Runners charge down Main Street in Blairmore at 7 a.m. on July 12 to begin the 100-mile Sinister 7 Ultra, one of the most demanding endurance races in Canada. (Nicholas L. M. Allen photo)
Nicholas L. M. Allen
Jul 16, 2025
Elite and amateur runners test their limits in the mountains of Crowsnest Pass
The 2025 Sinister 7 Ultra brought athletes from across Canada to the Crowsnest Pass on July 12 for one of the toughest endurance challenges in the country. Battling steep climbs, technical trails and long hours under shifting mountain conditions, runners tackled events ranging from the half marathon to the punishing 100-mile solo.
In the marquee solo categories, Andrew Thomas took first place in the 100-mile ultra, finishing in 21:41:31.8. Flemming Sondergaard claimed victory in the Solo 50-mile race at 8:33:38.9, while Tyler Williams led the 50-kilometre solo event with a time of 5:19:59.0.
The Relay 100 Mile event saw a dominant team performance from The Council, who completed the full course in 15:27:10.6. In the Half Marathon, Kinley Cross Child took the overall win with a time of 2:18:17.4.
In the junior and master’s divisions, several standout performances emerged:
• Half Marathon Male, 18 and under: Theo Tollifson Fry – 3:10:09.7
• Half Marathon Male, 40+: Steven Snell – 2:41:38.0
• Half Marathon Female, 40+: Brandi Venne – 2:25:27.9
• Solo 100 Mile Male, 40+: Andy Collin – 21:42:50.2
• Solo 100 Mile Female, 40+: Mandi Goudie – 24:51:06.5
• Solo 50 Mile Male, 18 and under: Henry Leishman – 16:48:05.4
• Solo 50 Mile Male, 40+: Flemming Sondergaard – 8:33:38.9
• Solo 50 Mile Female, 40+: Ailsa MacDonald – 8:46:18.9
• Solo 50K Male, 18 and under: Jonathan Siemens – 10:08:50.3
• Solo 50K Male, 40+: Reinier Paauwe – 5:43:21.8
• Solo 50K Female, 40+: Jodie Stutt – 6:40:58.7
This year’s race once again lived up to its reputation for intensity, beauty and personal triumphs. The steep trails, shifting weather and remote stretches of wilderness tested even the most seasoned ultramarathoners.
More detailed race results, including full category breakdowns and finish times, are available at sinistersports.ca.
