Survival of the Fittest

Angela Quinton

Survival of the Fittest

Saturday, May 9, 2026 - 18 km, 35 km, Kids Race

Registration now open

Overview

Date: Saturday, May 9, 2026
Distance: 18 km, 35 km, Kids Race

A fantastic loop from the incredibly scenic Capilano (formerly Quest) University lands in Squamish, BC. With a generous mix of climbing, descending, runnable and technical, these courses have it all. Views across the valley at the dominant Tantalus Mountain Range are presented via both distances. Our 18 km option has seen all of the top local talent race it over the years, and as such the course records are incredibly stout. Our 35 km option has become an early season favourite for those pursuing longer distances with their summer running goals. The courses both include local classics such as Legacy and Megacy, STP, Somewhere Over There, Hoods In The Woods, and Blaine's Connector, all hemmed in between our two bridge crossings over Darwin's and Carpenter's Son. Revel in the theory of evolution as you cross Darwin's early on, and test your faith above the rapids on Carpenter's Son near the end.

Kids Race:
The Kids Race is about 1km in length, and most runners are aged between 3 - 10, though we welcome all kids to participate. It's not timed, is non-competitive and purely for the fun of all involved, but with special kids’ bibs and finisher stickers to collect. Adults are welcome to run with their kids. Registration is free, and is available online, or on race morning. During registration, we offer parents the opportunity to donate to Butterfly Support Network, a local organization that supports families dealing with pregnancy and infant loss.

Image
We acknowledge that the Survival of the Fittest race takes place on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). We are grateful for the opportunity to visit, enjoy and recreate on this beautiful land.

Course

ITRA points:

Ascent: 1050m / 3400ft
Descent: 1050m / 3400ft

Course Maps

View an interactive map with elevation profile below.

You can download a GPX file of the route by clicking here.

Or, you can view an image of the course map below. You can click the image to open a larger file in a new tab, or
download onto your mobile device.

Click the map above to view a larger image.

Schedule

Date Saturday, May 9, 2026
Distances 18 km, 35 km, Kids Race
Location Capilano University (formerly Quest), Squamish, BC
Start Times 8:30am - Kids Race
9:00am - 35 km
9:30am - 18 km
Pre-Race Briefing Mandatory for both races: 15 minutes before each start
Start/Finish:

Capilano University (formerly Quest)
Upper campus area (between the library and cafeteria)
Click here to open Google Maps

Image

Details

Package Pickup:

Friday: 4:00pm – 7:00pm @ Capra Running (Squamish)
* featuring 10% off regular price items (some exclusions) for runners and volunteers, and Plinko for prizing!

Saturday: 7:30am – 9:15am at our race start

ID MUST BE SHOWN TO PICKUP YOUR RACER PACKAGE. BIBS CANNOT BE PICKED UP BY ANYONE BUT THE REGISTERED RUNNER. NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Parking:

All public parking areas around Capilano U (formerly Quest) are available on race weekend, including the tennis court, recplex, and gravel lot at the roundabout, and Village and Mamquam roads. As always, we encourage carpooling and other alternate means of transport to reduce congestion.

Aid Stations:

18 km – 1 Aid Station at 9 km
35 km – 3 Aid Stations at 5, 17 and 28 km (2 unique Aid Stations, one that is visited twice at 5 km and 17 km, and the other at 28 km)
NOTE: Aid Stations are OFF LIMITS to crew and spectators as they are located in high traffic FSR areas. Our permits for these areas require that we keep them congestion free, and runners who have people breaking these rules will be disqualified.

Our aid stations have all the usual ultra stuff: Näak gel and energy drink mix, Coke, water, chips, fruit, cookies, and other surprises, all courtesy of Näak and Nesters Market in Squamish.

Bag Check:

There will be a tent at the start/finish line to leave a bag, but it is not monitored so please label your bag and do not leave any valuables.

Cupless:

In our effort to reduce waste, all our races are now cup-free, meaning you’ll need to pack along your own cup for fluids at aid stations and at the finish line. Here are two suggestions: a collapsible cup (available in our merch store), or a homemade version cutting the top off an empty juicebox.

Poles:

Hiking / trekking / running poles are NOT ALLOWED in any distances at SOTF.

Cutoffs:

35km:

  • 11:40am / 2h40m into your run. Bottom of “Hoods in the Woods” at the start of the “Blindside” trail climb back up to AS2. Km11.
  • 12:25pm / 3h25m into your run. AS 2 (Garibaldi Park Rd crossing, second time). Km 17.
  • 3:15pm / 6h15m into your run. AS 3 (Ring Creek FSR crossing). Km 28.
  • 4:30pm / 7h30m into your run. Finish Line.

18km:

  • 12:15pm / 2h45m into your run. AS 1 (Garibaldi Park Rd crossing). Km 9.
  • 2:45pm / 5h15m into your run. Finish Line.
10 Essentials:

We encourage everyone to always carry the 10 Essentials for backcountry safety in your pack – whether you’re out training or adventuring on your own or with friends, or participating in one of our extensively marked races, you can never predict what might happen. Learn more about the 10 Essentials in this article by North Shore Rescue.

Image

CMTR Events are Trail Sisters Approved. Read more about the approval standards by clicking here.

Image

Results

Race results for all years are available below.

Photos

Race day photos are available below:

Register

Registration now open
All entries include:
  • $5 donation to Squamish Search & Rescue
  • 1 tree planted per entry in partnership with a Fraser Valley reforestation program
  • Branded race logo beer glass
  • Branded CMTR tote bag
  • CMTR sticker
  • Post-race sushi
  • Post-race massage
  • Professional chip timing
Distance CDN$ Race Cap
18 KM $80 275
35 KM $105 325
NOTE: Most CMTR events now offer ITRA points; UTMB points are no longer available. Want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? We can help with the Trail Mix Fund. Races around the world are raising funds and providing entries to those facing barriers of all kinds. Applications for 2026 are now open, and must be received before the race sells out.