Race City Location Map - zoom in · zoom out · big map
displays approximate race location · Utica NY 13501

My Best Runs Comments

Every year we get a lot of questions about Sinister 7 Ultra, especially about the difficulty of the race. So what are you getting into?

This race is tough. We hope that is clear and we don't want to sugar-coat it in any way. This race will beat you up. For some it will be the hardest thing they have ever done. We created this race to be a wicked hard challenge where you compete mostly against the trail and your own demons, hence the name.

There will be dead-fall to climb over. There will be creeks and bogs to cross. The trails will be wet - in fact some of the trails become creeks after it rains. You will fall on wet roots and rocks a few times. You will be gored by branches while running steep single-track. If you cannot finish the race in 15 hours, you will be running in the dark. There is also a likelihood that you will suffer some effects from high heat, and then quite possibly become hypothetic at night when the temperature drops. The sky can be clear with 35 Celsius, and then send biblical rain and hail a moment later. Every year this race puts a few people into the hospital.

If you don’t keep your head up, you will also get lost. You will be in the wilderness and you need to be self-sufficient. To top that off, we won’t apologize if you suffer from any of the above. Our race crew will assist, applaud, and push you along the way. Our volunteers will be a lifeline when you need some encouragement, a helping hand, and a friendly face. Our medics will patch you up and push you out the door again. Your mind will give you a million reasons to quit, but you need to decide that it’s more important to keep going.

Does this mean that you shouldn’t come to the race if you are not in peak physical condition? No, not at all. If anything, S7 is more of a mental challenge than physical. What it means is that everyone needs to give every ounce that they have while they are at this race. Nothing else will get you through. If you are prepared for that, you will eat the S7 for breakfast. We have watched 14-year-olds smash records, and we have seen seasoned runners fall to fatigue. Your last best race time is totally irrelevant out here. You must be prepared to dig deep to get through the challenges this course throws at you.

This is not meant to discourage anyone - actually it’s completely the opposite. We want everyone to be realistic about what they are up against. We put together a great venue and it’s up to each person to get the most out of it, despite (or because of) the tough conditions. This race brings out the best and worst in people, and we want everyone to reach for their best no matter what happens. The reward is something that cannot be described. It comes in this electricity you will feel when you are at the race, and when you accomplish what you are after. That comes from you. You and the trail - that’s it. Now... are you ready?

Passing under the iconic Tyne Bridge and heading along to the Sage Gateshead and BALTIC before bending back along the Quayside for a triumphant lap of theGateshead International Stadiumtrack, cheered on by your family and friends.

Please note that there is a short cobbled section and speed bump on South Shore Road as we run past the Baltic before 3k and again on the return at 7k, and also on Hillgate underneath the Tyne Bridge. From 8k the course will narrow as you enter the riverside path and run on part of Keelman’s Way before the famous Slog on the Tyne hill. You stay on tarmac paths throughout but please note that in this wooded section and in wet weather the path may be slippy.

Prize money for British athletes only.

OUR HISTORY

The Vic Falls Marathon in Zimbabwe grew from the success of the Kilimanjaro marathon in Tanzania, and was first proposed by Wild Frontiers in 2005. The buy in of the local Tourism Board, the Athletics Association etc. was quickly forthcoming, and Wild Frontiers drew in local tour operators in Victoria Falls to partner in the event management. This has proved to be a very useful partnership for all.

As with the Kilimanjaro marathon, the idea was to use sport as a means of attracting tourism to the region.

The first event, in 2006 was very small – around 300 in total – and, mainly local runners. Sponsorship was also limited – the harsh economic conditions at the time in Zimbabwe made us make use of the ‘barter ‘system, for a lot of sponsorship deals – beer, water, flights etc. were all supplied rather than cash. At one stage we even considered giving the prizes in livestock – cows and goats etc ...this did not happen.

The first few years started something in the Falls, and more people in the country/region were running socially, so people were coming to join the event but, it was a slow start.

In 2010, the improved economic situation allowed better numbers, and now the event is on the map, with a full, half, and 7.5 km fun run. It’s a unique event, running across a bridge over an international boundary, in the spray of Victoria Falls, through a World Heritage Site, and seeing big game such as elephant along the beautiful route. From a “sports tourist “point of view, in the surrounding area you have all you would ever want, game viewing safaris, boat cruises, walking safaris, canoing, white water rafting, horse riding etc.

We could not have done this without some great sponsorship support over the years, and Zimbabwe’s top companies have all helped us to make this event a success’.

As well as being a great breeding ground for the local talent, the event draws quality runners from neighboring countries, and from around the world – with up to 40 nationalities attending the event. Apart from the ‘sports ‘ element, the event has a big pay off in the region, with sponsors building their CSR around the event, and the economic benefits to the country and the region are huge. There is also a change of lifestyle across the country, with many more people taking up running, to keep healthy and socialize.

Start:in the car park opposite the banks and Post Office – 06:45

Runners will run downhill and across the iconic Vic Falls bridge, to Zambia. Often, in the early moring, there is a chilly spray form the nearby Falls, and always great views – be careful of people stopping for photos!

Turning on the Zambian side, just before the gate, we run back across the bridge, before turning to run along Zambezi Drive, along the Zambezi River, and the Big Tree. Look out for game – elephants, buffalo and lion have been seen, as well as kudu, impala etc. There are National Parks rangers along the route to keep you safe.

You then head back inland, up a low hill by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (VFSL) turn off, and then west, down into the Zambezi National Park, before turning at the check. Back through the VFSL gardens, out through the suburbs and back to the main road at Sprayview Hotel and, you’ve done around 20 km.

Repeat the loop, but not the bridge crossing – and then up to the finish at the school on the Kazungula road. Keep your eyes and ears open for route directions, not each loop is exactly the same, but the signs will make sense!