About This Race
Held in the scenic river valley of Lethbridge, Alberta, the Lost Soul Ultra is a legendary trail race famously billed as the toughest and nicest race on the prairies. Athletes tackle relentless coulee hills in distances ranging from 54K to 100 miles, supported by a close-knit community and aid stations often voted the best in the sport.
What Makes It Unique
- Instead of traditional medals, finishers are celebrated with large, uniquely etched rocks that symbolize the rugged terrain of the Oldman River valley.
- Despite being in the supposedly flat prairies, the loop-based course involves roughly 16 significant hill climbs per lap, accumulating approximately 1,200 meters of elevation change every 54 kilometers.
- The race trails traverse significant historical territory, passing near the site of the last major First Nations battle on Canadian soil between the Blackfoot and Cree Confederacies.
Media Coverage
The Lost Soul Ultramarathon
Obstacle Racing Media
A comprehensive race review and course guide detailing the technical aspects of the 54km loop, the coulee terrain, and the quality of the event organization.
Like Father, Like Daughter
Trail Runner Magazine
A race profile highlighting the unique community atmosphere and the specific challenges of the 100-mile course through a record-breaking performance story.
WeRunFar Profile: Elinor Fish
iRunFar
An athlete profile that cites the 2003 Lost Soul Ultra 50k as a foundational milestone for one of the most prominent voices in the trail running media industry.
Former Alberta premier Rachel Notley runs and chats with ultrarunners
Canadian Running Magazine
A narrative piece that explores the race's most difficult landmarks, such as the punishing final climb of Haybale Hill, and its connection to the local running community.
Going With the Flow: Low Impact and Charged Up in Lethbridge
ZenSeekers
A profile of the race featuring director Dean Johnson, discussing the event's 20-year history and the community-driven spirit behind the 'toughest and nicest' race on the prairies.
Running Across the Ages
Trail Runner Magazine
This editorial highlights the race's role in the Trail Runner Trophy Series, featuring local record-breaker Chelsey Topping and describing the intense pit-stop style atmosphere of the aid stations.
Lost Soul Legends: 25 Years, One Tough Trail
Gotta Run Podcast
An anniversary retrospective with founder Marc Hayward, covering 25 years of race history, aid station lore, and the origins of the 100-mile event in Alberta.