7 Vancouver-Area Trail Running Races to Sign Up for This Spring

Runners during the Survival of the Fittest race in 2019. Photo by Scott Robarts via Coast Mountain Trail Series

With spring on its way, it’s a great time to go for a run on forest trail. And the best way to stay motivated for running is to sign up for a race. Vancouver has a vibrant trail running scene with lots of races to choose from. Here are seven Vancouver-area trail running races you can sign up for this spring. 

Dirty Duo 50km/30km/15km, North Vancouver, March 7

This race in North Vancouver’s Lower Seymour neighbourhood isn’t just for runners: mountain bikers can race too! Trail runners can take on 15km, 30km or 50km courses and there’s a separate 30km course for bikers. Or combine both sports: two-person relay teams can tackle a 30km running course, then a 30km mountain bike route. True multi-sport athletes can sign up for the solo relay division. More info: Foretrails Run Series

Cap Crusher 24km/12km, North Vancouver, March 14

Tackle the trail network in upper Capilano Canyon decked out in your St. Paddy’s day finest for a chance to win prizes for the best costume. The hilly racecourse will get your heart pumping, but the views of the canyon and Cleveland Dam will keep you motivated. If you’ve got little ones, sign them up for the 1km kids race. More info: Coast Mountain Trail Series

Alice Lake Race 13km/8.5km, Squamish, April 18

Race the scenic trails around Alice Lake Provincial Park in Squamish. Choose from a shorter sport course for beginners or a longer enduro course for runners who want to test themselves. The race route includes the popular Four Lakes Trail as well as a selection of area mountain bike trails with some fun hills. More Info: 5 Peaks Trail Running

Golden Ears Race 13km/8.5km, Maple Ridge, May 9

Ease into trail running with this beginner-friendly race at Golden Ears Provincial Park in Maple Ridge. The course includes a mix of single track and double track trails through a lush green rainforest in the Alouette River valley. Bring the kids too: there are 1km and 3km races for little ones. More Info: 5 Peaks Trail Running

Survival of the Fittest 35km/18km, Squamish, May 23

Seasoned trail runners will love the challenge of these hilly courses. They both have over 1000m of elevation gain and loss! The race starts and finishes at the Quest University campus in Squamish and follows winding mountain bike trails through beautiful mossy rainforest. More info: Coast Mountain Trail Series

Survival of the Fittest 2019. Photo by Scott Robarts via Coast Mountain Trail Series

Iron Knee/Tender Knee 25km/13km, North Vancouver, May 23

Run across the width of North Vancouver on this undulating race route. You’ll start at the western edge at Cleveland Dam, then head east on the Baden Powell trail all the way to the finish line at Deep Cove. If the 23km distance is a bit too much, choose the 13km Tender Knee route which starts halfway along. More info: Foretrails Run Series

Run for Water Trail Run 50km/25km/10km, Abbotsford, May 30

This trail running race is also a charity fundraiser: The money from your race fees helps families in Ethiopia gain access to clean drinking water. The course incorporates a network of singletrack trails on Abbotsford’s Sumas Mountain. There are three course lengths to choose from, and they all include some steep climbs. More info: Run for Water