Kusam Klimb – 24 km
The Kusam Klimb is a wild and rugged 24 km loop heading up and over the back of Mt. H’Kusam then down the Stowe Creek watershed. It’s tough!
The Klimb has exclusive access to the award winning Bill’s Trail for this annual event, held near the summer solstice. The Kusam Klimb draws participants from around the world hoping to conquer the mountain! Are YOU tough enough?
Kusam Klimb Race Info
24km | 1593m Elevation Gain
Start time: 7:00am
Start/Finish: Salmon River Guesthouse, 909 Sayward Road, Sayward, BC
Aid Stations & Cut off Times
Bill’s Aid Station: 3.5km – Cutoff time 8:15am (1 hour, 15 minutes).
Stowe Creek: 11.3km – Cutoff time: 2:30pm (7 hours, 30 minutes).
Springer Creek: 16.2km – Cutoff time: 4:00pm (9 hours).
Cottonwood: 19.2km – Cutoff time: 5:30pm (10 hours, 30 minutes).
Finish Line: 24km – Cutoff time: 7:00pm (12 hours).
CUPLESS – in our ongoing efforts to reduce waste, our aid stations are now cupless. Please bring a re-useable cup/bottle with you.
Hiking poles are allowed.
Bib Pick-up
Friday, June 20, 2025: 5:00pm – 8:00pm
Saturday, June 21, 2025: 5:00am – 7:00am + Pancake Breakfast!
Please bring valid, government-issued, photo ID to pick up your bib number and wristband.
You’ll need your wristband for food and drinks so please keep it on! Post-race BBQ starting from 11am!
Race Rules & Policies
Please take a moment to read our rules and policies.
Course Map
Bill’s Trail
Check out Bill’s Trail: The Kusam Klimb Story by Matt Cecil.
Mini Klimb – 12.8km
New from 2023 is the Mini-Klimb. Great for the younger crowd and those looking to challenge themselves on something smaller before taking on the big Klimb!
Getting to Sayward
Sayward is located on north Vancouver Island’s beautiful east coast, approximately 75 km north of Campbell River.
Race Start/Finish
Parking
Parking will be available at the race venue and along Sayward Road. Look out for our parking marshals who will direct you. Please watch out for No Parking signs as they will be strictly enforced on race day.
Closest Airports
Comox Valley Airport – YQQ – 1.5 hour drive north to Sayward
Campbell River Airport – YBL – 1 hour drive north to Sayward
Victoria International Airport – YYJ – 4 hours drive to Sayward
Ferry Terminals
BC Ferries from Vancouver (Horseshoe Bay) to Nanaimo (Departure Bay), followed by a 2 hour drive north to Sayward.
Check the BC Ferries website for sailings and reservations.
Where to Stay
Salmon River Guesthouse
Woodlands Lodge
Sayward Valley Resort
Kelsey Bay RV Campground
Elk Creek Campground
Sayward White River Resort
Village of Sayward Campground
FAQ’s
How hard is the Klimb?
The full Klimb is 24km and 1592m of elevation, so its tough. There are some folks who run much of the course, but the heart of the Kusam Klimb is to offer a challenge and an opportunity for a wonderful wilderness hike with support along the way.
Who can do the Klimb?
With the right training, almost anyone can! The Kusam Klimb does have an age limit of entrants 14 years old and over. Persons between the ages of 14 and 16 years old must be accompanied by a registered adult for the full duration of the race. No children under the age of 14 are allowed under any circumstance. Entrants below the age of 18 years old require a Parent or Guardian signature on the entrance form.
How long does it take?
Most Klimbers will take seven to nine hours to complete the full 24km route. There are some beautiful vistas to enjoy on a sunny day, but don’t delay, it’s a long way. We have a 12 hour cutoff time, which mean’s you’ll need to cross the finish line by 7:00pm. Please see course info for aid station cutoff times. These will be strictly enforced to ensure ensure the safety of our participants, volunteers and the general public who are using the trails and to ensure we stay within our permits.
No matter what your time is, you’ll be a winner!
Can I use hiking poles?
YES! Poles are allowed for both Kusam Klimb and Mini Klimb.