What is Survivorfest Running Event?
Survivorfest Running Event is hosted on Treaty Six Territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation of Alberta, Regions Two and Four, now known as Sherwood Park, Alberta. We are honoured to host an inclusive, world-class event on land that carries the footsteps of Cree, Métis, Blackfoot, and many other Nations who have been here for thousands of years.
Survivorfest is an annual flat-and-fast 6-hour, 12-hour, and 24-hour timed race sanctioned by the International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU). Held every second weekend in June, the event brings together athletes from across Canada and around the world.
Our Purpose
Our motto, “A Celebration of Strength, Sacrifice and Survival,” reflects the shared journey of athletes and survivors. Whether someone has been personally affected by sexual violence or is standing in support of others, Survivorfest creates a meaningful, connected, and empowering environment.
All profits are donated to our local sexual assault centre, Saffron Centre, supporting school programs that educate children about preventing sexual violence. Since 2019, we have donated over $37,000.
As race director Laura Sherrer-Townsend says,
“Raising awareness for sexual violence affects us all.”
Though it may be a difficult subject, Survivorfest reminds everyone that no one is alone — and that together, we can make a difference.
Registration Prices for 2026
Registration OPENS DECEMBER 1!!
24 Hour Solo Event
Dec 1 – Jan 31: $225 (Early Bird)
Feb 1 – Mar 31: $250
Apr 1 – Jun 4: $275
12 Hour Solo Event
Dec 1 – Jan 31: $185 (Early Bird)
Feb 1 – Mar 31: $210
Apr 1 – Jun 4: $235
6 Hour Solo Event
Dec 1 – Jan 31: $160 (Early Bird)
Feb 1 – Mar 31: $185
Apr 1 – Jun 4: $210
Relay Loops
24 Hour Relay Loop B: $175
12 Hour Relay Loop B: $150
6 Hour Relay Loop B: $125
Kids Races
Dec 1 – Jan 31: $25 (Early Bird)
Feb 1 – Mar 31: $30
Apr 1 – Jun 4: $35
Choose Your Loop
Since 2024, both course options — Loop A (400 m track) and Loop B (1.69 km road/track mix) — have been certified as IAU Bronze Label events. We offer equal podium spots and prizing across all three gender categories.
Loop A – 400 m Track (IAU Track Bronze Label)
• Run on the four inside lanes of the Strathcona Athletic Park track
• Capped at 70 athletes
• Ideal for athletes targeting National Team standards, records, and precise pacing
Loop B – 1.69 km Road/Track Loop (IAU Road Bronze Label)
• Mixed terrain: track, pavement, and concrete
• Uses the three outer lanes of the track
• Great for athletes who want more variety, especially relay teams
Course Features
• Both loops are flat, fast, and low elevation
• Direction changes at 1 PM, 5 PM, 9 PM, 1 AM, and 5 AM
➜ Every 4 hours for 12-hour and 24-hour athletes
➜ Every 3 hours for 6-hour athletes
• Fully stocked aid station operating for the full 24 hours with hot and cold food and beverages
• Over 18 hours of music for athletes, volunteers, and spectators
• Tradition: “Final Countdown” by Europe plays at 8:55 AM Sunday
Community, Inclusion & Partnerships
We are proud to be Trail Sisters Approved, ensuring an inclusive, welcoming environment for women and gender-diverse athletes.
Since 2023, we have offered three gender categories. We accept every athlete’s declared gender at face value — no documentation required — and support inclusive pronoun options. UltraSignup now allows athletes to register under a Non-Binary category, and we encourage participants to update their UltraSignup profiles accordingly.
We were honoured to host the ACU 24-Hour National Championship from 2022–2024, where in 2024 we proudly awarded Canada’s first 24-Hour Non-Binary National Champion, Simone Pfleger.
And yes — Mike Melton from MCM Timing is back for his fourth year! He fits Survivorfest between events in Florida and 6 Days in the Dome because he loves our event, our people, and our running community. Expect air-guitar energy and world-class timing all weekend long.
We are a LIVESTREAM Event
Friends, family, and fans from near and far can follow the action from home on our
YouTube Livestream!
"If there is one thing every runner has in common, it's that they love to talk about running."
— Michael Bernas, Live Broadcast Coordinator
Tune in for regular athlete updates as Michael brings the event to life with stories, interviews, and behind-the-scenes moments featuring our Survivorfest Team, athletes, sponsors, volunteers, and more.
National & International Records Broken at Survivorfest
2025
Oleg Tabelev: Canadian record:
• 6-hour (M55–59)
72.114 km Wayne Gaudet: Canadian record:
• 6-hour (M65–69)
61.709 km2024
Carla Rodriguez Dimitrescu: Mexican record:
• 12-hour national record:
119.4 km Wayne Gaudet: Five Canadian age-group records:
• 50 miles
8:28:23 • 100 km
10:35:57 • 12 hours
111.458 km • 100 miles
17:48:11 • 24 hours
202.892 km2023
Catrin Jones: Canadian records:
• 6-hour
78.571 km • 50-mile
6:08:16 Carla Rodriguez-Dimitrescu: Mexican record:
• women’s 6-hour –
66.268 km Kathia Rached: Lebanese women’s records:
• 200 km
23:49:39 • 24 hours
201.58 km2022
Amanda Nelson: Canadian women’s records:
• 12-hour
134.025 km • 100-mile
14:45:51
Athlete Swag
Each athlete (except Friday kids) receives a Lululemon Survivorfest Slate/White shirt
• Swiftly Tech SS 2.0 Hip Length OR
• Metal Vent Short Sleeve
24-Hour athletes also get a zippered hoodie.
Opting out of your shirt donates $50 to the Saffron Centre.
100+ miles = Survivorfest Belt Buckle
Medals: GOLD (24-Hr) • SILVER (12/6-Hr)
Awards Sunday, June 15 ~10:00 AM
Please bring reusable cups/containers.
Swag/medals may be donated to support Saffron Centre.
Where and when can my child sign up for Fast Feet Friday Program?
More details to come!!
Event's current local time: 12:00 PM MT
