Valley Vertikiller Trail Race - October 10,  2026

Valley Vertikiller is a challenging trail race showcasing the beautiful trail network on Teq’qéyex (Sumas Mountain). The race takes place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Sema:th (Sumas) First Nation.
 

This event is the perfect way to wrap up the season, with homemade soup and pie waiting at the finish line to celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving. This grassroots Fraser Valley trail race—the youngest member of the Fat Dog family—offers a welcoming challenge for up-and-coming ultra/trail runners and a satisfying season finisher for seasoned racers. 
 

This challenging, technical trail race features 10 km, 20 km, and 30 km routes that climb up and over the mountain on single-track trails of varied technicality. Runners will move through towering forests, take in sweeping views of the Fraser Valley, and tackle plenty of that vertical gain.
 

Registration opens February 1 on Race Roster!

Course Descriptions

The Valley Vertikiller offers three loop courses designed to be fast, flowy, and technical. With the majority of each course on single-track trails, this race will put your skills to the test. All distances feature well-stocked aid stations, fully catered finish-line food, custom racer swag, and podium and cash prizing for the top three finishers. Additional prizes include $500 cash for the first-place team, rewards for all new course records, and draw prizes.
 

30 km

The 30 km is a true killer, with nearly 1,500 m of elevation gain. It features a grueling climb to the peak of Sumas Mountain, followed by a flowy, technical descent. Runners pass picturesque Chadsey Lake, raging creeks, and challenging single-track trails, with several stunning viewpoints along the way—including an aid station at the Eastern Lookout. This course is demanding and will seriously test your endurance and trail-running skills.
 

30 km Team Challenge 

The 30 km Team Challenge allows groups to compete for the Top Team title. Teams are made up of five or more runners, and the combined finish times of the fastest five team members determine the team results. Teams can represent a running club, workplace, or any other group. Winning teams earn their name on the team trophy and special prizing.
 

30 km Team Challenge bonus: Team members receive 10% off registration. Team captains, email us for a discount code to share with your team in advance of registering.
 

20 km

The 20 km is a vertical beast in its own right, with nearly 1,000 m of elevation gain. It follows much of the same route as the 30 km, passing Chadsey Lake and climbing toward the summit of Sumas Mountain. Runners are rewarded with incredible viewpoints, including an aid station at the Eastern Lookout. Predominantly technical single-track, this course challenges both endurance and trail skills.
 

10 km – “The Cuddler”

The 10 km Verticuddler is a fun, flowy route with 400 m of elevation gain. Still mostly on technical single-track trails, the Verticuddler delivers a taste of everything—climbing, beautiful forest views, and plenty of encouragement from the Verticuddler bear—without the full ascent to the peak.