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Thursty Elk Trail Race

2024 Race Update

February 12, 2024 – It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the postponement of this year’s Thursty Elk Trail Race to 2025. We first shared the probability of the deferral earlier this week at our annual volunteer appreciation event and are now confirming the event will not proceed in 2024.

We know that this comes as an enormous disappointment, not only to participants, but also the volunteers, sponsors, and partners of this community and event. We realize that progress isn’t always a straight line forward and so we must pause for some brief zig zagging.

This is not a decision we have taken lightly and there are several concerns that have caused us to make this decision at this time.

There is a new reality that increased usage of recreation facilities combined with extremely limited resources and capacity to support the same are changing the landscape in how areas are both managed and used. Some challenges regarding permitting, logistics, and land management and maintenance are all outstanding factors outside our control causing us to re-evaluate the delivery of this event within the time frame for 2024.

Our primary concern is always the responsibility we feel towards not only our participants and volunteers, but also the greater commitment to the sustainability and responsible and respectful use of the trails and places that our events frequent. Taking the proper time and steps to ensure that our events are executed with this commitment at the forefront is the right thing to do.

We know that we are not alone in these challenges and others are experiencing similar challenges. As the landscape for outdoor recreation continues to change and evolve, it is more important than ever that we continue to advocate for increased resources, capacity, and support for the outdoors and natural infrastructure, in both urban and back country settings.

We look forward to the opportunity to review and re-imagine what Thursty Elk might look like for a return in 2025. As we move through the ongoing planning in the coming year we will share updates as we are able. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may have in anyone’s race plan’s this year and look forward to welcoming runners and volunteers back in 2025.

Course Descriptions

Epic Course – 25km

This point to point adventure starts with a short jaunt on the road to thin out the pack, but  then transitions to some of the most incredible single track around!  Encompassing trails through the Community Forest, Gloria, Thurston and Elk Mountain descending into the Chilliwack River Valley, this is an epic journey with over 2000m of elevation!  Who’s ready for an awesome, adrenaline pumping trail adventure?

Short Course – 5km and 1km Kids Run

There is also a short course option (5km) for all those runners looking to check out the trail running scene for the first time, or just looking for a shorter and faster route with less climbing!!

Don’t forget to bring the kids….they will love frolicking through the forest on our ~1km loop course!

Read coverage about the 2022 inaugural race here.

Date:  Postponed to 2025.
Trail Distance: 25km | 5km | Kids Run 1km
S’olh Temexw

Our races take place on the unceded traditional territory of the Stó:lō (Stah-lo) – People of the River – and in particular the Pelólhxw and Ts’elxwéyeqw tribes. The Stó:lō have an intrinsic relationship to the land, their ancestral home and spiritual realm, they refer to as S’olh Temexw (Our Sacred Land, Our world). As visitors on these lands, we express our immense gratitude and respect for the honour of recreating within this territory and acknowledge our responsibility to ensure the well-being of the lands, waters, lifeforces, and relationships held within.

The journey is filled with peaks and valleys. Find the beauty in both.

RUN WILD. RUN FREE. RUN BEYOND.

25
KMS
32808
Steps
2000
Elevation Gain
3
Aid Stations
17
High Fives
Schedule

Date: TBD 2025

Trail Distances: 25km, 5km, and a ~1km Kids Run

Start times:
7.30am – 25km – Start from Unity Christian School (Hack Brown & Nixon Road)

9.00am – ~1km Kids Run – Start from Chilliwack Community Forest

9.30am – 5km – Start from Chilliwack Community Forest

 

CUTOFF TIME for 25km: 9 hours / 4.30pm at Finish line

Registration
  • Registration will close TBD 2025.  This event will be capped at 200 participants.
  • There will be no race day registration.
  • Registration includes the following:
    • Souvenir finishing medal (25km & 5km)
    • Souvenir race garment (25km)
    • Race bib
    • Individual timing
    • Participant insurance
    • On-site first aid
    • Safe, secure course with approved event permitting
    • Yummy treats and energy at each of the aid stations!
    • Fun, family atmosphere at the finishing line with treats for everyone!

