Survival of the Fittest 2026

This page is kept as a past race archive for the May 9, 2026 edition in Squamish, BC. Use the links below to find upcoming races in the same area or distance category. You can also browse the 2026 race calendar.

Survival of the Fittest takes place on May 9 (May) 2026 in Squamish, British Columbia and is organized by CMTR Events. This long-standing trail race uses Capilano University’s upper campus as its start/finish and attracts local and destination runners drawn to Squamish’s steep, mountain-backed trails and big valley views.

The event offers an 18 km and a 35 km loop plus a non-competitive Kids Race of roughly 1 km. Start times on race morning are staggered: the Kids Race at 8:30 a.m., the 35 km at 9:00 a.m. and the 18 km at 9:30 a.m. Pre-race briefings are mandatory 15 minutes before each start; package pickup is available the Friday before at Capra Running and on race morning at the start area.

What sets Survival of the Fittest apart is the combination of classic North Shore–style singletrack with open valley viewpoints of the Tantalus Range, plus community-minded race perks. Both courses thread local favourites such as Legacy, Megacy, STP, Hoods in the Woods and Blaine’s Connector and cross two scenic bridges over Darwin’s and Carpenter’s Son. Entries include a $5 donation to Squamish Search & Rescue, one tree planted per entry through a Fraser Valley reforestation program, a branded race beer glass and CMTR tote, post-race sushi and massage, and professional chip timing. Both distances carry ITRA points.

Entries for 2026 are sold out.

• Start/finish at Capilano University (formerly Quest) — upper campus area between the library and cafeteria
• Mixed singletrack terrain with runnable sections, technical stretches, sustained climbs and steep descents
• Routes include local trail classics: Legacy, Megacy, STP, Somewhere Over There, Hoods in the Woods and Blaine's Connector; two bridge crossings over Darwin's and Carpenter's Son
• Elevation: 18 km — 1050 m ascent/descent; 35 km — 1650 m ascent/descent
• Aid stations: 18 km has 1 aid station at 9 km; 35 km has 3 aid stations at 5 km, 17 km and 28 km; races are cup-free and aid stations are off-limits to crew

• Scenic Tantalus views: Valley-facing sections on both courses offer sustained views across to the Tantalus Mountain Range
• Sustainability & charity tie-ins: Every entry plants one tree and includes a $5 donation to Squamish Search & Rescue
• Post-race fuel & recovery: Entrants receive post-race sushi and access to post-race massage
• ITRA points: Both the 18K and 35K distances award ITRA points for international ranking
• Kids' fun run: Free, non-competitive ~1 km Kids Race with special bibs and finisher stickers; adults may run with kids