Team 'Lost and Found' featuring Darcy Atkinson and Shane Connor lead another team on the water during the 2025 Medicine Hat Massacre adventure race in the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park. Registration is now open for this year's race, which will be held May 9.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
asmith@medicinehatnews.com
The date has been announced for the 2026 Medicine Hat Massacre adventure race.
For nearly 20 years, the Cypress Hills have attracted athletes from across Canada to southeastern Alberta for the nine-hour endurance challenge.
Set for May 9 this year, participants are armed only with a map and compass and are tasked with navigating remote terrain to clear a series of checkpoints. Each section of the route requires different skills, including mountain biking, paddling and trekking through the park’s wild landscapes.
“This isn’t just a race, it’s a tradition,” said race organizer Paul MacKenzie. “For nearly 20 years, the Medicine Hat Massacre has showcased the natural beauty and history of Cypress Hills while supporting the community.”
The race itself is named after a tragedy that occurred in the region, the Cypress Hills Massacre of 1873, when a dispute between American traders and hunters and an Assiniboine camp escalated, resulting in the deaths of at least 13 Assiniboine people. This event would be one of the initiating incidents for the formation of the North West Mounted Police.
Organizers say the name of the race is not intended to trivialize the event, but to keep it in memory for years to come. The race also contributes to the community as race fees help fund South East Alberta Search and Rescue operations, ensuring crews remain equipped and ready to respond in emergencies, as well as partnering with the Root Cellar.
Registration is now open. MacKenzie says the race makes a great goal for New Year’s resolutions. Details, registration options and updates are available at mhmassacre.ca.
Information about SEASAR and its mission can be found at seasar.net.
