2026 Emperor's Challenge

Entry

**** Registration for Emperor's Challenge closes at MIDNIGHT on July 31 2026 ***

Race package pick-up is Friday evening at the Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, from 6pm – 8.30pm, or at the race site race morning between 7am and 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).

The Route

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 NOON (12pm). 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, non-transferable.
• The 20 km race is capped at 1,000 participants.
• No dogs are allowed on the course or at the race start/finish area during the race. Please keep them at home or confined to the parking area.
• 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 or hazardous conditions on race day, organizers reserve the right to alter or cancel the race.
• Registrations after June 1 will not be guaranteed shirts.

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.