A community trail race hosted at Mount Washington Alpine Resort. Sunday, September 20th, 2026. 100% of net proceeds from registrations go towards the Marmot Recovery Foundation.
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A community trail race
for the marmots.
Monster Marmot is a new trail running event at Mount Washington Alpine Resort, open to runners, families, and outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. Two distances, one morning, and a course that showcases some of the best alpine terrain on Vancouver Island. All net proceeds will be donated to the Marmot Recovery Foundation.
Event Partner
In Support Of
The Vancouver Island Marmot
30 → 427 Marmots in the wild, 2003 to todayFound nowhere else in the world, the Vancouver Island Marmot is one of Canada's rarest mammals. In 2003, fewer than 30 remained in the wild. Today, thanks to decades of conservation breeding, habitat support, and public awareness, the population has grown to 427 marmots across more than 30 mountains.
Mount Washington is home to the Tony Barrett Marmot Recovery Centre, one of the breeding facilities supporting the species' recovery. Marmots born through the program are released into the wild at one year old to help grow colonies and support genetic diversity. This race helps to raise funds and keep that story in the public eye.
Named After Monster Mile
The name Monster Marmot is a nod to Monster Mile, one of Mount Washington's most iconic mountain bike trails and a fixture of the Canada Cup circuit. Known for its steep terrain and gritty character, Monster Mile captures the same spirit this race is built on: a challenging alpine environment, a mountain that demands respect, and a community that shows up for it.
Sign up.
Show up. Run.
All prices in Canadian dollars. Taxes and Race Roster processing fees added at checkout. No early-bird tiers or price increases. Online registration closes at 11:59 pm on September 18, or earlier if the event reaches capacity. Questions? [email protected]
Two distances.
One steep start.
Alpine
Intro
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.
Summit
Ridge
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.
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.
September 20,
2026.
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.
Train on the
actual mountain.
Front Runners Cumberland will host weekly alpine trail meetups throughout August to help participants prepare for race day. Optional, free, and open to anyone registered for the event.
- Get comfortable on alpine trail terrain
- Explore sections of the race course
- Meet other local runners
- Learn what to expect on race day
Hosted by Front Runners Cumberland. Dates and times announced soon.
The fine print.
Everything you need to know before you sign up.
All participants must register under their own legal name and carry their assigned race bib visibly throughout the event. Accurate registration information is required so race staff can identify and account for every participant on the mountain.
On race day, all participants must:
- Complete the required event waiver before race day
- Attend the mandatory pre-race briefing
- Follow the marked race course and obey instructions from race officials, course marshals and mountain staff
- Stay within course boundaries and avoid shortcutting trails or switchbacks
- Carry out all garbage and nutrition packaging
- Assist another participant in an emergency when it is safe to do so
- Report to a race official if withdrawing from the race
Running under another participant's name is not permitted. Participants who leave the marked course, ignore safety instructions, or display unsafe or disrespectful behaviour may be disqualified or removed from the event.
Refunds and deferrals: Race registrations are non-refundable and cannot be deferred to a future event. This applies regardless of injury, illness, scheduling conflicts or any other reason.
Transfers: Registrations are non-transferable and may not be privately sold, given or transferred to another runner. Please do not allow someone else to participate under your name or bib.
Changing distances: Participants may request to move to a different distance if registration space is available. Moving to a more expensive distance requires paying the price difference (plus any applicable Race Roster fee). Moving to a less expensive distance will not result in a refund of the price difference. Race-day distance changes may not be available.
Event changes or cancellation: Mountain events may be affected by weather, wildfire smoke, trail conditions, wildlife activity and other circumstances outside the organizers' control. The race organizers reserve the right to modify the route, delay the start, shorten a course or cancel the event when necessary to protect participants, volunteers and staff. Refunds will not be provided if the event is modified or cancelled under these circumstances.
After all expenses and non-recoverable costs have been paid, net proceeds continue to support the Marmot Recovery Foundation.
Youth pricing is available for participants under 16 years old, with the discount applied automatically during online checkout.
Both the 5K and 10K take place on steep and technical mountain terrain. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring that youth participants have the fitness, experience and judgment required for their selected distance.
Additional supervision requirements -- including whether younger participants must run with a registered adult -- will be confirmed before registration opens on June 30.
Timing: Monster Marmot will not use chip timing. A finish-line clock and manual finish-order system will be used to track participants and determine podium placements. The event will not provide certified chip times, split times or extensive age-group rankings.
Course support: Marshals and volunteers will be positioned at key intersections and safety locations. Final information about aid stations, water availability and first aid coverage will be released with the course maps.
Self-sufficiency: Participants should not assume frequent aid will be available on course. Each runner should carry enough water and nutrition for their expected time on the mountain. Mandatory equipment requirements will be included in the participant information package.
Course cutoffs: The proposed cutoffs are 3 hours for the 5K and 4 hours for the 10K, subject to change. Runners unlikely to finish within the cutoff may be directed back toward the village or removed from the course at the discretion of race officials.
Podium: Finishers will be recognized following the event. Podium categories and prizing will be announced before race day.
Questions about the race?
We're happy to help. Reach the events team directly.
