Photo: Greg Rosenke/Unsplash
With forested trails to lakes and peaks all around the city, Vancouver is a hot spot for trail running. Sign up for one of these summer trail running races to test yourself on the region’s most picturesque trails.
Coquitlam Crunch Challenge
Challenge yourself on the 894 stairs of the Coquitlam Crunch Trail. This race has several unique categories. The Stair Master event sees competitors trying to set a personal best time on the lower Crunch. In the Make It Or Break It event, competitors have 4 hours to make it up and down the Coquitlam Crunch as many times as possible. There is also an 8 km running course.
When: June 10, 2023
More Info and Registration: Coquitlam Crunch Challenge
Top of the Coquitlam Crunch. Photo: Tourism Coquitlam
Multi Grouse Grind Challenge
Take advantage of the longest day of the year to test yourself on the Grouse Grind, Between 4 am and 10 pm participants will complete as many ascents of the Grouse Grind as possible. The current record is 19, set in 2019. The event is a fundraiser for North Shore Search and Rescue.
When: June 21, 2023
More Info and Registration: Multi Grouse Grind Challenge
Hikers on the Grouse Grind. Photo: Mike Seehagel
Thursty Elk Trail Race
This point-to-point race takes place on single-track trails on Elk Mountain, Mount Thurston, and the Chilliwack Community Forest. The main course is 25 km long with over 2000 m of elevation, but there is also a 5 km course for beginner trail runners and a 1 km kids’ run.
When: July 8, 2023
More Info and Registration: Thursty Elk Trail Race
Photo: Thursty Elk Trail Race
5 Peaks Trail Running Series: Cypress Mountain
The 5 Peaks Trail Running Series has been part of the Vancouver trail running calendar for over a decade. This year’s Cypress Mountain race includes a 9 km Enduro course, a 5.3 km Sport course, and two short kids’ races. All of the courses head through gorgeous subalpine terrain.
When: July 15, 2023
More Info and Registration: 5 Peaks Trail Running Series
Buckin’ Hell
This tough race ascends the steep slopes of Mount Seymour on a series of technical trails including the eponymous Old Buck Trail. In total, you’ll climb almost 2500 m. There are 35 km, 50 km, and two-person relay course options.
When: July 22, 2023
More Info and Registration: Buckin’ Hell
A runner on the Buckin’ Hell course at Mount Seymour. Photo: Coast Mountain Trail Running
Burnaby Lake Run for Community
This trail running race is a fundraiser for the Burnaby Hospital Foundation. It’s a great option for beginner trail runners as the course around the lake is flat! There are 10 km, 5 km, and kids’ race options as well as a family festival with food, games, and performances.
When: August 13, 2023
More Info and Registration: Burnaby Lake Run
5 Peaks Trail Running Series: Whistler Blackcomb
The scenery on this race course is unparalleled – it starts with a gondola ride to the top of Blackcomb Peak. From there, competitors race through alpine meadows and boulder fields while enjoying panoramic mountain views. There are 6 km Sport, 9.9 km Enduro, and kid’s race options.
When: August 26, 2023
More Info and Registration: 5 Peaks Trail Running Series
Gruesome Twosome
This unique race on the rolling trails of Aldergrove Regional Park is designed to be run in pairs. The event raises money for BabyGoRound, an organization that provides essential baby gear to families in need, so running strollers are encouraged on the course. The event includes 22 km, 11 km and 5 km course options.
When: August 26, 2023
More Info and Registration: Gruesome Twosome
Photo: Gruesome Twosome
Handloggers Half Marathon
This race takes competitors on a 21 km course around Mount Gardiner on Bowen Island. You can run the race individually or as a team of three, relay-style. The race raises money for the Bowen Island Trail Society and the Akili Preparatory School.
When: September 2, 2023
More Info and Registration: Handloggers Half Marathon
