We acknowledge that the Kusam Klimb races take place on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded Traditional Territory of the Kwakwaka’wakw people from the K’omoks, We Wai Kai and Wei Wai Kum First Nations. We are grateful to have the opportunity to enjoy, recreate, and share in this beautiful territory.
Kusam Klimb: 24km, 1,593m Elevation
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. With over 1,500m elevation gain, it’s tough!
Mini Klimb: 13km, 491m Elevation
The 13km Mini Klimb is great for the younger crowd and those looking to challenge themselves on something smaller before taking on the full Klimb.
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. Ready for the challenge?
Saturday, June 20, 2026
Start times
7:00am – Kusam Klimb
8:00am – Mini Klimb
BIB PICK UP
You are required to show a government-issued photo ID to get your race bib and a wristband – No exceptions. Passport, driver’s licence, hunting licence, etc. all work!
Pick up your bib from the registration tent in the field during the following times:
- Friday, June 19, 2026: 5pm – 8pm + Kid’s Race and BBQ
- Saturday, June 20, 2026: 5am – 7am + Pancake Breakfast & Lost Hiker Coffee.
You will need your wristband for food and drinks so please keep it on. Post-race BBQ starting from 11am!
Aid Stations
Find 4 fully stocked aid station for the full Klimb, and 2 for the Mini Klimb. Please bring a re-useable cup/bottle with you. In our ongoing efforts to reduce waste, our aid stations will not have disposable cups.
Cut Off Times
FULL KLIMB
- Bill’s Aid Station: 3.5km – Cutoff time 8:15am (1 hour, 15 minutes).
- Kabin Aid Station: 8.75km – Cutoff time: 2:00pm (7 hours).
- 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).
MINI KLIMB:
- Bill’s Aid Station: 3.5km – No Cutoff.
- Cottonwood: 7.9km – No Cutoff.
- Finish Line: 12.8km – Cutoff time: 7:00pm (11 hours).
Pre-Race Pancakes & Finish Line BBQ
Pre-race: Enjoy Lost Hiker Coffee and pancakes from 5am.
Post-race: BBQ & Driftwood Brewery. BBQ from 11am until finish line cut off time.
Rules & Policies
Please take a moment to read our rules and policies.
The Kusam Klimb is open to 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.
No support crew or spectators are allowed on the mountain or at aid stations. There is no ATV, 4×4 or any motorized vehicle access on the mountain on race day.
Hiking poles are allowed.
Course Maps
Bill’s Trail
Check out Bill’s Trail: The Kusam Klimb Story by Matt Cecil.
2025 Highlights
STRAVA MAPS
Click on our Strava routes below to view the courses in greater detail and download .GPX or .TCX files.
Getting to Sayward
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.
