyponatremia. This happens when you take in too much water without replenishing your salts. When hyponatremia sets in, your whole body will be out of whack; you will be a dizzy, funky mess, and you won't be able to digest food properly. The cure electrolytes... salt. Chips, pretzels, salt on watermelon, pickles, but NO MORE WATER UNTIL YOU PEE SOME OF IT OUT, BUSTER! We provide Tailwind as our electrolyte; if that isn't what you are used to, consider bringing your own, and keeping it handy. That leads us to our next important topic...
WHAT TO EXPECT AT AID STATIONS
We work really hard to provide variety. At small CPs, you can expect mostly snack food. At the TAs (transition areas), we also add in hot food (at night), fruit, and special treats. It's entirely possible that we can run out of stuff from time to time, but we have lots of alternatives, if you are not too fussy.
We do not have fresh foods at most of the CPs because they do not have power or refrigeration – we're working out in the wilderness!
If there are things you absolutely must have to eat or drink, consider bringing them yourself, and leaving them with your support crew or drop bag.
If you haven't seen the aid station list, check it out here. Note that sometimes things are not available, due to supplier shortages, but we try to fulfill this the best we can. https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/aid_stations
7 HOURS LEFT FOR YOUR SPRY COUPON!
$25 Coupons – Gear up with spry! Valid until MIDNIGHT TONIGHT (June 27), so don't hold back.
Use code 25SIN7 at checkout to save $25 on any purchase over $50. Only online at https://spryactive.ca/.
NEW! You can now order and pick up in store - just bring your ID and proof of race registration.
VOLUNTEERS MAKE LIFE BETTER!
We still need a few more spots filled, so remind family and friends We make the experience fun for them too, and we have great swag, just for volunteers. We have great swag lined up - anyone who volunteers out on the racecourse gets a soft flask and custom quick-dry towel, which are in addition to the meal, shirt and other perks.
Sign them up here! https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/volunteer
MANDATORY LEG 2 SHUTTLE
I am going to keep repeating this for the two weeks... 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.
ICYMI, pre-order these fly MarsQuest shades through our online store, Dirt Vert Hurt, and pick them up at check-in. They make great gifts for support crews. 😉
See you soon!
Kindest regards,
Brian Gallant
Owner + Director, Sinister Sports
Sinister 7 Ultra • Canadian Death Race • Black Spur Ultra • The Divide 200 • Castle Alpine Trail Race • The Dark: 24 Hours Underground • SOO 200 • Blue Bully Ultra