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Crowsnest Pass, Canada · 33 km · 2,900 m+
The Minotaur Skyrace® is one of the most technical and physically demanding races in the Skyrunner World Series. Set in the rugged Canadian Rockies at Crowsnest Pass, this loop-format Skyrace® features steep scree slopes, exposed limestone ridges and aggressive elevation gain. With 2,900 m+ of ascent over 33 km, the race pushes athletes through complex terrain that requires power, precision and full mountain awareness.
The Minotaur Skyrace® is known globally for its brutal technicality.
The route climbs sharply into the limestone peaks above Crowsnest Pass, where athletes navigate loose scree, exposed traverses and high-alpine ridges with breathtaking but unforgiving terrain. The combination of steep gradients, unstable ground and rapid elevation shifts makes this one of the most challenging races in the Skyrunner World Series. Focus, stability and strong downhill confidence are essential.
Crowsnest Pass is located in southwestern Alberta and is accessible via Calgary and other regional airports, followed by a scenic mountain drive.
Calgary International Airport (YYC) – Closest major international hub
Lethbridge Airport (YQL) – Regional alternative
Edmonton (YEG) – Larger hub further north
Accommodation is available throughout the region, with the most convenient options located in Crowsnest Pass, Coleman and Blairmore, offering quick access to the trails and race start.
Expect loose scree and unstable rock — shoes with strong grip are essential
Weather can shift rapidly in the Canadian Rockies
Snow patches may linger into June at higher elevations
Wildlife awareness recommended — follow local advice
2025 Men: –
2025 Women: –
2024 Men: Scott Patterson
2024 Women: Emma Cook-Clarke
The skyrunning world is going crazy for this weekend’s Minotaur Skyrace and it’s no wonder why. As far as skyrunning locations go, the rough and wild Canadian Rockies are up there with the best.
The fifth race of the 2023 Skyrunner® World Series is a tough and technical 32-kilometre course with 2,817 metres of elevation gain that goes through the Livingstone Range, described by Andrew Fairhurst, the race organiser as:
“Dancing on a line between the prairies and the rockies – true skyrunning on knife-like, narrow and technical ridges.”
Starting in the community of Blairmore, Crowsnest Pass, Alberta, the route follows Minotaur Ridge up to the summit of Bluff Mountain along open, steep rocky ridges. After that, the race climbs to the highest point of the course at 2,310 metres, through true Canadian Wilderness, where the Prairies meet the Rockies. After this it’s a lot of technical ridge running, remote alpine valley crossings and a rough scree descent back to the finish line in Blairmore.
Stepping up to the challenge are a host of world-class athletes and tough locals, ready to test themselves on the extreme terrain of Minotaur Skyrace.
In the women’s field, Emma Cook-Clarke of Canada (team Arc’teryx) will return to defend her title. She will be up against fellow Canadian and the 2022 overall ranking winner Lindsay Webster. Karina Carsolio of Mexico (team Black Diamond), the 2022 Monterosa Sky Marathon winner, is another name to watch out for, as well as Marcela Vasionva of the Czech Republic and Rea Kolbl of the USA (team Dynafit).
In the men’s field, the 2022 overall ranking champion, Nico Molina of Spain (team La Sportiva) will, no doubt, have the target on his back. To challenge him will be Peter Fano of Slovakia (team Scarpa), Sage Canaday of the USA (team Hoka), Canadians Ryan Atkins and Adam Campbell (team Arc’teryx), Johnny Luna-Lima of the USA (team Salomon USA) and Eduard Hernandez of Spain (team Brooks Running).
The race kicks off this Saturday at 07:00 am (local time).
Points shall be awarded to the top 20 male and females of the race and prize money awarded to the top 10.
The top 10 will also qualify for the 2023 SkyMasters, the final race of the season. This is only as long as they complete a further 2 races of the season and the SkyMasters.
Overall ranking
Rules
SkyMasters qualification
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