North Sun Ultra 2026

This page is kept as a past race archive for the Jun 13, 2026 edition in Edmonton, AB. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category. You can also browse the 2026 race calendar.

North Sun Ultra is a single-day trail running event held each June in Edmonton, Alberta. The 2026 edition takes place on June 13 and is organized by North Sun Running, a not-for-profit group that has run the event annually since at least 2020. The race uses Edmonton’s River Valley trail network and attracts local and destination trail runners who want a technical, city-accessible ultra.

The event offers two distances: a full North Sun 50 km ultramarathon and a North Sun Lite 30 km. The 50 km field starts at 7:00 a.m. from Emily Murphy Park, followed by the 30 km at 8:00 a.m. Race weekend includes Friday package pickup at a local shop and race-morning pickup at Emily Murphy Park. Organizers publish a mid-race cutoff (50 km runners must pass Fort Edmonton aid station #4 by 2:30 p.m.) and a 4:00 p.m. finish-line close.

What sets North Sun apart is its river-valley singletrack route and community focus. The course threads through Edmonton landmarks — Capilano, Goldbar and Fort Edmonton Park — with technical rooty sections and runnable river-trail stretches. Aid stations appear roughly every 10 km with water, Tailwind and a mix of salty and sweet nutrition; 50 km runners have access to a drop bag at the 30 km/Emily Murphy aid station. As a non-profit, net proceeds support local organizations and past years show regular community donations.

Registration for 2026 is open through the race’s online entry system. Runners should note the refund policy (50% refunds available until May 31, 2026) and the ability to move down in distance up to June 7.

• Start/finish at Emily Murphy Park (11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW)
• Terrain: Edmonton River Valley singletrack with steep climbs, technical rooty sections and runnable river-trail/path segments
• Key landmarks: Old Timers Trails, Caddy Shack, Andres Trail, Capilano Park, Goldbar (Moonraker, Gold Digger, Hustler), Hawrelak Park, Plan B/Machete/Raven, Selkirk Knights and Fort Edmonton Park
• Aid stations roughly every 10 km — Capilano Park (12 km & 18 km), Emily Murphy Park (30 km, drop-bag access for 50K), Fort Edmonton Park (36 km & 43 km)
• Rain routes are used in significant rainfall; these reduce singletrack but still showcase Edmonton's trail network

• River Valley singletrack: 50 km course combines technical rooty sections and punchy climbs with longer runnable river-trail stretches
• Aid stations every ~10 km: staffed with water, Tailwind and a selection of salty and sweet nutrition
• Mid-race drop bag access: 50 km runners can access drop bags at the Emily Murphy Park (30 km) aid station
• Community-focused non-profit: net proceeds support Edmonton organizations, with multi-year donations listed in past results
• Well-flagged, volunteer-run event: mandatory pre-race briefings, strong volunteer support and published cutoffs to keep the day organized