A group of local runners is heading west today to take part in a grueling race.
Mark Childs is one of nine area residents taking part in a 125-kilometre “Death Race” through the mountains of Alberta.
“There are some what you call technical sections, the footing is huge, there are walking sticks required to get down the side of the mountain,” Childs says. “It’s treacherous!”
Childs says along with the challenges posed by the trail itself, there have been numerous cougar and bear sightings during past events.
The race is divided up into 20-38 kilometre stretches per runner, with 17-thousand feet difference in elevation.
Last year, 20 teams weren’t able to finish the course.
The Death Race kicks off Saturday morning.