North Sun Ultra is a single-day trail running event held each June in Edmonton, Alberta. The 2026 edition takes place on June 13 and is organized by North Sun Running, a not-for-profit group that has run the event annually since at least 2020. The race uses Edmonton’s River Valley trail network and attracts local and destination trail runners who want a technical, city-accessible ultra.

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The event offers two distances: a full North Sun 50 km ultramarathon and a North Sun Lite 30 km. The 50 km field starts at 7:00 a.m. from Emily Murphy Park, followed by the 30 km at 8:00 a.m. Race weekend includes Friday package pickup at a local shop and race-morning pickup at Emily Murphy Park. Organizers publish a mid-race cutoff (50 km runners must pass Fort Edmonton aid station #4 by 2:30 p.m.) and a 4:00 p.m. finish-line close.

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What sets North Sun apart is its river-valley singletrack route and community focus. The course threads through Edmonton landmarks — Capilano, Goldbar and Fort Edmonton Park — with technical rooty sections and runnable river-trail stretches. Aid stations appear roughly every 10 km with water, Tailwind and a mix of salty and sweet nutrition; 50 km runners have access to a drop bag at the 30 km/Emily Murphy aid station. As a non-profit, net proceeds support local organizations and past years show regular community donations.

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Registration for 2026 is open through the race’s online entry system. Runners should note the refund policy (50% refunds available until May 31, 2026) and the ability to move down in distance up to June 7.

• Start/finish at Emily Murphy Park (11904 Emily Murphy Park Rd NW)
• Terrain: Edmonton River Valley singletrack with steep climbs, technical rooty sections and runnable river-trail/path segments
• Key landmarks: Old Timers Trails, Caddy Shack, Andres Trail, Capilano Park, Goldbar (Moonraker, Gold Digger, Hustler), Hawrelak Park, Plan B/Machete/Raven, Selkirk Knights and Fort Edmonton Park
• Aid stations roughly every 10 km — Capilano Park (12 km & 18 km), Emily Murphy Park (30 km, drop-bag access for 50K), Fort Edmonton Park (36 km & 43 km)
• Rain routes are used in significant rainfall; these reduce singletrack but still showcase Edmonton's trail network

• River Valley singletrack: 50 km course combines technical rooty sections and punchy climbs with longer runnable river-trail stretches
• Aid stations every ~10 km: staffed with water, Tailwind and a selection of salty and sweet nutrition
• Mid-race drop bag access: 50 km runners can access drop bags at the Emily Murphy Park (30 km) aid station
• Community-focused non-profit: net proceeds support Edmonton organizations, with multi-year donations listed in past results
• Well-flagged, volunteer-run event: mandatory pre-race briefings, strong volunteer support and published cutoffs to keep the day organized