Trail Whisperer was founded by Gottfried Grosser, who strove to create new and exhilarating challenges for trail runners by hosting ultra trail races out of Greater Vancouver and surrounding areas. He was the founder and race director of the Frosty Mountain Ultra and the Tenderfoot Boogie Trail race events.
In 2007 Gottfried went for a hike in Manning Park, an outdoor recreation gem in the heart of the Cascade Mountains. He fell in love with the fabulous scenery and knew it would be the perfect place to host a trail race. In 2008 Gottfried created the Frosty Mountain Ultra, which has brought runners together every year since then to experience the beauty of nature and challenge themselves on Frosty Mountain.
In 2008 Gottfried saw another gap in available trail races and created the only ultra trail race from Squamish to Whistler, running through the spectacular Coast Mountains along the Cheakamus River in the Sea-to-Sky corridor and traversing the flanks of Sproatt and Rainbow Mountains.
Gottfried’s goal was to share his passion and his experience with our running community by hosting low key fun races in amazing settings. Sadly, in November 2021, Gottfried passed away. Gottfried wanted his legacy to continue and passed the Trail Whisperer Race Director torch to Benji Chu before he passed.
Benji is a long-time ultra trail runner and was a key part of Gottfried’s team. He feels it is an honour and a privilege to follow in Gottfried’s footsteps and continue his legacy, and he is working hard to engage the running community and make these events memorable, fun, and successful.
Our goal is to keep this races series alive in a way that honors Gottfried’s vision of community and adventure. We hope you will join us.
