Run Ridge Run.
On the short course of the Run Ridge Run, two climbs hold almost all of the height gain on this February loop around Sasamat Lake and Buntzen Lake in Port Moody. The second comes late, is the steeper of the pair and has to be done without poles, so preparation centres on strong uphill hiking and technical descending.
Run Ridge Run 2027: Course, Elevation & Route Profile
Start and finish are at White Pine Beach on Sasamat Lake. The first two kilometres or so stay calm apart from a small rise, then the first climb begins at km 2.3: a little over three and a half kilometres at just under eight percent on average. Shortly after it ends, around km 6, comes the water station where the courses split. The 25 km runners keep climbing; from here your route heads back down.
The harder part comes next. At km 8.5, practically at your aid station, the second climb sets in, only 1.4 km long but averaging almost 14 percent, with individual ramps far steeper than that. It gains over two thirds of the height of the first in less than half the length. The climbing work is done at the top, just short of km 10, and the rest leads back to Sasamat Lake.
The loop links Sasamat Lake, the Buntzen Ridge Trail and Buntzen Lake, and on this terrain the descents and technical passages ask as much of you as the gradient does. Poles are not allowed, so your legs handle the steep pitches alone.
| Start | Length | Ø | Max. | Gain | Cat. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| km 0.1 | 0.4 km | 3.8 % | 5.9 % | +14 m | — |
| km 2.3 | 3.6 km | 7.7 % | 15.5 % | +275 m | Cat. 3 |
| km 8.5 | 1.4 km | 13.6 % | 36.2 % | +190 m | Cat. 3 |
Climb categories follow the road-cycling convention and rate the terrain itself (length and gradient) regardless of sport: Cat. 4 marks the easiest rated climbs, Cat. 1 the hardest, and HC (hors catégorie, “beyond categorization”) is reserved for the most brutal ascents. Short climbs below the Cat. 4 threshold stay unrated.
How to pace Run Ridge Run.
Start under control
The flat opening kilometres are the one place you could bank time at no apparent cost, which is exactly why they call for restraint. Take the first climb at a level you can keep running or brisk hiking without heavy breathing. At just under eight percent on average, an even rhythm pays better than a strong start.
Hold your rhythm
The race is settled between km 8.5 and km 10. Plan that ramp as a hike from the outset, with long, powerful steps, because without poles every attempt to run the steep ground costs out of all proportion. Take what you need at the aid station at its foot and start up without hurrying.
Spend what is left
The biggest trap is the descent after km 6. Run it hard and with sloppy footwork and you arrive at the foot of the steepest section on tired quads. Keep it relaxed, and save your speed for the stretch after the last climb, where a clear head gains the most time.
Training plan for Run Ridge Run: 12-week build
Build the base
Expect roughly 1:30 to 2:15 hours. Short as the distance is, this is no steady effort: the two climbs hold your heart rate high for a long time, the steep second one adds anaerobic spikes, and between them your muscles work on the descent without your heart getting a real break.
Train race pace
The key stimulus is therefore steep uphill hiking. Add a weekly session of five- to eight-minute repeats on the steepest slope you can reach, and practise it without poles: upper body tilted slightly forward, hands on your thighs when needed, long steps. Pair it with longer runs that include a climb of about 20 minutes at a brisk but controlled pace, since that is what the first half of the race demands.
Rehearse the course
To get the order right, combine the two: a longer climb, a quick descent and then straight into a short, very steep ramp rebuilds km 2 to km 10. That session teaches you how much the descent will cost you on the second climb.
Arrive fresh
Technical terrain takes practice you cannot get on the road. With your preparation falling in the winter months, schedule trail days firmly rather than leaving them to chance, and use them to run downhill on purpose, with short steps and your eyes ahead. Strength work for quads and calves helps you absorb the descents.
Courses
Download the Run Ridge Run course as a GPX file for your watch or bike computer.
Let YOUB adapt your plan for Run Ridge Run dynamically
Ben connects your goal, the course, current load, recovery, and calendar. Your plan stays pointed at race day even when real life is not perfectly plannable.
Everything about Run Ridge Run.
How long is Run Ridge Run?
Run Ridge Run is 13 km long. That distance shapes how much aerobic endurance, pace durability, and race-specific work belong in the training plan.
How much elevation gain does Run Ridge Run have?
Run Ridge Run has around 495 m of elevation gain over 13 km. That affects pacing, muscular load, and preparation for late-race sections.
What is the route profile of Run Ridge Run?
Run Ridge Run is classified as Mountainous, averaging 39.8 vertical metres per kilometre. 9% of the route is flat, 25% climbs moderately (2 to 6%) and 23% is steeper than 6%.
What climbs does Run Ridge Run have?
The hardest climb of Run Ridge Run starts at kilometre 2.3, runs for 3.6 km at an average of 7.7% and gains 275 metres. Cycling-convention rating: Cat. 3. 3 climbs are mapped in total.
Is Run Ridge Run a loop course?
Yes, Run Ridge Run is laid out as a loop: start and finish are in the same place.
Is there a GPX file for the Run Ridge Run course?
Yes. The Run Ridge Run course is on this page as a free GPX download — ready to import into Garmin, Wahoo, Komoot, Strava or any other app that reads GPX.
How should I prepare for Run Ridge Run?
Preparation for Run Ridge Run should account for 13 km, 495 m of elevation gain, current training load, and available training time. An adaptive plan helps place key sessions without ignoring recovery and real life.
What pacing strategy works for Run Ridge Run?
The pacing strategy for Run Ridge Run should reflect 13 km, 495 m of elevation gain, and your current fitness. Start controlled and keep margin for sections where the profile or fatigue makes target pace harder.
When does Run Ridge Run take place?
Run Ridge Run takes place on February 13, 2027.
Where does Run Ridge Run take place?
Run Ridge Run takes place in Port Moody, Canada.
Which distances does Run Ridge Run offer?
Run Ridge Run offers 2 distances — Run Ridge Run 13 km: 13 km; Run Ridge Run 25 km: 25 km.
How do I register for Run Ridge Run?
Registration runs through the organiser: trailrunning.ca. YOUB shows you the course, elevation profile and training plan for your preparation.
