Monster Marmot Trail Run
Monster Marmot is a community trail race held at Mount Washington Alpine Resort on Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The event is scheduled for September 20, 2026, and net proceeds from registrations will support the Marmot Recovery Foundation.
Two distances are offered:
- 5 km
- 10 km
Both routes begin with a steep, sustained climb on Giv'r Trail. The 5 km route then descends via Linton's Loop back to the Alpine Lodge. The 10 km route continues to West Summit Ridge, crosses exposed ridgeline terrain, drops into forested singletrack and returns by the Finger Trail, with over 500 metres of elevation gain.
The race takes place on steep, technical mountain terrain with rocky and rooted sections, exposed alpine segments and hands-on sections where hiking is expected. Timing will use a finish-line clock and a manual finish-order system; chip timing will not be provided. Proposed course cutoffs are listed for each distance.
Front Runners Cumberland will host optional alpine trail meetups in August on sections of the course. Registration opens June 30. Event policies note that participants must complete a waiver, attend a mandatory pre-race briefing, carry their race bib visibly, and that registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
The Courses
Two distances. One steep start.
5K
5K Course
Both distances open the same way: a steep, sustained climb up Giv'r Trail with no warm-up and no apologies. The 5K then descends through Linton's Loop before returning to the Alpine Lodge. Welcoming to newer trail runners -- but this is not a road race.
- ~5km Distance
- 3 hr Cutoff
- 9:30 Start (am)
Features: Steep opening climb, Rocky & rooted, Technical descent, Exposed alpine, Hiking expected
10K
10K Course
After Giv'r, the 10K continues to West Summit Ridge, crosses exposed ridgeline terrain, drops into forested singletrack, and connects with the Finger Trail back to the Alpine Lodge. 500+ metres of elevation gain. The distance is the easy part.
- ~10km Distance
- 4 hr Cutoff
- 9:00 Start (am)
Features: 500+ m elevation gain, Ridgeline running, Forested singletrack, Technical climbs, Hands-on terrain, Limited shelter
Final course maps, GPX files and elevation profiles will be released before race day. Routes may be adjusted due to weather, trail conditions, wildlife activity or mountain operational requirements.
Race Day
September 20, 2026.
- 9:00 10K Start
- 9:30 5K Start
- TBA Podium & Prize Giving
Arrive with enough time to park, collect your race bib, prepare your gear and attend the mandatory pre-race briefing. Full schedule confirmed in the participant information package.
August Trail Meetups
Train on the actual mountain. Front Runners Cumberland will host weekly alpine trail meetups throughout August.