Trail Work/Volunteering
Trail Work Requirement
Giving back is a core value of our race community. Fat Dog is responsible for maintaining roughly half of the trails used in the race, so trail care isn't just a tradition - it's part of what keeps this event possible. Our trail work projects include clearing overgrown brush, removing downed trees and branches, removing other debris, fixing drainage issues, or assisting BC Parks with other projects.To run any distance of Fat Dog, all racers must complete one of the following:
- 8 hours of trail work with the Fat Dog crew
- 8 hours of trail work with another sanctioned group in another area
- 8 hours of other race volunteering (ie aid station volunteer, course marshal, course sweep etc) at another event
- Make a $120 CAD/$85 USD contribution to the trail work fund (through Ultra Signup)
If you cannot attend these or prefer to do trail work closer to home, make sure it's through a sanctioned group such as a running club or mountain bike association. You can also meet the requirement by volunteering at another race (ideally trail running, but if you think another event qualifies, feel free to email us). Please note that crewing or pacing another racer does not satisfy your volunteer requirement.
Whichever option you choose, your contribution directly supports the trails and the community that make Fat Dog possible.
How to Submit Your Hours
If you do trail work with Fat Dog, no submission needed - we track it!
If you volunteer elsewhere, please use this form to submit proof by email before July 15.
Trail Work Schedules
Email to let us know you are coming. Always check the location before driving; we may need to change locations last minute. First Come, First Served camping is available in Manning Provincial Park or along Ashnola River Road if you would like to camp the night before or after trail work.2026 Schedule (subject to snow melt)
| Date | Time | Trail | Meeting Place |
| Saturday June 13 | 8:00 am | Bonnevier/Tom's Trail | Meet at East Gate gas station. Carpool and drive up together on the East Gate FSR to the Bonnevier (Tom's Trail) trail head approx 15 minutes. |
| Sunday June 14 | 8:00 am | Calcite | Meet at Manning Park Resort, carpool and/or caravan to the Calcite Aid Station location, roughly 1.5 hours east of the Resort. |
| Saturday June 20 | 7:00 am | Lakeview Trail | Meet at Manning Park Resort and carpool to the Lakeview Trailhead in Cathedral Park, roughly 2 hours from the resort, or alternately meet at Lakeview Trailhead in Cathedral Provincial Park. Expect a longer day if coming from Manning Park. |
| Friday July 3 | 8:00 am | Ashnola – Centennial/Easygoing Trails | Meet at the Buckhorn Campground in Cathedral Park, off the Ashnola FSR. Carpool and/or caravan to the trailhead from there (roughly 1 hour from Buckhorn to the trail head) |
| Saturday July 4 | 8:00 am | Ashnola – Centennial/Easygoing Trails | Meet at the Buckhorn Campground in Cathedral Park, off the Ashnola FSR. Carpool and/or caravan to the trailhead from there (roughly 1 hour from Buckhorn to the trail head) |
| Sunday July 5 | 8:00 am | Ashnola – Centennial/Wall Creek Trail | Meet at the Buckhorn Campground in Cathedral Park, off the Ashnola FSR. Carpool and/or caravan to the trailhead from there (roughly 1 hour from Buckhorn to the trail head) |
| Saturday July 11 | 8:00 am | Skagit Bluffs Trail | Meet at Cayuse Flats Trailhead off Hwy. 3 in Manning Park |
| Sunday July 12 | 8:00 am | Hope Pass Trail | Meet at Cayuse Flats Trailhead off Hwy.3 in Manning Park, and hike in (12km one way hike). *Expect a longer day due to a longer hike in to access the work |
| Saturday July 18-Sunday July 19 | 8:00 am | Orientation Runs! | See the Orientation Run Page for details! |
| Monday July 20 | 8:00 am | Heather Aid Station Water Collection | Meet at the Heather Trailhead, Lower Parking Lot. Hike 7 km to the aid station location and collect water from a stream close to the aid station for use on race weekend. |
| Saturday July 25 | TBD based on need | ||
| Sunday July 26 | TBD based on need |
Trail Work Photos
