The Canadian Death Race (CDR) has been pushing the limits of ultra-running endurance for a quarter of a century, and the upcoming 25th edition, scheduled for August 2-3, 2025, promises to be an unforgettable event. Founded at the dawn of the millennium, this ultra-marathon has grown to become one of the most challenging and iconic races in the world, drawing athletes from around the globe to the tiny town of Grande Cache, Alberta.
As Brian Gallant, the current race director and head of Sinister Sports, looks ahead to this monumental year, he reflects on the evolution of the event and the community it has fostered. “Thanks for your interest. This will be the 25th annual CDR, and we are very excited as well,” Gallant says. “I wasn’t actually involved in the creation of Canadian Death Race, as I took over the event management later, but it has definitely always been a bit of an enigma in the running community. Who would have thought that a tiny mining town would be able to host one of the world’s premier ultras?”
A Legacy of Toughness
The 118-kilometer Canadian Death Race is not just any ultra-marathon. It’s a test of physical and mental fortitude that features three mountain summits, over 17,000 feet of elevation change, and a harrowing river crossing at Hell’s Gate Canyon, where racers navigate the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur Rivers. Participants face heat, cold, and the altitude of the Canadian Rockies, and the race has earned a reputation as one of the most grueling endurance events on the planet. “People really come to CDR for the challenge,” Gallant notes. “It has a reputation for being relentlessly tough and daunting, which makes it so much more satisfying when you finish.”
Since its inception, the Canadian Death Race has also inspired multiple generations of runners. “In all of Canada, there were only a handful of ultras [in 2000]. CDR has inspired three generations of runners since that time,” Gallant explains. “People who raced the first event brought their kids who ran in the Kids’ Death Race. Then they grew up and had kids of their own, and their kids are now running with us.”
Overcoming Early Challenges
Despite the event’s current prestige, the road to success wasn’t always easy. “Initially, it was trying to get both the local community and the running community to see the vision for the race. It really resonated with some people, but others were definitely opposed,” Gallant says. The rapid growth in the early years led to growing pains, as the small community of Grande Cache struggled to accommodate the influx of visitors. But the event’s popularity continued to soar, cementing its place as a cornerstone of the ultra-running scene.
Revitalization and Growth
When Gallant took over in 2017, the race was at a turning point. Participant numbers had been declining, and the future of the event was uncertain. Gallant, however, saw an opportunity to breathe new life into the CDR. “I had always admired CDR, and what it has done to foster growth in long-distance running,” he recalls. “Since that time, we’ve revitalized the race, and we continue to inspire runners each year.”
One of the most significant changes Gallant implemented was improving the event’s sustainability. With these organizational changes came a resurgence of interest, and today, the CDR continues to thrive, with an active and passionate community of competitors who feel deeply connected to the race. “Our races are kind of like my children, and I don’t like to pick favorites,” Gallant says, noting that while Sinister 7 Ultra may have larger numbers, the Canadian Death Race commands an almost cult-like following. “The competitors are incredibly engaged—it’s almost like it’s a part of their soul.”
This Year’s Race and Special Plans for the 25th Anniversary
The 25th-anniversary edition will be one for the books. Gallant promises several exciting announcements, including special swag and a commemorative belt buckle for solo ultra finishers. Though he’s tight-lipped about all the surprises in store, Gallant hints that the race will honor both the heritage of the event and the Grande Cache community.
The race weekend will kick off on August 2, 2025, with racer check-in and an evening briefing at Central Park. On August 3, the real challenge begins, as racers embark on the 118km course or tackle the shorter 42km Near Death Marathon. Those running the full ultra will have to conquer the course’s punishing terrain, which includes over 5,000 meters of elevation gain, technical trails, and the ever-daunting Hell’s Gate river crossing.
Newcomers and veterans alike will face the ultimate test of endurance, racing through the stunning but unforgiving Canadian Rockies. As always, support crews, aid stations, and a dedicated team of volunteers will be on hand to provide assistance—but the real challenge will be within each competitor. “Each time someone finishes, their reaction and the raw emotion is burned into our brains a little bit,” Gallant says. “People come for the challenge, but they stay because of the CDR community. The event attracts a passionate group of people who support and encourage each other.”
A Race That’s Here to Stay
As the Canadian Death Race prepares to celebrate its 25th anniversary, its legacy of toughness, endurance, and community is stronger than ever. From its humble beginnings in a small mining town to its status as one of the world’s premier ultra-marathons, the CDR continues to captivate and inspire. As Gallant reflects, “Canadian Death Race has a lifetime of memories; it’s literally older than some of the competitors.”
With this milestone year set to be one of the most memorable yet, there’s no better time to witness—or participate in—one of the ultimate tests of human endurance.
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