Fort Qu’Appelle, known for its stunning peaks and valleys, was also showcasing its race course Sunday, as runners took to the valley to compete in Deadfall 50.
Deadfall 50 is an extreme and challenging 50 kilometre trail run where runners will experience over 300 metres of elevation gain.
According to Deadfall 50 race director Rick Minett, the run is a test for many to push themselves to the limit.
“The bottom of the valley to the top is about 60 metres. For the people doing it in the 50K, they’re doing about 1,300 metres of elevation,” he said.
There are no paved roads throughout the course, just simply dirt and grass. Minett said the many obstacles make for a very interesting run.
“You got stumps to jump over, rocks to jump over and roots and trees to duck under, and other things. You’re twisting and turning away, up and down,” Minett described.
“[The course] is a 12.5K loop and the 50K guys are doing that four times.”
Runners were also able to compete in other shorter distance races, including a 5-kilometre fun run or walk, 12.5-kilometre run, and 25-kilometre run.
According to runner Mista Winter, it also becomes a mental game.
“You have to be aware of your surroundings. You’re always thinking. You have to watch that you’re not tripping,” Winter explained.
“You have to watch that somebody’s not coming up behind you, that you’re not going to wipe out on the mud.”
98 runners took part in the run. All proceeds from Sunday’s race will go to the All Nations Healing Hospital in Fort Qu’Appelle.
“It’s humbling to know that these people have braved these conditions today to help make this happen on behalf of our organization,” Gail Boehme, executive director said.
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