Race garments:

  • If you register by June 3, you are guaranteed a race garment. Please ensure to select appropriate size during registration. We do order some extras, but there’s no guarantee on sizing or availability for registrations after June 3.
  • If you do not wish to receive a race garment with your entry, you may chose to donate the cost to our partner community organization during registration.

Support-a-Runner:

  • We don’t want anyone to be left out due to financial concerns. If you wish to participate but face a financial barrier to doing so, please email us at info@peaksnvalleys.ca and tap into our ‘Support-a-Runner’ program. If you’d like to contribute to our ‘Support-a-Runner’ program, please email us at info@peaksnvalleys.ca.
Parking

5km and kids run:

 

Parking is extremely limited in the Chilliwack Community Forest where the 5km and kids run will start and finish.  Parking is available at Unity Christian School at no charge.  Car pooling is encouraged and highly recommended. 

 

25km race:

 

This is a scenic point to point adventure.  The start and finish line are approximately a 30 minute drive apart.  You will need to pre-arrange transportation for this event.

 

Parking and shuttle at finish line:

If you wish to park near the finish line, a shuttle option will be available to participants who pre-register for this option online.  The shuttle will leave in the morning from a designated point along Chilliwack Lake Road (exact location and time TBA near the finish line)  and will move participants to the start line at Unity School.  Parking near the finish line is limited and car pooling is highly encouraged and recommended.

 

Parking at start line:

Free parking will be available for participants for the entire day at Unity Christian School (start line).  If you park in this parking lot, your car will need to be removed before the gate is locked at dusk.  You will have to pre-arrange transportation back to your car from the finish line in Slesse Park or have someone pick up your car through the day.

Race Details
Package Pick-up:
  • TBD 2025 – 1.00pm – 5.00pm – Garrison Running Co., Market Way, Chilliwack
  • Saturday,  – at race start line:
    • 25km: 6.30am – 7.15am at Start line – Unity Christian School parking lot
    •   5km: 8.00am – 8.45am at Unity Christian School parking lot

Only the registered runner will be able to pick up their race package. Please bring ID with you. No exceptions.

Zero Waste:

In an effort to produce zero waste events, please note that there will be no bags given at package pick-up.  You are welcome to bring one along with you.

Kids Run

The Kids Run is approximately 1km in length following Pi:txel and Spotlem trails.  Kids of all ages are invited to participate.  It’s a non-competitive fun run for little feet.  It’s not timed, but each participant will receive a finisher medal to take home.

Race Policy
  • A comprehensive runners guide will be provided to all participants prior to race day.
  • There will be NO crew or pacers allowed on course.
  • Poles WILL be allowed for the 25km event, but only after entering the trails after the 2km road section.  This is to allow the group to spread out enough to safely use poles.
  • The 25km course is a steep and physically and mentally demanding single track backcountry course.  You should have experience in distance backcountry trail running and be prepared for the unexpected.  You will be asked to confirm during registration that you have completed at least one previous trail race of at least 15km or greater.  
  • Cell phone reception is spotty along the race route and should not be relied on as a primary method of communication.  Course marshals will be in communication along the trail, but it is recommended that you carry an Inreach or similar communication device.
  • There is no mandatory gear for the race, but it is highly recommended that you carry at least 2 litres of water and refill at each aid station.
  • Whether racing, training, or adventuring, it is always encouraged that everyone carry the 10 Essentials for backcountry safety with you in your pack.  Its tough to predict what might happen on the trails, but as the Girl Guides say “Be Prepared!”.

Click to read all the general race fine print!

Thursty Elk 25km

25km Epic Mountain Route



Download the GPX file here: Thursty Elk 25km

5k Community Forest Loop



Download the GPX file here: Thursty Elk 5km

~1k Kids Run Community Forest

 
Unity Christian School
Ambipar Response
Chilliwack Water Store
Sidekick Brewing
Kintec
Hofstede’s Country Barn
Trio Sport Events
Custom Labs
Government of BC
Jared Deck
Garrison Running Co.