The Blackfoot Ultra is a long-standing trail ultra held in late May in the Cooking Lake–Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area near Edmonton, Alberta. The 2026 edition takes place on May 30, 2026; the race originated in 2002 and has become one of Alberta’s oldest trail ultras, organized by the Blackfoot Ultra race directors to showcase the park’s trails and give runners a springtime training challenge.

The event centers on a 25 km loop through the provincial recreation area that serves as the building block for all distances. Runners can choose from ultra distances that have been contested at Blackfoot — including 100 km, 50 mile and 50 km — as well as the Baby Ultra (25 km) and kids’ races. The course direction alternates by year (even years run clockwise, so 2026 will use the clockwise routing) and the 50‑mile field includes just over a 5 km out-and-back at the start to add the extra distance.

Blackfoot’s appeal comes from its local trail character and community focus. The loop threads singletrack, short dirt-road connectors and a notably rutted equestrian section, with clear directional signage and volunteers at selected junctions. Registration includes practical race perks — fully stocked aid stations, chip timing and a finisher medal — and the post-race BBQ (smokies and dilly bars) gives the race a friendly, communal finish-area vibe. The event also supports trail stewardship through a donation to the Friends of the Blackfoot.

Registration for the 2026 race is live. Ultra-distance entries opened Oct. 27, 2025, and the Baby Ultra and kids’ entries opened Jan. 1, 2026. Runners should note the mandatory four-hour community volunteer requirement tied to entries; full registration details are available on the race’s registration portal.

- **Community volunteer requirement:** Entrants must complete four hours of volunteer service in their local area between the prior race and April 30 of race year as a condition of entry.
- **Post-race BBQ and treats:** Registration includes a post-race BBQ featuring smokies and dilly bars for finishers and crews.
- **Fully stocked aid stations and chip timing:** The race provides fully stocked aid stations along the loop and uses chip timing, with a finisher’s medal for all distances.
- **Single 25 km loop with technical sections:** The core 25 km loop runs through Lost Lake, Beaver Trail and Wapiti and includes an exposed, rutted equestrian stretch of about 3.5 km.
- **Even-year clockwise routing:** Course direction alternates by year — 2026 will be run clockwise, keeping signage and volunteer direction consistent for competitors.