Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,

We are just three weeks away from 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

FILLING UP FAST – RELAY TEAMS, GET YOUR PEOPLE TOGETHER!

The race is just about full, and we have a price increase coming tonight, so get your friends together and get them signed up! Relay teams – have you double-checked that you have your people signed up? Last year we had dozens of teams that were missing members after the deadline. Don't let it be you!

IMPORTANT COURSE CHANGES AND NOTES

We want to be sure you get these details covered before you arrive:

• Leg 4 Change – 100-mile and 50-mile Runners (including Relay)
  • We have to move TA4 (end of leg 4). It is currently showing on the updated GPX files and Google Map on the website: https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/course
  • Due to land-use changes, we have struggled to find a permanent home for TA4, and we have to make due with an awkward location for this year – we hope to have a better location in 2027 when we do our next big course revision *foreboding background music*
• 50-Mile Soloists – New Start Area
  • To respond to more of those land-use changes, we are moving the Start of the 50-miler to York Creek Staging Area: https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/course
  • You can either drive to the Start, or take the shuttle bus: https://www.sinistersports.ca/sinister7/racer_information_package#_Toc717
  • This area has recently been logged and Public Lands has increased the size of the parking area, making it a great location to start the 50-miler
• 50K and Half Marathon Soloists
  • There will be a very slight reroute on this course, which is not currently updated on the Course page – this is being done to satisfy the request of a landowner
  • 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
• More Course Changes to Come... Maybe
  • There is currently a lot of industrial activity on different areas of the course, which can impact the route
  • We keep on top of these things, but sometimes there are surprises as projects linger on or get pushed up
  • We will update everyone each week and a few days before the race if there are any other changes

RESPECTING PRIVATE LAND

The Sinister 7 Ultra course crosses private land. These landowners are extremely kind to allow us to cross their land during the race, but they do not necessarily authorize it to be used outside of that timeframe. PLEASE do not cross private land if you see "No Trespassing" signs, or we may lose the privilege to use these trails in the future. This includes Leg 1 and Leg 7 primarily. Other areas may have grazing leases, which have different rules for personal access.

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

SPRY COUPON!

Our friends at spry in Blairmore have a pre-race treat for you. You can get $25.00 off full-priced items from the online store up until June 27. Check them out when you are in town as well. See the website for details

Use code SINISTERGEAR25 – 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.

FENIX COUPON!

Fenix Lighting is our official "don't get lost in the dark" sponsor. Check out their website for a wee discount on your new, amazing lights. Use code sinister062026 for 16% off up until July 1st. https://everythingfenix.com/

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 next three 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.