The Raven50 Ultra returns to Whitehorse on July 4, 2026. The Raven 50 Mile Ultra & Relay is an annual ultramarathon staged out of the Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Stadium, organized by a Whitehorse team led by Race Director Natalie Thivierge with deep roots in the local running community including the Kwanlin Koyotes. The race is known for its rugged northern terrain and long-standing place on Yukon trail calendars.

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The weekend offers a full festival of distances: a 50-mile solo and two-person relay (81 km), a 50 km solo and two-person relay (52 km), plus a 10 km run, 5 km fun run and a 2.5 km kids’ run. Start times are staggered — the 50-mile fields start at 6:00 a.m., the 50 km races at 9:00 a.m., and the shorter community runs take place mid-afternoon. Relay teams exchange at Jackson Lake (CP4), with published leg distances for both the 50-mile and 50 km relays.

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What sets Raven50 apart is the combination of technical, remote trail running and a strong community vibe. The courses thread three ridges and two peaks with multiple water crossings, and the 50-mile route climbs over 3,000 metres (the 50 km gains about 2,200 metres). Aid stations are well stocked with water, Tailwind, Pepsi and both sweet and salty snacks; drop bags are permitted at Jackson Lake. Organizers place a heavy emphasis on safety — a mandatory pre-race check-in and bear-safety briefing and clear rules around required gear reflect the remote, bear-country nature of the event.

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Entry policies note there are no refunds except via Raceroster insurance, and spots may be sold or traded until June 25, 2026. All ultra and relay runners must attend the mandatory pre-race check-in and briefing the evening before the race.

• Start and finish at Whitehorse Cross Country Ski Stadium (adjacent to the Canada Games Centre).
• 50-mile course distance 81 km; 50 km course distance 52 km.
• Terrain includes single-track trails, quad roads, switchbacks, three ridges, two peaks and multiple water crossings.
• Significant elevation: ~3,000 m gain on the 50-mile course and ~2,200 m on the 50 km.
• Key aid stations: CP1 McIntyre Creek (also 50 km start), CP2 Haeckel Hill, CP3 Sumanik Ridge (water & Tailwind only), CP4 Jackson Lake (relay exchange and drop-bag point), CP5 Fish Lake (Sky High Wilderness Ranch), CP7 Copper Haul Road.
• Cup-free race — runners must carry their own bottles/hydration systems; porta-potties available at Aid Station 4 and the start/finish area.

• High-elevation challenge: The 50-mile course packs over 3,000 metres of elevation gain (the 50 km gains ~2,200 metres).
• Technical Yukon singletrack: Course features three ridges, two peaks, multiple water crossings and a mix of single-track, quad roads and switchbacks.
• Relay exchange at Jackson Lake: Both 50-mile and 50 km two-person relays use CP4 (Jackson Lake) for exchanges and solo drop bags.
• Race-day support with real snacks: Aid stations offer Tailwind, water, Pepsi, fresh fruit, chips, pickles and candy (self-serve with volunteer assistance).
• Finish-line festival: Post-race beer garden, food and games create a community celebration for finishers and crews.