REU’s seven races are located on over 2,100 acres along the North Saskatchewan River in Parkland County, Alberta, approximately 15 minutes from the City of Edmonton and only a few minutes west of Devon.

Please keep in mind that most of the land we will be running on are privately owned so no access will be allowed except during the race and training runs that are scheduled by the race organizers.

Deer, moose, beavers, bald eagles, hawks, owls and coyotes are some of the more permanent residents in this area however cougars and black bears have been know to also pass through. Undulating forest trails will keep you on your toes and when you have time to look up it is breathtaking. Depending on which leg you run, be prepared to get wet when crossing creeks with active beaver dams and the North Saskatchewan River to an island which has a single-track trail you will follow around the island.

The course is made up of four loops of 9km,12km,19km and 20km with each loop returning to the Start/Finish area. (However, note that Muskeg 50km runners go out and back on part of the Westridge Loop during the Homestead Loop.)

You will never be further than 12km from an aid station.

For the full course map, click on the link below:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=16K0jkFO_Cc-BOCW1BvOfe-lqiHoFjGw&ehbc=2E312F&noprof=1

Summit Loop (12km)

- This leg of the race will have you dreaming of the beach after you go up and meander through some amazing forest trails featuring hazelnut bushes, birch and spruce stands.

Homestead Loop (19km)
- This loop is one of the longest with different running surfaces. The single track will literally have you bobbing and weaving up and down the trail. You’ll be rewarded with some amazing scenery and possibly some trail rash. You’ll be going OOOOO before you go Owwwww! There is an aid station half way through the loop, where the race director’s wife will serve food straight from the kitchen. This year, race day is on her birthday. Don’t forget to wish her a happy one!

Westridge Loop (20km)
- This loop will test your stamina. It will lead you up to the top of and down into the river valley bottom over and over again on a 20km journey (10km out and 10km back). If you missed the sights the first go around you will get another chance on the way back. Keep your eyes open on this trail for some unique sights!

Island Loop (9km)
- This loop could be considered the most challenging. You will get wet crossing the North Saskatchewan to and from an island…you will go up and down…you will go through an old growth forest and past beaver ponds. For those that don’t like getting dirty or wet, you should avoid this leg. Those that want to let their inner 6 year old out, go for it!

THE RACE COURSES:

Mammoth – 100 mile solo; Elevation Change: 13,400 ft.

You must run the loops in the following order: 1 Westridge, 3 Island, 1 Westridge, 3 Homestead, 3 Summit.

Pacers allowed on the last two Homestead Loops and all Summit Loops.
Cut off to begin the second Westridge Loop is 6:30pm (Saturday).
Cut off to begin the last Homestead Loop is 6:30am (Sunday).
Cut off to begin the last Summit Loop is 3pm (Sunday).
It’s called the Mammoth for a reason! This is our longest race yet. It goes without saying, this race will be a mammoth challenge – the ultimate test of your ultra running ability given the serious elevation gain and loss, the water and river crossings, and demanding technical trails.
8:00am START TIME
Race duration:
33 hours

Magilla – 100km solo; Elevation Change: 8,230 ft.

You must run the loops in the following order: 1 Westridge, 2 Island, 2 Homestead, 2 Summit.

Pacers allowed on both Summit Loops.
Cut off to begin the last Homestead Loop is 6:30am (Sunday).
Cut off to begin the last Summit Loop is 3pm (Sunday).
This race is big and difficult! It will test your ultra running ability given the serious elevation gain and loss, the water and river crossings, and demanding technical trails. Do not underestimate this one!
8:00am START TIME
Race duration: 33 hours

Wallace – 80km solo; Elevation Change: 6,700 ft.

You must run the loops in the following order: 1 Westridge, 1 Island, 2 Homestead, 1 Summit.

Pacers allowed on the Summit Loop.
Cut off to begin the last Homestead Loop is 6:30am (Sunday).
Cut off to begin the Summit Loop is 12 noon (Sunday).
Having a serious amount of elevation gain and loss, this course will test your abilities, however you will have more time to complete this “animal.” This is an excellent precursor to your next step being the “Magilla” in our running series. But don’t underestimate it either, as it too will take you over and through water courses, river crossings and technical trails that will make you glad to take a shower when done!
8:00am START TIME
Race duration: 30 hours

Muskeg – 50km solo; Elevation Change: 3,800 ft.

You must run in consecutive order the Summit Loop once, the Homestead Loop once during which you will be directed to go 5km out and 5km back on part of the Westridge Loop, and the Island Loop once. Course marshals will be present to ensure you do not get lost. There will be an aid station close to the turnaround point.
Cut off time to cross the river to the island is 6:30pm.
It may be only 50km but you will see most of all the trails of REU on your run. Not only will you get a taste of the varied types of terrain, it will challenge your “wet feet” running ability given the beaver dam crossings and river crossings you will encounter.
9:00am START TIME!
Race duration: 13.5hrs

Koda – 21km solo; Elevation Change: 1,450 ft.

You must run 1 Summit Loop followed by 1 Island Loop.
Cut off time to cross the river to the island is 6:30pm.
Koda is a gentle beast but a worthy challenge especially for those new to the trail running world. This has a bit of everything that the longer distances have to offer including river and creek crossings.
10:00am START TIME
Race duration: 10.5hrs

Half Yak – 12km solo; Elevation Change: 996 ft.

You must run 1 Island Loop but then run around the island twice.
This is an ideal race for the aspiring ultra runner.
11am START TIME
Race duration: 8.5hrs

Muskrat (3km or 5km kids course)

This is a fun loop involving some single track, some climbs, some descents all to the cheers of the adults. Fun run for kids 15 years of age and under!
3:00pm START TIME
Race duration is as fast as your legs will take you 🙂

All courses will be marked and all runners must stay on the designated trails.