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Gary Robbins is launching new 100K race in B.C.

The Alpenglow 100, created by the team behind Squamish 50, promises quad-busting climbs and stunning views in a surprising location

Alpenglow 100 Photo by: Dave MacDowell

Canadian trail running stoke is about to hit new heights this summer with the arrival of the Alpenglow 100, a challenging yet breathtaking race hosted by Gary Robbins and Geoff Langford, the masterminds behind Coast Mountain Trail Running (CMTR) and popular events like the Squamish 50. Set in Valemount, B.C., on July 4-6, this race offers a chance to push your limits, while soaking in one of Canada’s most stunning landscapes. With Robbins and Langford at the helm, the Alpenglow 100 is bound to become an instant classic.

The Alpenglow 100—a race like no other

The Alpenglow 100 takes its name from the mesmerizing natural phenomenon where refracted light paints mountaintops in hues of pink and gold just after sunset or before sunrise. Robbins emphasizes the race’s unique nighttime start: “Runners will hopefully get to experience [alpenglow] firsthand as they embark on their journey at dusk, running through the night in one of Canada’s most spectacular mountain settings.” The course is no easy feat, with the 35K race boasting 1,700 metres of elevation gain, the 60K race featuring 3,300 metres of elevation gain, and the 100K distance a real leg-burner with 4,800 metres of elevation gain.

Alpenglow 100
Photo: Dave MacDowell

The mountains of Alpenglow

“Valemount is basically the abbreviation of Valley and Mountains,” says Robbins, explaining that the small mountain town, about an hour west of Jasper and 20 minutes south of Mount Robson, is the ideal place for a beautiful but tough race. Robbins has spoken about the inspiration drawn from the towering peaks that surround Valemount. The town sits at the meeting point of three mountain ranges—the Cariboo, the Monashee and the Rocky Mountains—making it an ideal home for an epic race.

A community-driven event

The town, with just over 1,000 full-time residents, has embraced the event with open arms.“We’ve never in those 15 years had such incredible response and desire from the local community to make something happen,” Robbins says. “Every single local business, local stakeholder, permanent applications—every conversation at every step of the way has been met with resounding support.”

This overwhelming enthusiasm has been a stark contrast to Robbins’ recent struggles with other race projects. “As is quite publicly known, we went through kind of the exact opposite with Vail Resorts very recently,” he says. “This has rejuvenated both of us and me in particular as the course designer.”

Alpenglow 100
Alpenglow 100 Photo: Gary Robbins

Adventure meets sustainability

Beyond the challenge and beauty of their races, Robbins and his team are also known for the measures they take to make sure their events are environmentally conscious. “We are committed to minimizing our ecological footprint and preserving the pristine beauty of the Canadian Rockies for future generations,” Robbins says. Sustainability measures, such as waste reduction strategies and Leave No Trace principles, will be a core part of the race’s execution. Similar to their practices in other races, CMTR plans to donate between five and 10 dollars per bib to local trails or search and rescue organizations; in 2025, they’ll eclipse $500,000 lifetime donations. 

“We also plant a tree for every race bib we sell,” Robbins says. “We’ve been doing that for many years now. We’ve planted over 20, 000 trees we do that through an Indigenous youth program in my hometown of Chilliwack.” Robbins says that CMTR committed to going carbon neutral many years ago, adding that they also don’t use gas generators, and opt for battery packs wherever possible.

Get ready to party

All races will conclude by sundown on Saturday, with a lively post-race celebration planned for Sunday. Live music, local food and an electric atmosphere will greet runners as they recover from their mountain exploits. If you’re lucky enough to have raced at Squamish 50 or one of the other events that CMTR hosts, you’ll be eagerly anticipating the post-race festivities—if you’re a newbie, get ready to party, trail-runner style. ” On Sunday night, we’re gonna have an old-fashioned farm hoedown with live music and food vendors and just try to have a great time and celebrate everything with the community,” Robbins says.

Registration opens in February, with limited spots available in each race, so have your computer handy to confirm your spot in what is sure to be a spectacular trail-racing experience.

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