In the rugged expanse of the Canadian Rockies, a new chapter in trail running is being written by Adam Mertens, a 32-year-old athlete who has redefined the limits of human endurance in high-altitude environments. His remarkable exploits, including record-breaking traversals and pioneering new routes, showcase a profound fusion of athleticism, strategic acumen, and deep respect for the unforgiving alpine landscape. This narrative explores Mertens' journey, from his early days in Canmore to his latest groundbreaking achievements, revealing the unique challenges and rewards of pushing the envelope in one of North America's most majestic mountain ranges.
When Adam Mertens first made his home in Canmore eight years ago, the local trail running scene was still in its infancy. Unlike renowned hubs such as Chamonix in the French Alps, the Canadian Rockies present a different kind of challenge, demanding significant effort to access their towering peaks. This inherent difficulty, coupled with the region's protected national and provincial park status, has historically limited the growth of organized trail running events. However, a new generation of Canadian runners, including Mertens, is now embracing the region's vast stretches of jagged limestone, with many summits exceeding 3,000 meters.
Mertens stands at the forefront of this burgeoning movement, leveraging his extensive background in climbing, scrambling, skiing, and running to navigate complex, technical routes at high speed. A prime example of his prowess is the Mount Rundle Traverse, a formidable 11-peak chain dominating the Banff skyline. Mertens first tackled this traverse in 2017, and after ten successful attempts, he recently established a new Fastest Known Time (FKT).
The Rundle Traverse, spanning approximately 25 kilometers with an elevation gain of around 2,500 meters, typically demands two days for mountaineers. Mertens, however, approaches it with the agility of a trail runner, incorporating class 4-5 scrambling and rappel sections that demand advanced climbing skills. He emphasizes that while no single section is technically overwhelming, the route occupies a 'grey area' between various mountain disciplines. The notoriously loose and chossy limestone, affectionately dubbed the 'Rottenies' by locals, adds another layer of complexity, making every step critical and unforgiving. Maintaining safety on such terrain necessitates a delicate balance of pacing and effort, ensuring that fatigue does not compromise critical decision-making.
On July 5, Mertens achieved his new FKT on the Rundle Traverse, completing it in an astounding 4 hours and 49 minutes. This feat was made possible by his profound familiarity with the route, allowing him to optimize his path, avoid technical sections, and minimize gear by utilizing snow patches for hydration. His ability to time the traverse perfectly, completing it entirely within daylight hours during early summer at 51°N latitude, further highlights his strategic mastery. The most challenging part of the traverse, a crux section between the final two peaks, often proves to be the point where less experienced individuals encounter difficulties. Yet, Mertens' repeated excursions have contributed to the route's increasing popularity and establishment, with more distinct paths emerging and groups frequently undertaking the traverse during the summer months.
Beyond the Rundle Traverse, Mertens set his sights on even more ambitious undertakings during the COVID lockdowns, a period that saw an surge in FKTs across the Bow Valley. He conceived the 'Bow Tie,' a colossal linkup combining three iconic local routes: the Rundle Traverse, the Canmore Quad Traverse (encompassing Grotto, Lady Macdonald, Ha Ling, and the East End of Rundle), and the Banff Triple Crown (West End of Rundle, Sulphur, and Cascade). In the early hours of June 30, 2023, Mertens embarked on this 115-kilometer journey, which included a staggering 9,500 meters of elevation gain, completing it in 32 hours. This marked his first time running over 100 kilometers, offering invaluable lessons in managing prolonged fatigue and knowing when to snatch brief moments of rest.
Mertens' most audacious endeavor to date is the 'Bow Valley Cirque,' a 127-kilometer continuous high-alpine loop around the Canmore–Banff corridor. This self-powered challenge demands adherence to ridgelines and the ascent of peaks via technical routes, a feat no one had previously attempted. In August 2024, Mertens faced the Cirque's daunting 11,100 meters of elevation gain, pushing for over 64 hours with only six hours of sleep. A dedicated support team of approximately ten individuals assisted with nutrition, rest, and technical challenges, significantly reducing his carried load. Despite extensive prior planning and scouting, the lack of existing trip reports for many sections meant venturing into uncharted territory. Mertens strategically broke the route into six distinct segments, each ending with a descent back into town, a tempting but often necessary escape from the alpine environment. The constant visibility of his home, even while deep in technical terrain, added a unique psychological dimension to the challenge.
While the Bow Valley Cirque remains partially unconquered, with a small section left unfinished, Mertens is determined to complete it. He expresses profound contentment with exploring the vast possibilities within the Bow Valley and the greater Rockies, believing it to be one of the most magnificent places on Earth. His continuous pursuit of new challenges exemplifies the spirit of exploration and the relentless drive to redefine what is possible in the realm of mountain running.