Creemore Vertical Challenge 2026
The Creemore Vertical Challenge takes place October 17, 2026 at Mad River Park in Creemore. The route is about 70 percent road, mostly gravel, and 30 percent trail. Sections cross private land so a full GPX file is not provided.
Distances offered:
- 14K Dip
- Fun 27.5K
- Full 55K
- 80K / 50 Miler
Race formats use laps of the same loop: 80K / 50 Miler is three laps, 55K is two laps, 27.5K is one lap, and 14K is one lap. Each lap contains roughly one half mile of vertical gain and may involve water crossings. The 80K requires a headlamp and has a 13 hour cut off. Cut off times for other distances include 10 hours for 55K and 7 hours for 27.5K.
Finishers receive medals and distance-specific apparel and socks; some distances include a beverage as part of the finisher items. Early bird and regular registration windows and fees are specified per distance. Four aid stations will provide water, mixed electrolytes, and snacks at approximately spaced locations. Photography will be provided to runners after the event. Rain does not cancel the event and trail sections can become very muddy when wet. Town parking is free with recommended parking areas and a public lot at Creemore Arena about a 5 to 10 minute walk from the park. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Tickets
80K / 50M Field Day
Early Bird / Regular: $125 / $145
Three laps of the course, about 1/2 mile of vertical gain per lap, still possible water involvement. Participants receive a finisher medal, a pint of Creemore's best, a CVC long-sleeve bamboo ultra soft t-shirt (if registered by Labour day), and N89 socks. Cut-off time: 13hrs - HEADLAMP REQUIRED.
The Full 55k
Early Bird / Regular: $105 / $125
Two laps of the course, about 1/2 mile of vertical gain per lap, possible water involvement. Participants receive a finisher medal, a CVC bamboo long-sleeve ultra soft t-shirt (if registered by Labour day) and N89 socks. Cut-off Time: 10hrs
The Fun 27.5k
Early Bird / Regular: $95 / $105
A single lap of the course, about 1/2 mile of vertical gain, possible water involvement. Participants receive a short sleeve t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a cold beer. Cut-off Time: 7hrs
The 14k Dip
Early Bird / Regular: $85 / $95
Looking for something a little shorter but just as tough? Try the 14k lap, test your climbing skills, and take in the view from the top! Participants receive a short sleeve t-shirt, a finisher medal, and a cold beer.
Course Description
The course is about 70% road (mostly gravel) and 30% trail. Follow a route through the hills of Creemore across private trails and gravel roads with some great views! This event is part of OUTRace, and runners will be eligible for the new awards planned this year for the series. Stay tuned for more detail there!
Getting Here
Mad River Park
1 George St, Creemore
A lovely grass park sitting along the Mad River; in the original days of the CVC, participants would sit in the rapids after their run and chill their legs. In October that’s probably not recommended, but if the weather is nice, we’re all for it! There is no parking at the park, please see parking instructions on the left on this page.
Accommodations at Blue Mountain
Blue Mountain Resorts has offered 20% off for runners staying in Collingwood (about 25 minute drive from Creemore Vertical Challenge).
On Race Day
The village of Creemore
Creemore’s name comes from the Irish Croi Mor meaning “big heart”. N89 calls it home, and we tend to call the roads leading out of town… hilly. This is our setting, and we’re thrilled to welcome you out as the fall season is just finishing.
Volunteers
If you are supporting someone at the Vertical Challenge, we’d love your help during the down time that runners are out on the loop! We have spots available for Aid Station crews and course marshals that will get you out on course and into the action! Please email us at run at n89 dot ca or contact us on Facebook or Instagram.
Race Kit Pick-up, Parking & Drop Bags
Parking: Parking in Creemore is free throughout town, but we ask that you avoid Mill St (the main road leading to Mad River Park) and the Station on the Green parking as we don’t want to interfere with the Creemore Farmer’s Market. There is public parking at the Creemore Arena on Collingwood St., a 5-10 minute walk to the park. Race Kit Pick Up: Kits include the swag, bibs, and safety pins if you need them. 80K: Starts at 6:00am and goes until race start at 7:00am. 55K: Starts at 7:15am and goes until race start at 9:00am. 27.5K: Starts at 7:15am and goes until race start at 9:30am. 14K: Starts at 8:30am and goes until race start at 10:30am. Drop Bags: