Races
Fat Dog
British Columbia. Cascade alpine. One hundred twenty miles. Fat Dog is the classic Canadian mountain ultra.
120 mi+1,010 ft-968 ft48 hours837 ft to 891 fttech 5/10Checkpoints per race book2026 canceledCanadian CascadesWSER qualifierAugust
Distance120 mi
Gain+1,010 ft
Loss-968 ft
Altitude837 ft to 891 ft
Technicality5/10
Air35°F to 85°F
- Start837 ft
- High891 ft
- Low837 ft
- Finish879 ft
Geometryderived
Steepest drop39 ft-0.3% over 2.5 mi
Night miles32 misunset near 19:00 local
The cruxCathedral Provincial Park alpine sections (near mile 78)
Course DNA
The Course
Fat Dog runs 120 mi through Canada. +1,010 ft gain and -968 ft loss. Surfaces skew 85% trail / 15% forest road. Cathedral Provincial Park alpine sections. High point near 891 ft. Low near 837 ft. August temps run 35°F to 85°F. The course rewards patience early and punishes rushed descents after mile 60.
The Work
Train for 1,010 feet of climbing across 120 mi. Back-to-back long runs on trail. Practice power-hiking grades above 15 percent. 48 hours total means limited margin: rehearse fueling every 45 to 60 minutes and downhill eccentric work weekly. Technicality 5/10. Build a block that simulates the crux near mile 78.
Kit
August in Canada: plan for 35°F to 85°F. Mandatory shell if rain is in forecast. Headlamp with spare batteries if 48 hours pushes past dark. Poles help on sustained climbs above mile 30. Vest capacity for 2 liters minimum. Shoes matched to 85% trail: lugs for mud, rock plate if the course turns technical after mile 60.
Race Day
Hold effort through mile 30. The field often splits on the first big climb after mile 60. Cathedral Provincial Park alpine sections near mile 78 is where time is won or lost. Walk the steep pinches. Run the flats and gentle downhills. Crew at major aids: socks, calories, ice if hot. Transitions under 5 minutes when possible. Final third is 40 miles of fatigue management. Finish with reserve for the last descent.
Results
Fat Dog finish lines.
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