Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,

Wow, summer is flying by! Our crew has been hosting back-to-back events, and we are so excited to be back in Kimberley in just over a week.

If you have not read through the Racer Information Package, please take a look: https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/racer_information_package

SMOKE AND FIRE CONCERNS

Understandably, we have had questions about wildfires. It is terrible to see so many fires in BC again, and our hearts go out to everyone affected.

There are currently no evacuation alerts for Kimberley. There was an alert a few weeks ago, but it was not in place for very long. So while the situation can always change, there are currently no wildfire concerns in the Kimberley area.

Smoke has become a part of our weather. It moves unpredictably, just like rain, so we cannot make decisions about how to address smoke until closer to an event.

Our commitment is to put on great events, and that means taking the steps needed to ensure they happen. So we will not cancel based on the threat of smoke, unless there is a long-term forcast showing adverse conditions. That is not what we are seeing right now. We follow the data online and watch the conditions on site from day to day.

While it is unpredictable, we do take the following steps.

1. If the AQHI is 6 or less prior to the start on Saturday, we will continue with the race
2. If the AQHI is 7 prior to the start, we will consult the conditions and forecast to decide if the smoke is temporary, sustained, or worsening
3. If the AQHI is 8 or above, we will automatically suspend the race until such time as we know that the conditions will improve, but we will not start in those conditions.

Note that we do have an on-site air monitor, but it does not forecast. There are other measuring stations in the area, but they may not reflect local conditions.

So keep your chin up, do your rain dance, and get ready to rock the trails.

ACCOMMODATIONS AVAILABLE

Even though our registrations are up from last year, Trickle Creek Lodge has rooms available. If you want to take advantage of our room rate, just call the lodge and they will help you out. 1-877-282-1200 - extension 2

CAMPING ON SITE

Kimblerey Alpine Resort is so kind in allowing our competitors to rough camp on the property. There are two locations - one is for tents and the other for RVs.

At the moment they have not implemented a fee, so we aren't going to remind them. ;) Again, it is so kind that they let us do this. We have a great relationship with KAR, and they love seeing the BS-ers every year.

FAQS

BSU is super simple - one central area, one finish area, all the fun. Here are the things people ask about:

• Soloists can leave drop bags at the main tent on Saturday morning before the race - you really only need a drop bag if you do not have a crew
• We have a limited number of pre- and post-race meals available for sale, if you need them for family and friends
• Your meal ticket is on your bib - because the caterers need to know how many meals they should prepare for both Saturday and Sunday, we are not able to switch your meal times, but you are welcome to attend the Triple awards on Sunday morning without eating
  • Half Marathon runners get a lunch on Saturday after Noon
  • 54k runners get a dinner on Saturday night after the finish
  • 108k runners get breakfast on Sunday morning
• The Triple awards are on Sunday morning, after the regular awards
• Poles... this is really a personal choice, and they can both help or hinder - they are useful on Leg 1/4 but you may want to stow them for the really brushy sections
• The race is rain or shine
• Friends can check in for you – if you already signed a waiver online, you can get a friend to pick up your race kit and check you in – if you did not sign a waiver online, you will need to get them to bring one signed by you – they need to show ID to pick up on behalf of someone else
• Racers can only receive help from their support crew at the main transition areaWe will have water, Sun River Honey gels, Tailwind, and a variety of snacks at each CP – at the main staging area, we will have more fresh foods, as well as hot food after about 4pm

Check out the schedule on the home page of the website: https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

We are always looking for more volunteers, so sign up your friends and family to watch you suffer....er... help you along your journey! Volunteers get a meal with the athletes, some great swag, including a custom fleece blanket, and the chance to be a part of a fun event.

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

I look forward to seeing you out there 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

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