Saddle Hills Ultra 2026

The Saddle Hills Ultra is a late-season trail race at Spring Lake Ski Hill in Saddle Hills County, just outside Hythe. The course uses a repeatable 20K loop through foothills terrain, with open ridgelines, equestrian trails and forest paths shaping the day.

Runners can choose from 10K, 20K, 40K and 60K distances, with solo entries and relay options on the longer formats. The event leans into a remote, self-sufficient running experience, while still keeping a community feel at the ski hill finish area.

For runners looking for a foothills trail day in Alberta, this is a practical mix of runnable climbing, longer loop rhythm and race-day logistics built around the same start/finish hub.

The course is built around an approximately 20-kilometre loop starting and finishing at Spring Lake Ski Hill. It runs over gravel roads, equestrian trails, forest paths and open ridgelines, with rolling terrain, gradual climbs and runnable descents.

Elevation gain is about 177 metres per 20K lap, with the 40K and 60K using two and three laps respectively. Aid is available at the halfway point on the loop and at the start/finish area.

• 20K loop course through gravel roads, equestrian trails, forest paths and open ridgelines
• 10K, 20K, 40K and 60K race options on the same looped venue
• 40K and 60K include relay formats for teams
• Start/finish at Spring Lake Ski Hill in Saddle Hills County
• Two aid stations: one at the halfway point and one at the start/finish
• 60K has a strict 9-hour cutoff
• Race-day schedule begins with the 60K at 8:00 AM, followed by the 40K, 20K and 10K