Race the North Face Brandon Hills

There’s fast and then there’s the fastest!

Will we see any of these impressive course records fall this weekend?!

Swipe through to see the women’s and men’s records for all three distances here at Race The North Face. Let us know which of these may be at risk this coming Saturday, and who you think may be taking the crown.

The Race The North Face men’s 50km race will be one to watch!

After running to a second place finish and the third fastest time overall last year, Holden Reich is back and in great shape after setting a huge Marathon PR of 2:40 in June. Holden is also the CR holder of the Epic East Gate 50km.

Perennial threat and two time Suffer on Centennial 100km podium finisher, Ryan Giuliano is back for his fourth Race The North Face 50km.

Aaron Webb, one of this provinces most consistent and long standing trail racers, is back to toe the start line after winning the race back in 2024.

A multiple time podium finisher at Race the North Face including a win in 2022, Corey Mohr has more experience than anyone on this course. He just had a strong showing at the 2026 Flying Acorn Half Marathon with a second place finish!

Another long time veteran to the Manitoba trail running scene, Steven Graupner is always a podium contender with great range, and is recently coming off his third victory at the Grand Sand 15k.

As the former CR holder, and holding second fastest time overall, Steffan Reimer is a 2:28 marathoner (along with being the race director of Old Tom Backyard). Steffan is always a podium threat at Race The North Face. Is this the year he goes sub 4?

Going all in on his first trail race, Tristan Da Silva, a well known in the Manitoba Road Running scene, is set to make his Race The North Face debut. This year Tristan ran a PR of 2:27 in the Manitoba Marathon and won the Fargo Full Marathon. If you want to see a high volume runner check out Tristan’s Strava, he averages around 200km a week!

Who else do you think will be in the mix? Any dark horses that we may have missed?!

Next up the women’s 50km Racers to Watch!

Though this year’s women’s 50km has a smaller field with some new names, we’re excited to welcome these runners to the trail scene and see how this race plays out! And as always, we hope to continue to grow the ultra marathon community here in Manitoba.

Any others in the field that we should have highlighted? Or dark horses that we may have missed?



Fairly new on the scene, Maia Idzikowski has been tearing it up on the local sub-ultra scene with recent wins in both the Grand Sand 15km and finishing first in all three Birds Hill Trail Series events this year!

With multiple top ten finishes at the 25km distance at Race The North Face and a previous podium finish at Suffer on Centennial 50km in 2024, Hannah Muns is coming into race day looking strong with a win at the Groovy Granite 14km and third place finish at the Grand Sand 15km in 2026!

With a top finish at the 5 hour Bell Ringer in 2025 and 4th place at the Grand Sand 15km, Chantal Givens should also be in the mix!

This race promises to be fast! Blink and you may just miss it.

Swipe through to see a few of the racers to watch in the men's 25km at Race The North Face.

Any others in the field that should be on this list?



Three time champion, Dan Heschuk, is the current course record holder with a blazing fast time of 1:33. He also snagged a new CR at Suffer on Centennial 25km and ran a 30:02 10k this year, along with finishing 39th in the Up and Down at the World Mountain Trail Running championships representing Canada in 2025. Frankly, it’s hard to bet against Dan. Is this the year he goes sub 1:30?

Last year’s second place finisher, Mike Wood is looking fit and fast these days! Mike ran a 29:54 10km earlier this year and had a 2:27 marathon debut at the Manitoba Marathon placing him 6th overall.

Matt Van Schepdael is making his “official” trail race debut! Matt holds an impressive 10k PR from this year running a 30:01 along with a 1:08 half marathon. He is in full swing building towards his first marathon which should translate well to a solid trail 25km!

Another track and road guy hopping onto the trails for the first time, Noah Fillion has with a recent 4:20 mile and a 1500m PR of 3:55. What does that translate into for a trail 25km? We’ll have to see come Aug. 29!

Sponsor Spotlight: Howpark Farms!

A HUGE thank you to Ian, Linda and the rest of the Grossart family, owners of Howpark Farms for allowing us permission to use The Spine for Race the North Face which is always a highlight for our 25k and 50k runners. Without this opportunity the course would not be the same.

Often the Grossarts will be out at the aid station near their property so you may get the chance to thank them in person!

Sponsor Spotlight: Alberto Carmona and Suamigo Realty!

Not only is Alberto a big supporter of Race The North Face, he’s once again set to toe the start line in the 25km race! If you’re looking for a realtor, be sure to contact Alberto and team at 204-918-0188.

Sponsor Spotlight: MyoFix Manual Therapy

We’re excited to have MyoFix Manual Therapy back supporting this year’s race! They’ll once again be back offering post race massages right at the start / finish area. Be sure to also check out their clinic right in the heart of Brandon.

Sponsor Spotlight: Topo Athletic!

Thanks to Topo for not only making great shoes, but for also supporting our race! Make sure to join us for the shakeout run on Friday, Aug. 28 (the evening before the race) to test out some demo Topo shoes.

🚨Bib transfers have officially closed July 31🚨