The excitement is building as the 2023 NACAC Mountain and Trail Running Championships, hosted in conjunction with the Beaver Flat 50k, is set to take place in Saskatchewan. The event, scheduled for September 16, 2023, is expected to attract more than 500 athletes from Canada, The United States, Mexico, El Salvador and beyond.
The championships, hosted in Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park, will include a trail running component for the first time in their 18 years of existence. Race organizers Jeff and Warren Dudar of Prairie Sky Running Company said the hilly terrain and venue, with over 2300 meters of vertical gain across 50 kilometers, will challenge the bravest of mountain and trail runners.
“We are so excited about hosting this event. It's a massive opportunity for us to provide exposure to Saskatchewan's incredible trail running community, as well as to a really incredible gem of a spot: Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park,” said Jeff Dudar. “We are excited to take people by surprise - the Beaver Flat 50 is as tough as they come.”
Jeff’s brother, Warren said he is looking forward to seeing international teams enjoy the hospitality of Swift Current – the host city of 16,000 just west of Regina - but also how they react to the tough course that awaits them.
“Saskatchewan Landing Provincial Park has a wild geography, one where we can achieve an elevation profile similar to many popular mountain runs across the world.”
The Championships will feature two races: the 50km Trail Race on a course that winds through some of the most scenic and challenging terrain in the region and boasts more than 2,300m of elevation gain and the Classic Up and Down, a 10k event with 420m of elevation gain. Spectators of all events will have ample opportunity to line the course to cheer on their favourite runners, and enjoy Saskatchewan's stunning natural beauty and Canada’s rich outdoor culture.
Team Canada’s selection criteria here is currently in development, and will be posted here in the following days.
For more information about the 2023 NACAC Mountain and Trail Running Championships, hosted in conjunction with the Beaver Flat 50k, please visit the event website or contact the organizers directly at info@pskyrunning.com.
