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2026 Registration Open!
Welcome to the Medicine Hat Massacre Adventure Race, Southeast Alberta’s premier endurance challenge in the stunning Cypress Hills. On May 9, 2026, teams of two will navigate rugged terrain using map and compass, tackling mountain biking, paddling, and trail running in a nine‑hour race designed for adventure seekers. Join us for an unforgettable experience near Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Medicine Hat Massacre Adventure Race
Medicine Hat Massacre Adventure Race
At 0400 sharp on Saturday May 9, 2026, Cypress Hills Provincial Park will awaken to the ultimate test of endurance, grit, and teamwork. For nine relentless hours, you and your partner will navigate rugged terrain armed only with a map and compass, chasing down hidden markers to rack up points. Every section pushes you in a new way - pedal roads and wild trails, paddle pristine waters, and trek or run through rugged landscapes.
The Medicine Hat Massacre Adventure Race has challenged athletes every Saturday before Mother’s Day for more almost twenty years. This isn’t just a race, it’s a tradition! With core skills in orienteering, mountain biking, hiking, and paddling, the race will bring out your strength, stamina, and sportsmanship.
Celebrate nature, history, and resilience! Presented by the South Eastern Alberta Search & Rescue Association, the MHM Race is more than competition, it’s a celebration of the wild beauty and unique history of Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park.
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The Full Race
The Full Race
The full race has an exciting dark start at 0400. You and your race partner will attempt to hit a series checkpoints spread throughout the park within nine hours. Hike, bike, and paddle your way through the bush with your skill, map, and compass to guide you.
The Lite Race
The Lite Race
Great for families and teams on taking on their first adventure race, the Lite Race starts at 0830. You'll experience the same terrain and challenges to get a great taste of adventure racing. Lite Racers also get the advantage of using a GPS in addition to a map and compass. Hike, bike, paddle, and just have fun!
Race with heart
Race with heart
Owned and operated by SEASAR, the Medicine Hat Massacre Adventure Race is non-profit! All of the race proceeds fund search and rescue in Southern Alberta. And because the race is operated by trained SAR volunteers, you'll be in good hands if you get a little lost in the Hills!
You can also earn race points by supporting Medicine Hat's foodbank, the Root Cellar. The more weight you carry in food from the start line to a special check point, the more points you'll earn!
Respect the past
Respect the past
The name of our adventure race is inspired by a significant and tragic event in the history of this region, the Cypress Hills Massacre of 1873.
On June 1, 1873, in the Cypress Hills near today’s Alberta–Saskatchewan border, a dispute between American traders and hunters and an Assiniboine (Nakoda) camp escalated into violence. At least 13 Assiniboine people were killed, though oral histories suggest the toll may have been much higher. This event exposed the dangers of lawlessness on the frontier and directly led to the creation of the North West Mounted Police, who were sent west to establish Canadian authority and protect Indigenous communities.
We use the word Massacre in our race’s name not to trivialize this history, but to keep it alive in memory. The Cypress Hills Massacre is a reminder of the hardships faced by Indigenous peoples during settlement and expansion, and of the importance of respect, reconciliation, and remembrance.
Our race celebrates the strength, resilience, and natural beauty of the Cypress Hills today, while acknowledging the past. We encourage all participants to take a moment to reflect on this history as part of their adventure.
We can’t wait to see you all again on May 9, 2026!
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