HEY BS-ers!
Hi |*FIRST_NAME*|,
Yes, we call Black Spur runners "BSers". Learn to love it! We are just doing a < 1 week roundup to see how everyone is feeling. The conditions are looking great out there, and we have planned a hot day for you this weekend.
If you missed the last update, you can find it here: https://raceroster.com/events/2025/94295/black-spur-ultra/page/august-8-racer-update.
Your bib number is ##, and your event is ##. If you recently changed distances, it will likely still show as the original. We can still make changes if needed, and it will just be communicated to our timing crew.
COURSE UPDATE
We had a few people say that they could not download the GPX files, so I have recooked them all and put them on the website. I can only think of two reasons it might have been a problem, and both are techy/geeky, so ask if you like but otherwise here is where to find the new files.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/course
HALF MARATHON COURSE INFO
We had about 40 half marathoners last week, and a bunch of folks are switching distances to take us up on the first year of this new distance. As long as you're running, it's a good choice, so if this is on your mind, you can jump on the website and fill out a change form. We are happy to oblige.
Here are some additional details about the Half Marathon route:
- We have added the route to the Google Map on the Course page. The GPX has been available for a long time as well, and you can download it there. https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/course
- You start at 8:30 - a completely civilized time - and head up the same hill as everyone else
- At the top of the hill, you will follow the kids race course counterclockwise
- There will be two spotters to make sure you do not go onto Leg 1... which would lead to a very good or very bad time, depending on how you look at it
- You complete the upper loop of the kids race and turn right onto Leg 2
- You do all of Leg 2, so make sure you are familiar with that route – there is an area of overlap where you go OUT to checkpoint 2, or BACK to the finish from checkpoint 2
- You finish and feel the glory!
The half marathon lunch starts at 1pm with the awards at 1:30pm, both in the Stemwinder Lounge, just to the east side of the central plaza.
The whole loop:
The "kids race" portion of the loop:
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
In the last 24 years of race directing, we have had a large predator sighting at every race – sometimes more than one. Normally, it's just a "Hey! A bear!" as it runs away. We have had a few more closer encounters, both at events, and personally. While bears and cougars are definitely out there, the first thing to remember is DON'T PANIC.
I will do an animal talk at the pre-race meeting, but here are my three key takeaways:
- Animals do not like groups of people (as long as they are not being fed)
- Make distance from the animal, without running
- Be alert – you are in the wilderness so you need to think about what is happening around you
People always ask about bear spray vs. bangers vs. other methods of deterrent. I am not a wildlife expert, but having studied this from the pros, and reading up on best practices, here is my humble opinion:
- Bear spray is really effective IF you know how to use it and the conditions are right – a large number of people do end up hurting themselves and the people around them when deploying bear spray
- Bangers are effective... IF you know how to use them – it is easy to scare a bear towards you or others, and we also know of people who have started fires with bear bangers
- Air horns are good at alerting the animal and giving it a chance to run – they are limited in effectiveness if the animal does charge, but they are relatively harmless to you, unless you trigger it near your ear
- Distance – make distance and done run
Check out this information on our website: https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/racer_information_package#_Toc728
AROUND TOWN
Kimberley's town motto is "A Great Place to Be", and it's true. If you have not been to Kimberley before, you are in for a treat. Outside of the great trails, you will find a vibrant community, full of friendly people, and a relaxed way of life. Before or after the race, check out the Platzl in the middle of downtown, or many of the other attractions in the area, and just be a part of it.
WE STILL NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Volunteers add so much to the race, and it takes a lot of people to make BSU happen. Volun-tell everyone you know to sign up! We reward them all with great swag and fun times.
https://www.sinistersports.ca/blackspur/volunteer
See you soon. Train hard and have fun out there.
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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