Reesor 50

The Reesor 50 Ultraranch Festival is a multi-day trail running event held at the Historic Reesor Ranch in the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan. Scheduled for May 15 and 16, 2026, the festival combines high-stakes competition with a community-focused ranch atmosphere. The event features a substantial prize purse of $10,000, with the winner of the 50-mile race taking home a top prize of $2,177.

The course takes runners through a diverse landscape of rolling meadows and beneath massive conglomerate cliffs. The 50-mile journey includes six fully stocked aid stations and three additional water stops, while the marathon distance features three full stations and one water stop. Participants in the Saturday races receive a post-race meal featuring an 8oz New York Strip steak, while Sundown 10 runners are served a lasagna dinner on Friday night.

The Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park region, where the ranch is located, is a unique geological plateau rising over 600 metres above the surrounding prairies. This elevation makes it the highest point in mainland Canada between the Rocky Mountains and Labrador. Geographically, the area is home to over 200 bird species and 14 species of orchids, making it a significant site for biodiversity. The local rural municipality of Maple Creek has a population of approximately 2,000 residents, with an economy largely driven by cattle ranching and tourism, which generates over $10 million annually for the local district.

In terms of regional demographics, the Cypress Hills area is situated within Census Division No. 4 of Saskatchewan. According to 2021 Canadian Census data, the population in this specific rural region is predominantly identified as White (approximately 91%), with Indigenous peoples (First Nations and Métis) representing roughly 7% of the community. The remaining 2% of the population consists of various visible minority groups. The region has seen a steady 3.5% increase in outdoor recreational tourism over the last five years, largely attributed to the growth of ultrarunning events and the promotion of the Cypress Hills as a "Dark Sky Preserve."

Accommodations for the festival are centered at the Historic Reesor Ranch, offering a mix of B&B stays, private cabins, and festival-style field camping. Camping registration must be completed by May 1, 2026, and is limited by vehicle size. For participants traveling from outside the region, the nearest major center is Medicine Hat, Alberta, located roughly 115 km to the west. For technical inquiries or volunteer coordination, organizers Jeff and Warren Dudar can be reached via the official event portal.