Iron Knee/Tender Knee 2026

Iron Knee/Tender Knee returns on May 23, 2026 to North Vancouver, organized by Trail Whisperer (ForeTrails). The point-to-point trail races have been run since at least 2013 and sit firmly in the North Shore trail calendar: the longer Iron Knee and shorter Tender Knee draw familiar local faces alongside visitors chasing the region's punchy singletrack.

Both races start on North Shore trail networks and finish on the shores of Deep Cove. The Iron Knee covers 25K from Cleveland Park, the Tender Knee covers 12K from Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve; race-day starts are scheduled for the morning and racers must check in 45 minutes before their start. An optional orientation run and downloadable GPX files are provided in advance for anyone who wants to preview key sections.

What makes these races unmistakably North Shore is the infamous Powerline Climb — a short, steep, exposed ascent that often decides racers' days — and a shoreline finish at Deep Cove where runners collect chocolate goodies and a finisher medal. Aid support is substantial (multiple aid stations stocked with water, electrolyte drink and a range of fuel and treats), RunGo navigation and live tracking are provided, and logistics include a shuttle from the finish to the starts plus dry-bag transport to the finish for post-race clothing.

Registration runs in tiered pricing windows, with early-bird rates available in the winter and shuttle tickets sold separately. Package pickup is offered Friday evening in North Vancouver and on race morning at the starts; prospective entrants should consult the official event information for current fees, shuttle details and race-day check-in instructions.

• Starts: Iron Knee (25K) at Cleveland Park; Tender Knee (12K) at Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve — both finish on the shores of Deep Cove (near Panorama Park)
• Point-to-point trail routes across classic North Shore singletrack and service roads, highlighted by the steep Powerline Climb
• Aid stations: four on the 25K and two on the 12K, stocked with water, electrolyte drink, gels, chews and cookies; First Aid supplies available at each station
• Navigation: official RunGo GPX/routes and live tracking provided; downloadable GPX files and orientation-run routes available prior to race day
• Logistics: shuttle from the Deep Cove finish to start areas (advance purchase required) and race-morning package pickup plus Friday evening packet pickup in North Vancouver

• Signature Powerline Climb: a short, punishing North Shore ascent that acts as the course's defining, race-changing challenge
• Shoreline finish with treats: finish on Deep Cove's waterfront and collect chocolate goodies plus a finisher medal
• On-course navigation & tracking: RunGo routes and live-tracking available free for racers and spectators
• Cup-less race policy: racers must bring their own fluid container (a foldable cup or packable bottle is recommended)
• Solid aid-station support: Iron Knee served by four aid stations and Tender Knee by two, offering water, electrolyte drink, gels, chews and cookies
• Shuttle & dry-bag logistics: shuttle from Deep Cove to start areas (advance ticket required) and dry-bag transport to the finish