Emperor's Challenge - Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia
The Emperor's Challenge will take place on August 8, 2026 in Tumbler Ridge, within the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark. The event features a main mountain race listed as 20 km and optional kids races of 2 km and 4 km.
- 20 km main mountain race
- 4 km kids race
- 2 km kids race
The race starts from South Core Lodge Road, Tumbler Ridge, BC. The 20 km event is capped at 1,000 participants. Chip timing is used with the timing chip attached to the race bib, and a maximum time is set for the 20 km race. There are five water stations on course at 2 km, 8.5 km, 10.5 km, 14 km and 18 km. The route is marked with wooden stakes painted orange and each kilometre is marked with Roman numerals. Food and hot drinks are available at the start and finish area for racers and volunteers only; spectators must bring their own food.
Event rules include no dogs on or near the course, a non-smoking policy, and a requirement to pack out garbage or use bins at water stations. Organizers reserve the right to alter the race in extremely poor weather and cheating will result in disqualification. Registration opens in April 2026 and further details about race distances, registration and volunteer opportunities will be shared as planning progresses. Listed prices are 95.75 $ plus fees for the adult 20 km race and 17.49 $ plus fees for the kids race; both include a commemorative runner's t-shirt. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
Event Information
The Emperor’s Challenge Returns in 2026! We’re excited to officially announce that the Emperor’s Challenge Mountain Run is returning on August 8th, 2026, to beautiful Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia. Planning is underway, and the commitment has been made to continue this iconic mountain race that so many runners know and love. The Emperor’s Challenge has long been recognized for its rugged terrain, stunning alpine views, and the uniquely challenging experience that Tumbler Ridge delivers. More details—including race distances, dates, registration information, and volunteer opportunities—will be shared as planning progresses. For now, runners can mark their calendars, start dreaming of mountain trails, and know that the Emperor’s Challenge will once again test legs, lungs, and determination in 2026.
Event Overview
The Emperor's Challenge is a half-marathon mountain race located in the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark. A kids race is also available, with optional 2 km and 4 km distances.
Rules & Regulations
The 20 km race is capped at 1,000 participants. Chip timing will be used, attached to your race bib. Maximum time for the 20 km event is 5 hours. Participants must reach the 8.5 km water station by 2:15:00 (11:15 AM). Any participant arriving here after this time will not be allowed to complete the top loop, and must head back down the continuation of the bottom loop. Those arriving at the 14 km water station after 1:00 PM will be required to withdraw from the race and be given a ride off the mountain. No dogs are allowed on or near the course during the race. This is a non-smoking event. Please pack out your garbage or put it in the garbage cans provided at the water stations. In the event of extremely poor weather conditions on race day, organizers reserve the right to alter the race. Anyone caught cheating will be disqualified.
Getting There
Race Location: Starting from South Core Lodge Road, Tumbler Ridge, BC.
Relaxing After the Race
The Tumbler Ridge swimming pool (with hot tub, steam room and sauna) will remain open until 5 PM on race day.
Nearby Hotels & Lodging
Trend Mountain Hotel & Conference Centre: (250) 242-2000
TR Hotel & Suites: 1-877-242-5404
Tumbler Ridge Inn: 250-242-4277
Safety Planning
Water Stations and First Aid: There are five water stations on the course, at 2km, 8.5km, 10.5km, 14km and 18km. The entire course is well marked with wooden stakes painted orange, and each kilometre is marked in roman numerals. There are hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs, veggie burgers, cookies and juice available, as well as coffee and hot chocolate at the start/finish area, all donations to the local Lions are appreciated. This is for racers and volunteers only – spectators must bring their own food. This food will be available after you have finished your race.
Registration
Registration for the 2026 Emperor's Challenge goes live on April 2nd, 2026, at 7am for VIP runners and on April 3rd, 2026, at 7am for the general public!
Prices
Adult 20km Race is $95.75 +fees
Kids Race is $17.49 +fees
Both include a commemorative Emperor's Challenge runners t-shirt
Pick-Up
Race package pick-up is Friday evening at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, from 6pm – 8.30pm, or at the race site race morning before 8:15am
Event Registration
Volunteer Info
We love our volunteers! If you would like to be a volunteer for this year’s Emperor’s Challenge, Please use our contact form
Results
2025: All Results
2024: All Results
2023: All Results
2022: All Results
4k Results
2k Results
2019: All Results
2018: All Results
2017: All Results
2016: All Results
2015: 20k race: 20k EC by Age Group 20k EC Overall Kids races: 2K by Division 4k by Division 2km Overall 4km Overall
2014: 20k race: 20k EC by Age Group 20k EC Overall 20k EC Women Results 20k EC Mens Results Kids races: 2km By Age Group 4km By Age Group
2013: 20k race: Women, Men Kids races: 4km and 2km Emperor’s Challenge Records
