You may know that Whistler is a world-class ski resort, but did you know it’s also a runner’s paradise?
With a wide variety of trails that cater to everyone from recreational runners to pros, Whistler’s fresh air and outdoor vibes are undeniably good for the heart and soul. My personal favourites are the paved Whistler Valley Trail network and the gravel trails that circle Lost Lake. While my deer-in-headlights depth perception forces me to tiptoe carefully through the rocky terrain of the Coast Mountains, our high alpine trails are loved by many locals.
Whistler hosts several local and international running events that cater to various abilities and interests. The sheer number of events can make picking one feel like a daunting task, so we’re here to help with this handy guide.
Run Comfy Numb
This is a bucket list race for trail runners. It takes place on one of Whistler’s longest mountain biking trails, Comfortably Numb. The 25-kilometre singletrack trail offers progressive climbs, a few descents and numerous sweeping mountain vistas. They also have a 50-kilometre option for ultra-runners.
Date: May 30, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Butt burner – not recommended for the average couch potato
Surface: Forested, uneven and technical, featuring roots and rocks
Distances: 25 KM and 50 KM
More Information and Registration
Tenderfoot Boogie
The Tenderfoot Boogie is a trail race covering the area from Brandywine Falls in the south to Rainbow Falls in the north, finishing in Bayly Park, Whistler. The trails weave through beautiful West Coast forests and around glacier-fed streams and rivers, allowing runners to experience the beauty of BC’s coastal mountains.
Date: June 20, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Good for very fit first-timers with trail experience, as well as veteran trail racers
Surface: Dirt trail with the longer options, including rocky sections and steep climbs
Distances: 12 KM, 26 KM and 50 KM
Whistler Half Marathon
The Whistler Half Marathon is one of Canada’s most scenic, all-natural runs and a personal favourite of mine. There are five distances to choose from, ranging from 1 to 30 kilometres (including a 21-kilometre half marathon, of course), making it welcoming for all levels. The course is now mostly trail-based, starting and ending in Olympic Plaza, with the majority around Lost Lake Park.
Don’t want to run? You can walk or opt to be an official cheer squad member, and make sure you head to Whistler Olympic Plaza to celebrate afterward.
Date: June 6, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Tortoise to hare – there is something for everyone
Surface: Pavement, gravel and singletrack dirt
Distances: 1 KM (Kid), 5 KM, 10 KM, 30 KM, Half Marathon (21 KM)
More Information and Registration
Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB
Ultra Trail Whistler by UTMB is an epic trail running event with categories of 100, 50, 25 and 10 kilometres. Courses run from the deep evergreen forest, past stunning mountain lakes, to high alpine vistas, each taking you on a challenging journey that shows off the best of Whistler and its surrounding trails.
Date: August 21 to 23, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Hard – you’ve got to watch your footing and the elevation, and there are time cut-offs
Surface: All trail
Distances: 100 KM, 50 KM, 25 KM and 10 KM
More Information and Registration
5 Peaks Trail Running Series
To get to this race, you must take a gondola ride up Blackcomb Mountain. There you start your journey through wildflower meadows, past alpine lakes and up and over boulder fields, all with panoramic views of the Coast Mountains.
Date: August 31, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Watch your step – although this race has technical terrain, it’s also got the views and friendly vibes!
Surface: Alpine trail – rocky, uneven, technical at times
Distance: 6 KM Sports course, 9.9 KM Enduro course, 3 & 1 KM Kids’ Races
More Information and Registration
Whistler X-Tri
Whistler X-Tri offers three events: a Kid, Sprint and Championship Triathlon Race. All three are set in beautiful Lost Lake Park and involve a swim in the lake, a cross-country bike and a run.
Date: September 19 and 20, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Moderate
Surface: Gravel and dirt
Distances: Sprint / Sport (750 M swim, 12.6 KM bike, 5 KM run), Championship (1,500 M swim, 25.2 KM bike, 10 KM run – can be done as a Relay Team), Kid (distances determined by age)
Whistler 50 Relay & Ultra
This annual event, held each fall in Whistler, is a 50-mile relay race open to teams of eight or four as well as solo 50-kilometre ultra-marathoners. The course includes the incredible Lost Lake trails, with all of the transitions taking place behind the rings at Whistler Olympic Plaza.
Date: October 3, 2026
Difficulty Rating: Walk in the park (relay) to extreme (solo ultra).
Surface: Paved and gravel
Distance: 50 Mile relay and 50 KM ultra-marathon
More Information and Registration
More Events:
- The Terry Fox Run – TBD
