Sinister 7 Expands East

Sinister Sports, known for organizing some of Canada’s most challenging endurance races, has announced plans to expand its signature events to Ontario in 2025. The new races, SOO 200 and the Blue Bully Ultra, are set to offer unique challenges and showcase the rugged beauty of Ontario’s landscapes, reflecting the continued growth and success of the Sinister Sports brand.

Scheduled for July 21-25, 2025, the SOO 200 will be only the second 200-mile race in Canada, following Sinister Sports’ Divide 200. The four-day event will take participants through the Canadian Shield and along the rugged coastal terrain of Lake Superior.

Competitors will start 150 km north of Sault Ste. Marie, arriving at the start line via the Agawa Canyon Tour Train, a popular local attraction that showcases stunning scenery. From there, racers will traverse the rocky shores of Lake Superior, head inland toward the trails south of the Montreal River, and finish at the Bush Plane Museum on the riverfront in Sault Ste. Marie.

Brian Gallant, owner and director of Sinister Sports, emphasized the significance of the route: “This race allows us to highlight the outstanding heritage of the city and the best attractions of the Algoma area to the north.”

The second new event, the Blue Bully Ultra, will take place from October 3-5, 2025, at Blue Mountain Resort. The race will span three days, beginning with a short evening run on Friday, followed by a 50-km race on Saturday and a half-marathon on Sunday. Prizes will be awarded each day, and overall awards will be given to the top three men and women who compete across all three days.

The course will feature the rugged trails and elevation of the Niagara Escarpment, offering a mix of flowy terrain and challenging climbs. Gallant praised Blue Mountain Resort’s venue, describing it as having a “European ski village vibe” with a welcoming atmosphere and ample amenities.

The decision to expand to Ontario was strategic. While Sinister Sports is deeply rooted in Alberta, the province’s endurance racing scene has grown increasingly crowded, with events nearly every weekend from spring to fall. Additionally, permitting challenges in British Columbia have made expansion westward difficult.

Looking east, Gallant consulted with a former location scout for the television series Mantracker, who recommended Sault Ste. Marie as an ideal location. “When we were looking at new locations, we decided that a big event, like a 200-miler, would have to be farther afield,” said Gallant. “Ontario offers an incredible variety of landscapes and trails that are perfect for endurance athletes.”

Sinister Sports has grown from humble beginnings into one of Canada’s premier endurance race organizers. The expansion to Ontario reflects the company’s ambition to bring its unique style—dubbed the “Sinister Sauce”—to a wider audience.

Gallant attributes the brand’s success to its dedicated team and commitment to high standards. “At each race we host, we get comments like ‘best organized race I’ve been to anywhere’ and ‘the best community of people,’” he said. Despite this growth, the company remains rooted in its grassroots origins, emphasizing a professional yet approachable style.

Looking ahead, Sinister Sports aims to establish a Triple Crown of 200-mile races in Canada. After Ontario, Gallant hopes to expand into Quebec and potentially New Brunswick, ensuring growth remains sustainable. “I believe strongly in sustainable growth, which has been a part of our success,” Gallant said.

In addition to attracting top runners from around the world, Gallant envisions Sinister Sports as a way to promote adventure tourism in Canada, showcasing the nation’s accessible wilderness and friendly hospitality.

The response from the endurance racing community has been overwhelmingly positive. Even before course details were officially released, racers from across Canada began expressing interest and planning trips to participate in the new events.

“People are looking to sign up, even though we have not even announced the course,” said Gallant. “We even have competitors from western Canada booking holidays in Ontario so that they can experience our new events.”

With the addition of the SOO 200 and Blue Bully Ultra, Sinister Sports continues to redefine endurance racing in Canada. By introducing these events in Ontario, the company not only expands its reach but also elevates Canada’s profile in the global trail-running community.

Gallant remains optimistic about the future: “It’s about sharing what Canada does best, and that is friendly people, hospitality, and memorable wilderness experiences.”

For more details on the upcoming races, visit Sinister Sports’ online galleries or contact them directly.