Could you run 50 k in 12 hours? 100 k in 24 hours? Most people would answer no, but a surprising number of people would say, ‘yes, I can’. These are the ultra-marathon runners, a group for whom a 42 k marathon is not enough.
This August, ultra-marathoners will be in Kimberley to take part in a new race, the inaugural Black Spur Ultra.
The course is set in three loops, which all start and finish at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. Loop one takes the runner around North Star Mountain, the second out to Horse Barn Valley and the third through the Nature Park around Myrtle Mountain.
“Don’t like loop courses? Wait until you see these trails before you say that!” - Blackspurultra.com
The race is being put together by the Full Moon Adventure Company, out of Bellevue, Alberta, which has been creating successful endurance events since 2002. Brian Gallant of FMAC promises challenging terrain, epic scenery and a world-class venue to those who sign up for the Kimberley Black Spur Ultra.
““The Kimberley Alpine Resort is a natural choice for a mountain ultra because it has the perfect blend of natural beauty, rugged terrain and world-class amenities,” said race organizer Brian Gallant, owner of Full Moon Adventure Company (FMAC). “The community is genuinely friendly and welcoming with a spirit that embraces outdoor adventure.”
FMAC is working with the City of Kimberley and has spoken with various stakeholder groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, the Nordic Club and the Nature Park Society to make sure that the Black Spur Ultra is embraced by the community. The course is under review with these local trail users in order to ensure that it is a quality event with minimal impact. More than 200 runners from across North America have already pre-registered for the event.
“We are really excited about the start of a long-term partnership with the Kimberley community,” continued Gallant. “With the substantial interest we’ve seen in the pre-registrations, it’s clear that racers are also excited about Kimberley.”
You can learn more about the race, scheduled for August 22 and 23, 2015 at www.blackspurultra.com