a development program for Saskatchewan trail and mountain runners ages 16-19
Who is this for?
This program is for runners who:• are 16–19 years old• enjoy trail or mountain running (or want to try it!)• want to race competitively
This program is NOT:• a recreational running club• a drop-in social group• a guaranteed path to a national team
What do athletes get?
As a Prairie Harrier, athletes receive:• opportunity to race at Canadian Mountain Running Championships• coaching and mentorship from experienced trail runners• a supportive team environment• help navigating provincial and national championship pathways
How does selection work?
Th top three eligible male and female athletes in the Beaver Fever 10 at the 2026 Beaver Flat 50 will be selected to represent our province at the Canadian Mountain Running Championships at Défi des Couleurs, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec on October 9-11, 2026.
Entry Requirements:• athletes must be born in 2008, 2009, 2010 or 2011• athletes must meet the minimum performance standards at the Beaver Fever 10 (59:30 for men; 1:03:30 for women)• athletes must be members of Sask Athletics in good standing. Membership purchase will reopen in October.
If any of the top three eligible athletes decline their spot, it will be offered to the next eligible runner in order of finish.
Canadian Mountain Running Championships
Défi des Couleurs, Mont-Sainte-Anne, Quebec October 9-11, 2026• opportunity to race in both the MSA Uphill (vertical) and MSA Classic Up & Down• includes airfare, race entry fee, accommodations, team meals
What’s expected of athletes?
Prairie Harriers are expected to:• communicate openly with the program coordinators• understand that selection and support are performance-based• race respectfully and represent the team well• sign a media release form, which allows Prairie Sky Running Co to use photos and videos from competition to promote the program
Brought to you by:
Prairie Sky Running Co
Learn more about trail and mountain running:
Canadian Mountain Running Championships
Défi des Couleurs, Mont-Sainte-Anne, QuebecOctober 9–11, 2026Championship Events:• Vertical Ascent: 4.5 km with a 750 m elevation gain• Classic Up & Down: 10.4 km with a 950 m elevation gain
This championship focuses on shorter, intense mountain races that test climbing and descending abilities. The courses are designed to be steep yet non-technical, making them suitable for athletes transitioning from track, cross-country, or road running backgrounds. Défi des Couleurs will be the host site for three years, 2024-2026.World Mountain and Trail Running Championships
Lecco-Valtellina, ItalySeptember 10–13, 2026Championship Events• Uphill Mountain Running• Classic Up & Down Mountain Running• U20 Classic Up & Down• Short Trail• Long Trail
The World Mountain and Trail Running Championships (WMTRC) is the leading global event for mountain and trail running, held every two years under the guidance of World Athletics and partner organizations. 1,700 athletes from 70+ countries racing across technical, high-elevation courses. The event celebrates both athletic excellence and the cultural and environmental richness of the region. The WMTRC is organized every two years.Canadian Trail Running Championships
Québec Mega Trail (QMT), Côte-de-Beaupré, QuebecJuly 3-5, 2026Championship Events• Short Trail Championship: 50 km• Long Trail Championship: 80 km
These championships are part of the larger QMT festival, which includes multiple race distances and attracts a diverse range of participants. The courses traverse rugged terrains with significant elevation changes, offering a challenging experience for seasoned trail runners. QMT will host for two years, from 2025-26. The event is recognized internationally, being part of the World Trail Majors series.Golden Trail World Series
Various races worldwideFormat● 8 qualifying races + Grand Final (Prologue + Main Race)● Typically 21–42 km, ~1,400–2,700 m of vert climb● Scoring: Best 3 results from 8 races count; Grand Final points are doubled● Top 30 overall earn support (travel, stay, meals) for Grand Final● Top 30 become “Golden Trail World Elite” and receive free 2027 race bibs● Prize Pool: €300,000+ across series● Per-Race & Final Bonuses: €3k–15k awards; accommodations/travel covered for invited top 20 elites
The Golden Trail World Series is the premier global short-trail circuit—not a national team selection pathway, but a top elite-level competition platform. It showcases the world’s best trail runners and offers global visibility, media coverage, and professional exposureWorld Trail Majors Series
Various iconic trail races worldwideyear-roundChampionship Events• Short Trail• Long Trail• Ultra Trail
The World Trail Majors is a global series uniting some of the most prestigious trail and ultra races across diverse terrains and cultures. Each event maintains its unique identity while adhering to shared values of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and competitive excellence. The series offers both amateur and professional runners the opportunity to experience "bucket list" races that showcase the natural beauty and cultural heritage of their locations.