2023 LSU Racer Guide
2023 LSU Racer Guide
2023 LSU Racer Guide
Please read through this Lost Soul Ultra Racer Guide prior to race weekend. This guide
serves as the official documentation for the race. If you require any further clarification,
please contact one of the Lost Soul Ultra Race Directors.
Organization
The Lost Soul Ultra is a community-based event organized by runner-driven volunteers
who promote trail and ultrarunning events in Lethbridge, Alberta. The Lost Soul Ultra
would not be possible without the assistance of over 200 volunteers on race weekend who
help with everything from aid stations and medical support, to course flagging and timing.
History
The Lost Soul Ultra was founded in 2000 by ultrarunners Ron Bain, Paul Shipp, Marc
Hayward, Terry Schwengler, Rod Dueck and Dave Watson. Over the years the race has
evolved from a small 40-person event where everyone received a sandwich at the end of
the race … to the awesome event it is today.
The original goal of the race was to offer “the toughest (and nicest) race on the
Prairies” … and we work hard every year to live up to this goal!
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Race Start and Finish
All three Lost Soul Ultra races start and finish at:
Softball Valley (Peenaquim Park)
Scenic Drive North
Lethbridge, AB
T1J 4K2
Race Course
Our race course is a 51 km lap with approximately 1,100 m (3,600 feet) of elevation
incline and decline. Most of the hills (coulees) are 150 - 250 feet and you traverse about
16 hills in one lap. In the 51 km lap there is 36 km of single track, 2 km of pavement, 5
km of gravel road and 8 km of shale path.
The race course is divided into 5 legs which correspond with check-in points at the three
Aid Stations: Softball Valley (SV), Elks (EL) and Pavan (PV)
Leg 1: Start west to the river and then south along the river to Tollestrup’s berm. 9 km
SV to Elks Continue south on the edge of the berm, past the Tollestrup office, dropping
(West side down to the river again. Get to the Highway 3 bridge and cross over the
loop) bridge to the west side of Lethbridge. Follow the red shale berm south and
under the High Level bridge to the metal stairs (there may be a dirt trail
alternative to the stairs). Go up to the top and follow the limestone/shale
pathway to the Bull Trail stairs. Drop down and then up to the Whoop Up
Drive bridge and east across the river. Turn left off the bridge on pavement
and follow the pylons, along the river to the Elks Aid Station (mandatory
check-in).
*The course crosses Leg 2 at the Highway 3 bridge.
**100 mile runners need to complete a “Start Loop” and will cut over to Leg
2 before the Highway 3 bridge for their 8.5 km start loop.
Leg 2: Go back on the same paved path to the edge of the Fort Whoop Up horse 10 km
Elks to SV fence. Follow the fence (former Leg 1) around the Fort and up the red shale
path to the Sandman Signature (former HQ). Continue on the shale paths
(former Leg 2), under the High Level Bridge connecting to single track all
the way to the Highway 3 off-ramp. Follow the road north under the
Highway 3 bridge and then east on the Tollestrup off-ramp to connect back
to single-track heading north. Go up and back on the coulee trails and drop
onto the road at the Sewage Treatment plant. Cross the road to single track
heading east. Climb and cross the road that goes into Softball Valley and do
the last long climb to Scenic Drive, and then drop down to the Softball
Valley Aid Station (mandatory check-in).
Note: Enter Softball Valley from the north edge (start of gun range hill).
*The course crosses Leg 1 at the Highway 3 bridge
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Leg 3: No change to this Leg. Exit east up Gun Range Hill and follow their fence 9 km
SV to PV around the gun range and then up Ryan’s Hill. Turn left/west at the top and
(Gun range) run the Roller Coaster down to the dog park. Cross the road and take the
trail above the dog park to the Alexander Park hills (*this hillside trail is now
shared with the southbound runners on Leg 5 to avoid the dogs). Continue
north and climb and descend the hills to drop down at the Alexander
bathrooms. Travel west on the shale pathway for only 100 m and take a
right/north onto single track. If you go too far you will hit Leg 5. Enjoy the
Hardieville Hills to Pavan Park Aid Station (mandatory check-in).
Leg 4: No change to this Leg. Start east through the trees to Dragon’s Back hill and 16 km
PV to PV take the next ridge down on Dragon’s Tail. Turn right/north and hug the
(North loop) coulee to the private land fence. Cross over the fence and continue north on
single track and then dirt road to the farm houses. Cross through/under the
big yellow gate and head north along the gravel road past the houses.
Continue on the road past the “Radiation” sign for about 500 m and turn
right/south on the single track up the hill (if you see 2 large concrete blocks
on the road, you have gone too far). Up and down the hills heading east and
then drop down to the water crossing/bridge. West along the pond for 100
m and then right on the trail through the trees. On the dirt road until the
Lafarge Gravel piles and then drop down into the brush. The water station
will be at 10 km and there are trees most of the way back to Pavan Aid
Station (mandatory check-in).
