Race Details
Taking place on Saturday, September 16, 2023 – the Frosty Mountain Ultra will lead you to the peak of Frosty Mountain and through unbelievable alpine meadows. With 360 degree views throughout and a start/finish at beautiful Lightning Lake, this race is an unforgettable journey!
There will be a post-race BBQ at the Lightning Lake finish line for all participants.
13km
Start time is 9:30am with a finish line cut-off of 1:00pm.
27km
Start time is 9:00am with a finish line cut-off of 2:00pm. There is mandatory gear required for this race.
50km
Start time is 7:30am with a cut off of 2:00pm at Aid Station 3 (27km – 6.5 hours.) There is mandatory gear required for this race.
Registration
13km
- Regular – $85
- Race Day – $110**
27km
- Regular – $100
- Race Day – $125**
50km
- Regular – $130
- Race Day – $155**
** Race Day registrations must be paid in cash only.
Registration pricing is in CAD and includes your event t-shirt, race bib, fully stocked aid stations, finish line food, finisher’s medal and a $5.00 donation to RAPS (Regional Animal Protection Society). Register before July 12, 2023 to guarantee an event t-shirt size.
Location
The race is held in Manning Provincial Park at the Lightning Lake Day Use area. Manning Park is a 3 hour drive east from Vancouver, BC.
How to Get There
From Vancouver, take Highway 1 to Hope, then Highway 3 to Manning Park. Follow the signs to Lightning Lake “DAY” parking. It takes about 2.5-3 hours to get there. Allow plenty of time on race day or spend the night before at the campground or lodge.
Where To Stay
Manning Park Resort is ideal for lodging, however space is very limited during the summer months, so you must book as soon as possible.
Camping is available: Lightning Lakes campground is in the Reservation system from June 3 to October 11. Other campgrounds are approximately 50% reservable and 50% first come, first served. All reservations must go through the BC Parks Reservation Service.
Aid Stations
Due to the remote location of the race, aid will be limited. Please be prepared and plan to carry lots of water and nutrition. First Aid personnel will be onsite.
Aid stations will include pop and water, energy gels and bars, various candy, chips and fresh fruit.
| Aid Stations | 13km Course | 27km Course | 50km Course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aid Station #1 (13km only) | 3km | ||
| Water Station #1 | 8km | 8km | |
| Water Station #2 | 20km | 20km | |
| Aid Station #3 (Drop Bags) | 27km | ||
| Water Station #4 | 34km | ||
| Aid Station #5 | 44km |
13km
- Aid Station #1 – 3km
27km
- Water Station #1 – 8km
- Water Station #2 – 20km
50km
- Water Station #1 – 8km
- Water Station #2 – 20km
- Aid Station #3 – 27km (Drop Bags accessible at Aid Station #3)
- Water Station #4 – 34km
- Aid Station #5 – 44km
Race Package Pick-Up
- Tuesday September 12 & Wednesday September 13, 2023 – Running Room North Vancouver (2601 Westview Dr) from 4pm – 7pm
- Friday September 15, 2023 – Cabin #31 @ Manning Park Lodge from 5:00 PM to 8:00pm
- Saturday September 16, 2023 – Race Day – Pickup @ start/finish line opens at 6:30am
The Route
The race will start in Lightning Lake Day Parking Lot, Manning Park, BC. The route will travel on a trail beside the road to the 20 Minute Lake Trail turnoff, and then goes left (East) along Little Muddy Trail (which is through a field). Follow posted signage to Similkameen Trail and then turnoff on Windy Joe Trail. After climbing part way to Windy Joe Peak, follow signage for Frosty Mtn. Ascend to the forested areas, open meadows, single track, and rocky sections to wooden signs just before the summit of Frosty Mountain which is the highest peak in Manning Park at 7900 feet (2408 meters). After reaching the wooden signs, the race will descend to the right (North) through a short rocky section then into meadows followed by easy switchbacks before reaching the south side of Lightning Lake. The 27km race will turn off to finish back at Lightning Lake parking lot just past Aid station 3, while the 50km race will continue around Lightning Lake followed by a relatively easy climb up Skyline Trail 1 returning via Strawberry Flats to Lightning Lake parking lot. The 13km course goes around Lightning Lake and along Flash Lake.
13km
This course has an elevation gain of 185m.
Download the 13km route .gpx file
27km
This course has an elevation gain of 1250m.
Download the 27km route .gpx file
50km
This course has an elevation gain of 2090m.
Gear Checklist
Mandatory for 27km and 50km
- Collapsible cup to be used at all aid stations for beverages and food. We are trying to limit our environmental impact by being a cup-less event.
- Minimum of 2 liters of fluid capacity is carried with you.
- Headlamp in working condition. Bring spare batteries for your lights.
- One emergency survival blanket.
- Whistle attached to outside of pack or clothing.
- Extra food in reserve. Minimum 400 calories extra (not to be consumed unless emergency).
- Waterproof jacket with taped seams and hood.
- Long running pants or leggings or a combination of leggings and long socks which cover the legs completely (optional waterproof pants).
- Insulating layer long-sleeve shirt.
- Hat and gloves.
- GPX navigation device with the race route loaded. This must be charged and operable for the entire event. To keep charged, many runners use battery packs in their drop bags. This could be a cell phone or other device.
Also Recommended:
- Water bottle equipped with filtration, or water treatment tablets if you plan to use streams for water.
- Soft flask in case your water bladder breaks/leaks.
- Zip-top bag if you wish to take food with you from an aid station.
- Personal medications – we cannot administer any medications, even Advil!
- Sunscreen and lip balm.
- Fire starter.
- Bug spray.
- Extra pair of socks in your pack.
- 1 compression bandage for sprains or other injuries.
- Compact first-aid and foot care kit.
- Toilet paper/wipes and a zip top bag to carry it out with.
- Moleskin, band aids, duct tape.
- Vaseline or other anti-chaff product.
- Bear spray or air horn if you are concerned about bears.
- Finish line warm clothes packed in a waterproof drop bag.
Poles are allowed in all of the race distances.
Prizes
- Top Male and Female competitor in the 13km race will each receive CAD$25 gift certificate
- Top Male and Female competitor in the 27km race will each receive CAD$50 gift certificate
- Top Male and Female competitor in the 50km ultra will each receive a CAD$100 gift certificate
- All finishers will receive a Finisher Medal
Once the top three in each distance have crossed the finish line we will have a brief podium ceremony presenting the gift cards and 1, 2, 3 medals. There is no set time for each ceremony; however, they will be shortly after the top three are in!
Race Records
- 13km
- Male: Ewan MacKenzie – 0:59:03 – 2019
- Female: Megan Bissky – 1:04:03 – 2019
- 27km
- Male: Chris Barth – 2:27:42 – 2014
- Female: Stacey Cleveland – 2:47:49 – 2017
- 50km
- Male: Marcus Ribi – 4:50:14 – 2017
- Female: Tamsin Amstey – 5:25:38 – 2009
Event Policy
For information about bib transfers, cancellations and deferrals for this race, please refer to our Event Policies.
