5 Peaks Trail Running Series: Whistler Blackcomb takes place on September 5 in Whistler, BC and is organised by 5 Peaks. The day begins with a scenic ride up the Blackcomb Gondola, placing runners right on the alpine slopes of Blackcomb Mountain for a true mountain-running experience. The race is a favourite on the 5 Peaks circuit for locals and destination runners alike.

The event offers a range of distances: Kid’s runs of 1 km and 3 km, a Sport Run or Hike (7 km), an Enduro Run or Hike (11 km) and the Grit Run (12.5 km). Start windows are staggered through the morning — the Grit field goes off early and the Sport and Enduro timed courses start later; kid’s races run from mid-morning. Packet pick-up opens the day before at Capra Running in Squamish and onsite in Whistler’s Upper Village the morning of the race. All racers and spectators must ride the gondola to reach the start (gondola tickets sold separately and discounted tickets are available via Race Roster).

What sets Whistler Blackcomb apart is the alpine setting: meadowed ridgelines, high-country lakes and boulder fields combine with expansive mountain views. The event is cup-free — water and electrolytes are supplied at the start/finish and at designated aid stations, and Blonyx Hydra+ is used as the on-course electrolyte beverage. Post-race food and beverages are available in the race compound, awards are presented throughout the morning, and volunteers receive race entry or merch in exchange for shifts, reinforcing the local community feel.

Runners can pre-purchase optional swag, finisher medals and discounted gondola tickets through Race Roster. Check Race Roster for current registration options and add-ons.

- **Gondola start on Blackcomb:** Scenic gondola ride transports racers and spectators to the alpine start on Blackcomb Mountain (tickets sold separately).
- **Alpine meadows and lakes:** Course traverses high-country meadows, passes alpine lakes and crosses boulder fields with panoramic mountain views.
- **Hiker division with pace leaders:** Non-competitive Sport and Enduro hiking starts about an hour early with two pace leaders and estimated finishes of ~2 hrs (Sport) and ~3 hrs (Enduro).
- **Cup-free hydration policy:** No cups on course — water and electrolyte drink available at start/finish and at aid stations; plan to carry a bottle if out longer than an hour.
- **On-course electrolyte drink:** Blonyx Hydra+ is provided as the event’s electrolyte beverage on course.
- **Kids' summit races:** 1 km and 3 km kid’s runs take place on the mountain so young runners finish with alpine views.