Leg 5: Exit Pavan the same way you came in (north gate) and turn left on the 7 km
PV to SV paved path towards the bathroom building. Follow the dirt “horse path”
(Finish leg) south that cuts through the trees before the end of the path. This is the
start of B1 and B2 that drops onto the Alexander peninsula. Follow it around
and then turn right/south to B3 that drops onto the dog park. *Change:
Slant left to the shared Dog Park Bypass on the hill above the dog park.
Cross the road at the dog park parking lot and turn right along the road, in
the ditch. Cross over the road and follow the chain link dog fence west to
the river. Join the original course through the “Jungle”. At the Sewage
Lagoon fence, turn left/east into Softball Valley. Go south along the river to
Softball Valley Aid Station (mandatory check in/finish).
Total Lap 51 km
★ The 100 mile race consists of a start loop of 8.5 km (south along river to 161.5 km
Highway 3 bridge and then return back through Tollestrup hills to
Softball Valley) and then 3 laps
★ The 100 km race consists of 2 laps 102 km
★ The 50 km race consists of 1 lap 51 km
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Race Package Pickup
Runners Soul
2646 South Parkside Drive South
Phone: 403-327-2241
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Schedule of Events
Friday, September 8, 2023
7:00 - 8:30 am 100 mile/100 km racers take their drop bags to Softball Valley:
- Place Softball Valley drop bag in designated area
- Place Pavan drop bag in designated area
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Race Rules
★ All racers must:
○ Follow the course as marked in the direction of the race. You
cannot change race distances during the race (i.e., stopping after
1 lap does not equal a 50 km race).
○ Follow the pink flags (or white survey paint on rocks) - there will
always be one in sight.
○ Stay on the designated trails whenever possible as some parts of
the course are in environmentally sensitive areas.
○ Respect the course as private landowners and the City of
Lethbridge graciously allow us to use it. Please do not litter.
○ Be respectful of all volunteers.
○ Only receive aid from a designated LSU Aid Station, from your
crew at (or within 500 m) of a LSU Aid Station, or from another
LSU on-course racer.
○ Carry 1,000 ml (32 oz.) of water. We recommend 1,500 ml
(48 oz.) of water on hot days.
○ Bring your own cup (BYOC). We are a cupless race.
○ Pass a coherency check:
■ If you are judged to be unfit to continue, the race official’s decision is final.
■ Many parts of the course are dangerous if you become disoriented. You cannot
refuse EMS/911 service if deemed required by race/aid officials.
★ 100 mile and 100 km racers must:
○ Have warm clothes for night as there may be lows of 4 C and dew on long grass.
★ Leg Cutoff times will be posted at the start of each leg and strictly enforced.
○ Each leg will be closed at the specified time.
○ After 50 km leg cutoff times, course deflagging with course sweeps will begin
(Note: The gates at Pavan Aid Station and Softball Valley Aid Station will be locked
after the last official racer has left the Aid Station).
NEW!
Time 100 Mile 100 Km 50 Km
8:00 pm SV - Cutoff to complete Lap 1
Friday (12 hours)
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Noon Pavan - Cutoff to start Leg 4
Saturday (northbound)
★ Any finish times after these cutoff times will be recorded as DNF (Did Not Finish):
○ 5:30 am Saturday - 100 km
○ 5:00 pm Saturday - 100 mile
○ 6:00 pm Saturday - 50 km
★ Finisher Rocks (available at Race Finish Line):
○ Official finish times are based upon gun start times:
■ 8:00 am Friday - 100 mile
■ 8:30 am Friday - 100 km
■ 7:00 am Saturday - 50 km
○ Racers who successfully finish their race shall receive a Lost Soul
Ultra Finisher rock.
○ Racers who wish to have their name and official finish time
included on their rock need to make arrangements for this
service with [email protected]
★ Extreme Wet Weather Course
○ If deemed necessary by the Race Directors, all racers will be notified and will use
Leg 1 and slightly modified Leg 2 (18 km) to complete the required number of loops
for their race distance. Each 18 km loop will start and end at Softball Valley.
★ Emergency Situations
○ In the event of an emergency situation, please monitor your email,
lostsoulultra.com and the Lost Soul Ultra Facebook page for updates.
○ Air Quality Health Index: If forest fire smoke is an issue and air AQHI = 10+, the
race will be paused/stopped. The race may be paused/stopped at AQHI level 8.
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Aid Stations
Your crew can only assist you at designated Aid Stations (5 times per lap by driving
between the 3 aid stations). Your crew must respect Aid Station volunteer requests.
Pavan (PV)
To drive to the Pavan Aid Station from Softball Valley Aid Station (~11 min):
★ Turn left on Scenic Drive North and continue past the residential areas.
★ Follow the signs to Pavan Park (left turn) and stay left to John Martin picnic shelter.
