Ep. 94 Black Lung Ultra. With Nick Lade and Mike Williams

“It's a beautiful setting, great sense of pride in the local community. And we're in a time where people are more inclined to get outside test their boundaries and enjoy themselves. Sports and entertainment is a great way to attract a visitor who has a similar ethics to the one that the community already possesses there and that's why we feel it's a great fit for this region and this place.” - Nick Lade

The entire group putting together the Black Lung Ultra in Nordegg, Alberta, are excited about bringing people to the community through sport and entertainment. In fact, that’s their whole plan to bring tourists and people to the region, to highlight it through the lens of sport and entertainment. I love this idea and it’s awesome they’ve created an ultra-distance trail race as their first event in the region. Chatting with Nick Lade and Mike Williams about the race and what the area means to them was fun and insightful. They’re focused on creating a great event that showcases the area and want to ensure that runners leave satisfied and want to come back for more. They know it will be the runners that determine whether the event is a success or not.

“I mean, I don't think we get to determine that, right? It's the people running it that are going to give us that feedback, right? We've talked a lot about, you know, let's make sure we're well organized, nobody gets lost, nobody gets seriously injured, and people have a great time. I think that's going to be the biggest thing, make sure as many of the racers that we have come out this year come back and they tell their friends.” - Mike Williams

I had a fantastic time chatting with Nick and Mike. I’m really excited for them and their race, and I’m just as excited that Black Lung Ultra is sponsoring the Trail Running Film Festival screenings in Edmonton, Calgary, and Canmore. Yes, you can win a free entry to the race! You need to be at the film festival though, so get your tickets now!

Alberta Trail Running Film Festival tickets available

I’m incredibly excited to be able to hang out with more of you and share the film festival vibes. Our dates are:

Tuesday, June 4, 2024, Edmonton (Garneau Theatre) $25

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, Calgary (Globe Cinema) $25

Thursday, June 6, 2024, Canmore (Partnering with artsPlace) $25 (members receive a discount)