4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group conquers the Canadian Death Race
August 20, 2024 - Capt Keun Woo Kang, Public Affairs Officer, 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group
A team of four determined members from 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group (4 CRPG) tackled the formidable 118‑kilometre Canadian Death Race held annually in Grande Cache, Alta., from Aug. 3 to 4.
This race is a truly gruelling event that features intense elevation changes and dangerous terrain that test the limits of even the most experienced ultramarathoners.
The event starts and finishes on a 12,800‑metre plateau, passes over three mountain summits, and features approximately 5,200 m of elevation change. The course also includes a major river crossing at the Hell's Gate canyon at the confluence of the Smoky and Sulphur rivers. The event is a true test of endurance and mental toughness, and the 4 CRPG team was determined to conquer it.
The 4 CRPG relay team—consisting of Major Jose Areekadan, Captain Graham Mater, Capt Kirk McColl and team coach Corporal Megala Zorra—trained rigorously for months to prepare for the race.
The team's journey began when Cpl Zorra, an ultramarathoner, was approached by the 4 CRPG Group Sergeant‑Major back in February to participate in the event. With a general call‑out to Headquarter and subordinate companies, the team of four experienced runners who were in excellent fitness was formed. Each team member trained extensively, running multiple times a week and incorporating strength training sessions to prepare for the event.
One of the biggest challenges in preparing for this event was the team did not have the opportunity to train together before the race: two members live in British Columbia, while the other two live in Alberta.
Despite the challenge of not training together, each member did their best to prepare individually, taking guidance from Cpl Zorra. To simulate the elevation in Grande Cache, Cpl Zorra specifically trained with an oxygen restriction mask, incorporating both running and walking into her regimen.
On race day, Cpl Zorra ran two legs of the relay and described the experience as "exhilarating." She noted the terrain was challenging, with significant elevation change and rocky descents and gruelling ascents. In addition, she needed to get enough food and rest between each of her legs. However, despite its challenges, she found the race manageable due to her experience running much longer distances.
Her favourite part of the race was running the last leg at night, which featured rolling single‑track terrain and the highlight of presenting the Death Race ‘coin’ to the ‘ferryman’ before crossing the river. This race is unique in that racers run with a ‘coin’ they need to give to the ‘ferryman’ in order to be ‘granted passage’ on the last leg. It combines ancient Greek mythology with all the trappings of a modern trail race.
Caption
The 4th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group Canadian Death Race relay team gathers before the race. (L-R): Captain Kirk McColl, Corporal Megala Zorra, Capt Graham Mater and Major Jose Areekadan.
Photo courtesy Capt Kirk McColl
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Grande Cache Canadian Ranger Patrol and Grande Cache Search and Rescue team members gather before the race next to the start point.
Photo by WO Michael McCauley
The 4 CRPG relay team felt a huge sense of accomplishment after completing the race. All members either met or exceeded their time goals, and despite not having the chance to work together before the race, all members worked seamlessly to create smooth transitions between legs.
All members are very excited to participate again next year. Cpl Zorra said she would love to participate in a relay event again and encourages others to train for an event like this.
Soloing the entire distance is beyond the interest or capabilities of most people, but running the race in a relay is very doable and provides an experience for unit members to take on a challenge where they can train to push themselves and see some amazing terrain.
But the true heroes of the event were the Grande Cache Canadian Ranger Patrol (CRP), led by Patrol Commander Selena Slavik. These dedicated Rangers worked tirelessly throughout the weekend, providing valuable life-saving services to participants in the race. They performed approximately 80 casualty evacuations from the course, showcasing their exceptional skills and dedication to their work.
Overall, 4 CRPG's participation in Canadian Death Race was a great success. The relay team worked seamlessly to complete the challenging event while showcasing the Rangers' exceptional teamwork. Meanwhile, the Grande Cache CRP played a crucial role by ensuring the safety of the race and all participants before, during and after the race.
At the end of the day, the event highlighted the strength of collaboration and the commitment of all participants and provided invaluable experience for everyone who took part.