Canadian path runners are already having a standout 2025, and the momentum continues this weekend within the rugged foothills of northern California. The Canyons Endurance Runs by UTMB kicks off in Auburn—the birthplace of mountain ultras—and serves as each a Western States 100 (WSER) Golden Ticket race and a UTMB World Collection Main. Meaning critical competitors, excessive stakes and a golden alternative for six elite Canadian ladies lining up within the 100K. Alongside world-class worldwide expertise, these Canadian athletes are poised to shake up the sphere–which is 31 per cent ladies this 12 months. Right here’s what you could know earlier than the beginning line buzz hits Auburn–and who to observe as soon as the race is underway.
The race
Canyons takes place on numerous parts of the Western States Path, acquainted to many runners as the placement of the Western States Endurance Run–the oldest and most iconic 100-miler within the U.S. The 100K race, which kicks off at 5 a.m. native time on the China Wall trailhead and following the American River to Auburn, entails greater than 3,750 metres of elevation achieve (and much more elevation loss) as runners descend into and out of the canyons alongside the course (therefore the race’s title).
Canyons is a Western States qualifying race and will get racers three UTMB Operating Stones, and with these issues on the road, we’re sure to see some excellent performances amongst these spectacular Canadians.
Canadians to look at
Marianne Hogan of Montreal is finest identified for her dramatic UTMB finishes; she was second in 2022 after taking third at Western States two months beforehand, and third in 2024 (after a tough fall that left her with a dislocated finger). Whereas Hogan hasn’t raced a lot but this 12 months because of harm, she is keen to reveal her signature velocity on the paths. “I’m actually excited to be toeing the road of a Golden Ticket race, and am actually fired as much as give it my finest shot!,” Hogan advised Canadian Operating. “I’ve taken a extra progressive strategy to coaching and switched up some issues with regard to my diet, ever since I bought injured once more in February [hamstring tear], and assume I’m lastly again at a great place once more.”
Arden Younger of Canmore, Alta., has already tasted success this 12 months, ending second to U.S. celebrity Courtney Dauwalter at Crown King Scramble 50K in Arizona final month, and had a standout season in 2024, starting with a second-place general end on the San Tan Scramble 50K (Arizona) and an Eleventh-place end in a deep subject at Black Canyon Ultras 100K. Younger was tenth at Canyons Endurance Runs 100K in 2024, and adopted that with a Twelfth-place end at UTMB CCC 100K and first at Puerto Vallarta Mexico by UTMB in November. “The sphere at this race appears to get quicker and extra stacked yearly–its intimidating, but additionally thrilling, and one of many causes so many elite runners select to run Canyons,” Younger stated. “The chilly climate package was simply carried out, so the temps would possibly simply favour Canadians this weekend! Right here’s hoping.”
A 12 months after her dramatic victory at this race three years in the past, Jazmine Lowther of Nelson, B.C., spent a while on the sidelines with a bone stress harm and REDs (relative vitality deficiency in sport). However with help from two new sponsors (Arc’teryx and the Canadian diet firm Näak) and wins at each the Extremely-Path Cape City 100K and Speedgoat 50K in 2024, Lowther has confirmed she is again (and hungry for extra). She hopes to line up at both the UTMB closing, Western States or the World Mountain and Path Operating Championships in Spain in September.
Priscilla Forgie of Edmonton gained this race in 2023, then went on to complete eighth at Western States the identical 12 months, and in 2024 she gained the Squamish 50K and snagged one other top-10 end at Western States. Identified for her consistency, Forgie might very nicely return to the rostrum at Canyons this 12 months.
Although she’s solely 25, Alberta’s Heidi Frehlich has proven outstanding maturity and consistency in her temporary however very promising ultra-trail profession, profitable the Misplaced Soul Extremely 100-miler in Lethbridge final fall (and beating all however one of many males) after hitting the rostrum at each the Elk Valley Extremely 50K and the Calgary Marathon 50K the earlier 12 months.
Ailsa MacDonald is the veteran of the group, and nonetheless placing up spectacular performances in her early 40s; she’s solely gotten stronger since her second-place end at Western States in 2022, climbing no fewer than 4 podiums in 2023, in addition to seventh at UTMB that 12 months. She gained Mesquite Canyon 50K in Arizona and Austin Rattler Run 50K in Texas in 2024 in addition to taking second at Gorge Waterfalls 50K in Oregon, and gained her first race of 2025, the Mesquite Canyon 50K in Arizona. MacDonald expressed some trepidation pre-race because of coping with some accidents that she says have left her feeling unprepared. Nonetheless, she is enthused in regards to the problem. “I can be counting on bike health, muscle reminiscence and psychological energy for this one! I’m nowhere close to the place I needed to be run fitness-wise, however I nonetheless really feel like I can pull off an honest race and benefit from the journey,” she added. “Excited to see such a powerful Canadian contingent toeing the road.”
Extra Canadians to look at
Canadian 50K report holder Chris Balestrini will contest the 50K race, whereas Reid Burrows is taking up the 100-mile distance, and three-time stroller-running world report setter Cal Neff is racing the 100K. Valérie Arsenault, who took third on the legendary JFK 50-miler in each 2023 and 2024, will symbolize Canada within the 50K.
Don’t miss the motion! You may livestream all of the races right here, or observe your favorite runners right here.