The Crowsnest Pass again played host to competitors from across the globe for one of the most physically and mentally punishing races available in North America.

Add to the torturous mountain ascents, rugged boulder-strewn trails, and daunting task of running in the dark, sweltering unrelenting heat throughout the race.

A combination certain to bring down a few.

Sure enough victims of sunstroke, dehydration and other heat-related incidents turned up by the dozen for medical attention over the weekend.

And then there were the rest of us.

Hikers, quadders, cyclists and recreationists of all stripes succumbed to the heat, along with ailments and accidents of every kind.

As always, the Crowsnest Pass Health Centre and its wonderful staff of kind and compassionate medical personnel are there to care and tend to us.

At a time when rural hospitals are few and far between, Crowsnest Pass is truly fortunate to have intelligent and caring doctors, nurses and other hospital staff at our doorstep.

Thanks to all of them who make the Crowsnest Pass that much a better place to live in.