Bow Valley’s Ultimate Uphill Showdown Returns This Spring

A Canmore-based trail running competition born out of the COVID-19 pandemic is returning this spring, drawing elite and recreational runners into a head-to-head challenge.

The Queen and King of the Hill challenge, organized by Ski Uphill, runs from May 25 to June 21 and features 64 runners competing in a bracket-style, time-trial format across the Bow Valley.

Unlike traditional races, the event does not involve permits, course closures or mass starts. Instead, participants are assigned a new uphill route each week, complete it on their own schedule and submit their times for comparison.

“It is simply an online game where we nudge people to go run a trail and tell us how fast they can go,” said Joël Desgreniers, co-owner of Ski Uphill.

Now entering its sixth year, the competition launched in 2021 as runners emerged from pandemic restrictions and sought new ways to train and compete in the mountains.

“We were just emerging from over a year of COVID restrictions, and the trail running community was still finding its footing. Races were sparse, group runs were complicated, but at the same time tons of runners were spending more time than usual in the mountains to train hard,” he said.

The event’s continued appeal lies in its simplicity by offering a flexible, self-directed challenge that blends competition with community.

“We wanted to give runners a reason to get after it and provide a real challenge with some competitive edge, but without the logistical commitment of a race,” said Desgreniers.

Each weekly challenge begins on a Saturday morning, when participants receive the route for that segment. Runners then have until the following Sunday night to complete the climb, record their time and submit it with GPS verification. Participants can attempt each segment as many times as they choose within that window.

Routes are kept secret until the start of each week, a decision Desgreniers said adds an element of surprise.

“Part of the fun is not knowing what’s coming next,” he said.

The format has remained largely unchanged, but Desgreniers said the level of competition has increased significantly, with elite endurance athletes now regularly competing alongside casual runners.

“That full range, from podium chasers to people just here for the experience, is what gives the event its character,” he said.

Over the years, the event has showcased a number of high-level performances. Desgreniers pointed to professional runner Emma Cook-Clarke, who competed in 2021.

“When she’s participated she hasn’t just won the women’s category, she’s put down times that would have had her on the men’s podium,” he said.

He also highlighted local runner Karl Augsten, known for holding numerous course records across the region.

“When Karl shows up, he tends to remind everyone of what the ceiling actually looks like,” said Desgreniers.

Participation is split between local runners and those travelling from Calgary, reflecting the broader regional draw of Bow Valley trail networks.

“It’s pretty evenly split: roughly half from the Canmore area and half coming from Calgary,”  Desgreniers said.

Despite the event’s popularity, organizers have intentionally limited participation to reduce impacts on local trails, which remain open to all users.

“Our trails are busy and shared by everyone so we deliberately cap participation to keep our footprint small and avoid turning the network into a race course,” said Desgreniers.

Cash prizes are awarded to the top four male and female finishers, with a total prize pool of $1,650.

Those interested in participating can register online through the event’s website.