2023 Emperor's Challenge

Entry

**** Registration for Emperor's Challenge closes at 6PM MST on August 1st, 2023 ***

Race package pick-up is Friday evening at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, from 6pm – 8.30pm, or at the race site race morning before 8:15am

What is the Emperor’s Challenge?

The Emperor’s Challenge is a half marathon on Babcock Mountain, located in the Tumbler Ridge UNESCO Global Geopark. Total distance is 20 km, with the summit at km 11. Total elevation gain is 2050 feet (610 m). A kids race is also available, with a 2 km and 4 km distances, with some elevation gain (80 ft and 340 ft).

New Route

The new Emperor's Challenge route was developed in time for the 2020 and 2021 races, which were cancelled due to Covid. It finally made its debut at the 2022 race.
Instead of leaving the road at km 2.2, participants will continue up the road to km 3.5 and then turn right up a long, steep climb. The new route soon breaks out into the alpine, and stays there almost all the way to where it rejoins the old route at km 6.5. Along the way there are extensive scenic views, not only of the mountains, but also of the horizon to the northeast (views which were never seen on the old route). Another highlight is the view looking down onto the Boulder Gardens, something few have got to see until now. This is also a safer route, avoiding bottlenecks because the field of participants will have had more time to thin out by the time they leave the road. The only downside is that it is tougher, with more elevation change. The climb from km 3.5 to km 4 is relentless and fairly steep. As a result, the cut-off time for the race (and for bronze medals) is 5 hours, not 4.5 hours. This will give the organizers time to assess the effect of the new route on participant times. Cut-off times at the 8.5 km and 14 km points will likely change from those of previous years, and will be determined well before race day.

Timing and Medals

Chip timing will be used, attached to your race bib. Maximum time for the 20 km event is 5:00:00. Anyone caught cheating will be disqualified. Participants must reach the 8.5 km water station by 2:45:00 (11:45 AM). Any participant arriving here after this time will not be allowed to complete the top loop, and must head back down the continuation of the bottom loop. Those arriving at the 14 km water station after 1:30 PM will be required to withdraw from the race and be given a ride off the mountain.

All adults who finish within the 5:00:00 time limit will receive a finisher’s medal as they cross the finish line. Gold finisher’s medal is for times sub 1:59:59, silver is for 2:00:00 to 2:59:59, and bronze is for 3:00:00 to 5:00:00. No finisher medals will be provided to participants that finish after the 5:00:00 time limit. Special medals and awards will be presented onsite promptly after the races have finished.

Additional Information

• Registration is non-refundable
• The 20 km race is capped at 1,000 participants.
• No dogs are allowed on the course during the race.
• This is a non-smoking event.
• Please pack out your garbage or put it in the garbage cans provided at the water stations.
• In the event of extremely poor weather conditions on race day, organizers reserve the right to alter the race.
• The Tumbler Ridge swimming pool (with hot tub, steam room and sauna) will remain open until 5 PM on race day.
• Late Registrations will not be guaranteed shirt sizes.

Volunteers

We love our volunteers! If you would like to be a volunteer for this year’s Emperor’s Challenge, please contact us at contact@wnms.ca

Where is the race?

The race start is at the Core Lodge site, a 45 minute drive south east from Tumbler Ridge on the Core Lodge Road. The elevation of the race start is over 4000 feet, with the summit at over 6100 feet, so bring appropriate clothing for mountain weather.

Lost and Found

Any items dropped off at aid stations during the race will be brought to the finish line after 1:30 pm, or dropped at the Tumbler Ridge Visitor Information Centre within 2 days. It is not recommended to leave any clothing items before reaching the summit, as this is always the coldest and windiest part of the course. Do not leave any valuable items on the race course.

Water Stations and First Aid

There are three water/first aid stations on the course, at km 2/18, km 8.5/14, and km 10.5. The entire course is well marked with wooden stakes painted orange, and each kilometer is marked in roman numerals. There are hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie dogs, veggie burgers, cookies and juice available, as well as coffee and hot chocolate at the start/finish area, all donations to the local Lions are appreciated. This is for racers and volunteers only – spectators must bring their own food. This food will be available after you have finished your race.