Sinister Sports activities, famend for its epic endurance occasions within the Rockies, is making waves by bringing not one, however two thrilling new races to Ontario in 2025. With the launch of the SOO 200-miler (321K) in Sault Ste. Marie and the Blue Bully Extremely stage race at Blue Mountain Resort, path runners throughout Canada are in for a brand new, unparalleled problem.
Ontario’s new 200-miler: the SOO 200
Path runners desirous to push their limits can now set their sights on a 200-mile race scheduled for July 20–26. The SOO 200 guarantees to showcase the great thing about the Canadian Protect and segments of Lake Superior’s gorgeous shoreline.
In 2023, Sinister Sports activities hosted Western Canada’s first-ever 200-miler, The Divide 200, which traverses the Nice Divide path between Alberta and B.C. The race was a sell-out success, and runners have demonstrated their enthusiasm for the challenges the longer races convey. “We see increasingly more folks stepping as much as 200-milers in North America,” says Brian Gallant, race director of Sinister Sports activities. Gallant explains that Sinister Sports activities is keen about exhibiting off the Canadian operating scene. “We need to present the variety of what Canada presents, and never focus solely on Alberta and BC. The Soo looks like the proper group for this.”
Sault Ste. Marie, identified for its revitalized downtown and intensive path community, presents a novel terrain for runners. With its rugged landscapes dotted with lakes, this race will differ from Sinister’s western occasions by buying and selling large elevation achieve for uncooked, unfiltered wilderness. Gallant explains, “For our longer ultras, we all the time search out out-of-the-way locations with nice wilderness experiences. The SOO 200 is a next-level occasion, and we predict individuals are prepared for this type of problem.”
Blue Bully Extremely: a festive stage race
Including to the thrill, Sinister Sports activities can be debuting the Blue Bully Extremely, a three-day stage race at Blue Mountain Resort from October 3–5. With particular person and full-stage entry choices, this occasion will mix each problem and group spirit.
The weekend will kick off with a brief, steep run on Friday (5–8K), adopted by a basic 50K extremely (with different distance choices) on Saturday, and wrapping up with a Sunday race starting from a 10K to a half marathon. “Blue Mountain Resort presents all the things you can need in a bunch web site, from a welcoming environment to top-notch facilities,” says Kevin Duriaux, Sinister’s head of latest race improvement.
Increasing the Sinister expertise
Sinister Sports activities prides itself on being about greater than racing; it goals to develop the trail-running group wherever it goes. “We’re group builders,” says Gallant. “Wherever we go, we develop the operating group with us. We wish these occasions to be one thing each the host and operating communities might be pleased with.”
Whereas course particulars stay below wraps till late December, one factor is for certain: the bar is being raised for endurance occasions in Canada.
Able to tackle the problem? Whether or not you’re eyeing the Soo 200 or the Blue Bully Extremely, these races promise to ship the unforgettable Sinister expertise Ontario has been ready for. Control the Sinister Sports activities web site right here, and take a look at their social media right here.