Klondike Ultra

From the start line you’ll get the feeling your in unique terrain with the flow of the mighty Athabasca nearby you’ll start in the valley bottom on a wide open field for only a few hundred metres before you start climbing up from the valley floor onto an old wagon trail here you’ll run beside swaying old growth cottonwoods and birch trees. Once you start the leg burning climb off of the wagon trail your shoes will get a taste of the ancient sand dunes as every steep section of single track is sand. This slows your accent as your treads spin to find traction, but to even things out the descents can be leg spinning fast. Above the river valley the sand dunes are now covered in moss and large boreal forest the single track is smooth extremely hilly with the odd tree root that keeps those toes alert, and rocks are pretty much nonexistent so if you do have a tumble you just dust yourself off and keep going. The packed down single track makes you create your own wind as it’s fast flowing and curvy amongst the old growth. When you leave Klondike Staging area you are on the original Klondike trail. This is where hardships were had and lives lost. Running past a grave site will humble you and if time permits, check out a trappers cabin that has seen its good use come and go. As you drop back down into the valley you’ll meet up with the clear water creek and perhaps jump over a beaver or two as you run beside the rippling water. Once the trail meets the Athabasca, massive cottonwoods and thick undergrowth surrounds you as you make your way back to the finish line.

From the start line you’ll get the feeling your in unique terrain with the flow of the mighty Athabasca nearby you’ll start in the valley bottom on a wide open field for only a few hundred metres before you start climbing up from the valley floor onto an old wagon trail here you’ll run beside swaying old growth cottonwoods and birch trees. Once you start the leg burning climb off of the wagon trail your shoes will get a taste of the ancient sand dunes as every steep section of single track is sand. This slows your accent as your treads spin to find traction, but to even things out the descents can be leg spinning fast. Above the river valley the sand dunes are now covered in moss and large boreal forest the single track is smooth extremely hilly with the odd tree root that keeps those toes alert, and rocks are pretty much nonexistent so if you do have a tumble you just dust yourself off and keep going. The packed down single track makes you create your own wind as it’s fast flowing and curvy amongst the old growth. When you leave Klondike Staging area you are on the original Klondike trail. This is where hardships were had and lives lost. Running past a grave site will humble you and if time permits, check out a trappers cabin that has seen its good use come and go. As you drop back down into the valley you’ll meet up with the clear water creek and perhaps jump over a beaver or two as you run beside the rippling water. Once the trail meets the Athabasca, massive cottonwoods and thick undergrowth surrounds you as you make your way back to the finish line.

As the name suggests this area along the Klondike trail was tough on horses. The course starts on Wierenga flats giving your legs a little warm up before climbing the valley side onto the old wagon trail which leads you up river to the daunting sandy climb out of the main valley and into the moss covered sand dunes of past times. Here you will blast onto single track that yawns through out the boreal. Ridge lines are covered with grass and if lucky wild tiger lilies will be in blossom as well as other flora. Steep sections of trail unearth the hidden dunes beneath slowing the slog uphill but cause cushioned cruising descents. This is single track heaven and to top it off you’ll be running on the migration trail believed to be used during the last ice age by aboriginals as well as animals as they made their way down North America. As you make your descent to the valley bottom you’ll hear the churning of the Clear Water Creek, keep your eyes peeled at the beaver crossings and don’t drag your feet as this little section is more bumpy and with the water loving plump spruce trees makes for rooty terrain. Heading back up river beside the Athabasca the sky blocking cottonwoods and thick undergrowth glow a brilliant green as you make your way back to the finish.

This 10 km has it all! Starting with a flat section of a couple hundred meters on Wierenga flats to get in position a sharp turn and your onto a single track climbing up the valley side. If you’re not out of breath, you’ll want to spin those legs a little faster on the old wagon road even though it’s sandy and you’re still gaining elevation. Now is the time to gain some speed as the single track arrives quickly. Lots of ups and downs on this smooth single track bombing through the aspens and pine. Hit Central Staging Area and continue on a curvy single track till you descend to Clear Water Creek. Water churning and legs burn’in as you run along side it. Keep a watchful eye as you bounce through the forest as beavers practice their skills here. Where the Clear Water meets the Athabasca, legs are skipping as you’ve reached some grassy trail going up river to the finish.

Kids will get a well earned taste of the Klondike Ultra. The start/finish will be the same as the adults. Starting on Wierenga flats, hearts pounding, kids will blaze across the couple hundred yard field. Perhaps stopping to pick a dandelion or to get in position for a single track climb and onto the old wagon trail where you continue climbing to sweet single track. Boom, legs spinning, speeds gaining, trees blurring your at Central Staging Area. Treats are plenty, water is hydrating you’ve spun around and are going the same way you have come. Views will be different, steep inclines will be descents, bonus you’re over half way there! You’ll come out of the single track arms flailing to a crowd cheering at the finish!