Canadian Rangers defeat 25th annual Canadian Death Race in Grande Cache, Alta.

October 17, 2025 - Cpl Megala Zorra, 4^th Canadian Ranger Patrol Group

The rugged trails of Grande Cache, Alta., bore witness to an extraordinary display of endurance, teamwork and grit as the 25^th anniversary of the Canadian Death Race unfolded on Aug. 2.

This ultramarathon, infamous for its grueling 118‑kilometre course and 5,180 meters of elevation gain, drew elite athletes and daring adventurers from across the country. Among them were two relay teams representing 4 CRPG: a Staff team and a Canadian Ranger team.

The Canadian Death Race is not for the faint of heart. With five punishing legs ranging from 14 to 35.2 kilometres, the course challenges runners with slick trails, brutal climbs and unpredictable mountain weather. From pavement to bushy single track, river crossings to the infamous Mt. Hamell ascent, each leg demands physical strength and mental resilience.

This year’s race was particularly treacherous. Heavy rains in the months leading up to the event turned sections of the trail into muddy streams and thick underbrush, testing even the most seasoned runners. But the Rangers were ready.

The CR team, composed of members from across British Columbia and Alberta—including Haida Gwaii, Powell River, the B.C. Interior and Peace River—was selected through a rigorous process. Candidates completed detailed fitness questionnaires and committed to months of specialized training. Their performance on race day was a testament to the discipline, adaptability and toughness that define the Canadian Rangers.

Leg-by-leg highlights:

• Leg 1: CR Mike McKay, the sole Albertan on the team, set a blistering pace through wet trails and bushy terrain, finishing ahead of the Staff team’s runner.
• Leg 2: CR Tristan Walls battled through pain and relentless mud, pushing through adversity to complete the climb with determination and a smile.
• Leg 3: CR Wesley Hallman, fueled by his uphill training environment, surged past the Staff team runner, navigating rocky descents and single track with precision.
• Leg 4: CR Coleman Balaski, equipped with extra batteries and alpine experience, tackled the Mt. Hamell assault almost entirely in the dark, extending the team’s lead.
• Leg 5: CR Myriam Rioux embraced the overgrown trail with confidence, crossing the river via ferry and climbing back to Grande Cache under the glow of her headlamp, finishing in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Staff team followed closely behind, and both teams celebrated together at the finish line – cheering, sharing hot soup and posing for photos. The camaraderie and mutual support forged over the weekend exemplified the spirit of the Canadian Rangers.

Finishing the Death Race is never guaranteed. Yet both 4 CRPG teams completed the course within the 24‑hour cutoff, injury-free – a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about their preparation and resilience.

“Running the Death Race made me a better Canadian Ranger. It demanded everything we train for – discipline, flexibility, fitness, and mental toughness,” one Canadian Ranger said about the experience.

In the end, the Canadian Death Race was more than a competition. It was a proving ground for the Canadian Rangers, a celebration of their strength, and a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through teamwork and sheer will.