★ There are 2 parking lots on the left hand side at Pavan Park.
★ Crew can bring food and chairs for a picnic and use the BBQ at Pavan. There is
also a playground for kids.
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Aid Station Resources
Our Aid Stations (Elks, SV, PV) are fully stocked and equipped with:
★ Awesome, friendly and helpful volunteers (please be courteous to all volunteers).
★ Washrooms (There is also an outhouse on Leg 3 [northbound] at Alexander Park).
★ Basic first aid items and medical volunteers (trained Ski Patrol members).
○ Pain killers will NOT be available at the Aid Stations.
★ Small heated area with blankets.
○ Watermelon ○ Salt & vinegar chips ○ Water and ice ○ Salt (for
○ Oranges ○ Plain chips ○ Coke/Pepsi cramping)
○ Bananas ○ Pringles chips ○ Ginger Ale ○ Tums (for
○ Peanut butter & jam ○ Pretzels ○ Lemon-Lime cramping)
sandwiches ○ Cheezies Gatorade ○ Mustard
○ Ham & cheese ○ Chocolate chip ○ Coffee packs (for
sandwiches cookies ○ Tea cramping)
○ Cheese sandwiches ○ Oreo cookies ○ Hot chocolate ○ Ginger candy
○ Boiled potatoes ○ Gingersnap cookies (for upset
○ Chicken broth ○ Gummy bears stomach)
○ Vegetable broth ○ Mini chocolate bars ○ Frozen treats
○ Quinoa (to add to broth) ○ Hot rods (freezies,
○ Rice balls ○ Beef jerky etc.)
○ Protein (bacon, burgers, ○ Dill pickles
veggie burgers, etc.)
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Dropping from the Race at an Aid Station
★ If you decide to drop from the race, you must turn in your race bib at Aid Station
timing (to avoid search and rescue).
★ The timing volunteer will record the time of DNF (Did Not Finish).
Course Information
Course Markings
★ The course is marked with pink flags that include a Lost Soul Ultra sticker and
reflector. There is also white survey paint on rocks.
★ White signs at Aid Stations indicate the starting point for each leg.
Course Emergencies
★ If you encounter a non-medical emergency on the course, please call the Race Director
phone number on the back of your race bib.
★ If you encounter a runner in medical distress, please call 911 with GPS location.
Pacers
★ 100 mile pacers are allowed on the third lap or after 8:00 pm.
★ No pacers are allowed for 100 km or 50 km racers.
★ Pacer must check-in at an Aid Station and wear a Pacer bib. You may use multiple
pacers, but only one at a time. Pacer must be human and on foot (no dogs or bikes).
★ Pacer cannot mule or carry your gear or supplies (water, shoes, clothing, etc.).
Race Photos
★ Photographers will be on course Friday and Saturday taking photos.
★ Volunteers will also take photos at the finish line.
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Course Records
100 mile 19:05 Dave Proctor (2021) 22:06 Chelsey Topping (2018)
Black Diamond, AB Lethbridge, AB
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200K (8/23 = 34.8%)
100M (25/40 = 62.5%)
Sept. 6-7,
22.0 C 7.3 C 0.4 mm 23.8 C 0 100K (95/111 = 85.6%)
2019
50K (137/151 = 90.7%)
Overall (265/325 = 81.5%)
Sunday Breakfast
Awards
★ During the Sunday Breakfast we present:
○ LSU plaques to the Top Male and Top Female in each race (50 Km, 100 Km, 100
Mile).
○ NEW! LSU award to the Top Male and Top Female Finisher in each age category
(18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+) in each race
○ Memorial awards.
Drop Bags
★ Please pick up any remaining drop bags after the Sunday breakfast.
Merchandise Store (Limited Hours at Softball Valley Finish Line and Sunday
Breakfast)
★ Bring cash or credit card to buy LSU merchandise for your crew, family and friends!
○ $50 2023 Racer garment
○ $35 2023 Hats
○ $20 2023 Neck gaiter
○ $20 2023 Volunteer t-shirts
○ Various Previous year’s racer garments, t-shirts, etc.
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1000 Mile Club
★ We provide special recognition (and a HUGE rock) to racers who finish ten 100 mile
Lost Soul Ultras. We currently have 4 members in our 1000 Mile Club!
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Triple Crown Club
★ We are in absolute awe of racers who have won the 50 km, 100 km and 100 mile
Lost Soul Ultra. We have 3 members in our Triple Crown Club!
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Accommodation
Please refer to lostsoulultra.com/accommodations for information about your
accommodation options.
Sponsors
We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our wonderful sponsors. Please thank and
support them whenever possible.
★ Runners Soul
★ Sandman Signature
★ Prime Catering
★ Sobeys Uplands
★ Altra Shoes
★ Stoneworks
★ Tollestrup Construction
★ Lafarge
★ Spic and Span Dry Cleaners
★ Fit Physio
★ Ralph Arnold Photography
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