Dirty Feet Kal Park Ultra

The Dirty Feet Kal Park Ultra 2026 is a rugged and technically demanding trail running event held in the heart of the North Okanagan. Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, the race takes place within the diverse ecosystem of Kalamalka Provincial Park. Known for its "fun yet challenging" ethos, the event offers three distinct distances: a premier 50km ultra-marathon, a 25km mid-distance loop, and an accessible 8km introductory trail run.

The race is defined by its community-driven atmosphere, featuring fully stocked aid stations and a focus on the natural beauty of one of British Columbia's most iconic provincial parks. With 284 participants already confirmed and only 66 spots remaining across all categories, the event is approaching full capacity.

Race Categories and Technical Data

The event operates on a staggered start schedule to manage runner flow on the single-track trails. The 50km ultra-marathon begins at dawn to allow for the significant time required to navigate the park's elevation changes and technical terrain.

Regional and Demographic Overview

Vernon is the commercial hub of the North Okanagan region in British Columbia, situated between the shores of Swan, Okanagan, and Kalamalka lakes. As of the 2021 Census, the city had a population of 44,519, while the broader North Okanagan regional district reached 91,610.

The demographic profile is predominantly of European heritage (approx. 82.5%), with common ancestries including English (31.2%), German (21.5%), and Scottish (20.8%). The community has a significant and growing Indigenous population, with 7.8% of residents identifying as First Nations, Métis, or Inuit.

Visible minority groups comprise approximately 9.7% of the population, with South Asian (3.2%), Filipino (1.6%), and Chinese (1.2%) being the largest communities. The median household income in Vernon is approximately CA$74,000, supported by a diverse economy centered on forestry, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

The local culture is defined by four-season outdoor recreation and agricultural heritage. Kalamalka Provincial Park serves as a central "backyard" for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.

The "Dirty Feet" series reflects this identity perfectly—focusing on the "dirt" and "grit" of trail running rather than the high-polish aesthetics of urban marathons. Community life is characterized by a strong sense of volunteerism and environmental stewardship.

Participant Experience

Runners can expect a strictly managed event environment with no race-day registration permitted. The course through Kalamalka Provincial Park is famous for its panoramic views of the "lake of many colors" and its varied terrain, ranging from open grasslands to dense evergreen forests.

The Dirty Feet team emphasizes a fun, prize-filled atmosphere, with sponsors providing numerous giveaways for participants across all skill levels.

With the 25k distance having only 10 spots remaining, athletes are encouraged to secure their entries before the final price increase on April 25th.

The event concludes with post-race snacks, providing a social space to celebrate finishing one of the most beautiful trail circuits in the province.