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.

Thursty Elk is Trail Sisters approved!