Pender Pursuit 5K & 10K Trail Races

Part of the Run, Walk, Wheel for Wellness | June 20, 2026

Lace up and take on Pender Island's trails at the Pender Pursuit, a community trail race experience designed for every kind of runner, from first-timers to seasoned trail enthusiasts.

Not a runner but want to get involved? Our volunteers are the real heroes of the day. Sign up here!

-----------------------------------------------------------

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS NOW CLOSED.

We'll be accepting in-person registrations on a first come first servers basis at the Pender Island School from 9:00am-10:00am only. Payment by card only.

------------------------------------------------------------

RACE INFO

📅 Date: June 20, 2026

🕙 Race Start: 10:30 AM

📍 Start/Finish: Pender Islands Elementary and Secondary School (PIESS)

5K Pender Pursuit

A feel-good trail run with just enough edge to keep things interesting. Rolling elevation, playful terrain, and a route that winds through the Schooner Way–School Trail and the forested paths of the Disc Golf Park. Approachable, energizing, and the perfect way to discover Pender on foot.

10K Pender Pursuit

Where things get real. A full-bodied trail experience with sustained climbs, flowing descents, and technical sections that demand focus and reward grit. The route links Magic Lake's trail network through the Disc Golf Park and out to the wild beauty of Shingle Bay Park. Rugged, rewarding, and worth every step.

Courses are designed by local crew Pender Pacers and Race Directors Lee Ann & Jorgen Jesperson .

Whether you're chasing a PB or just here for the views, come ready to move, breathe deep, and experience Pender at its best.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

PACKAGE PICK-UP

Locals

Please pick up your race package (bib and swag bag) between 3:00-5:30pm in front of Talisman Books on Friday, June 19 if possible so that day-of pick-up is less chaotic.

Visitors

Your race package pick-up is at the Pender Island School from 8:30am - 10:00am on race day.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FAQ

ARE THERE AGE/GENDER CATEGORIES?

Yes! Sort of. We want to give a special shout out to our youth racers, so they get their own age category to place in. So that means if you are over 18, you’re just considered old. Sorry ‘bout that! And yes, we have ranking and prizes for ‘male’, ‘female’ and ‘open’ gender categories!

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

We welcome 4 legged besties that are on leash, well-behaved, and will enjoy the chaos of a run surrounded by lots of cheering fans and fellow zippy runners and other pooches. We trust you to decide if that is the case for your dog and know you'll be a wonderfully responsible human who will pick up after their dog and dispose of any of their waste appropriately. If your dog doesn't fit those criteria (our dog, Frida, sure doesn't) please feel free to spam our email ( penderpursuit@gmail.com ) with cute photos of your pooch and arrange alternate puppy-care while you're racing.

WHAT ABOUT TUNES ON COURSE?

We prefer that you don’t use headphones on course. We want you to be soaking up all the fun on course and hearing all the incredible volunteers out there cheering you on. This was we can keep you safe and you can be aware of volunteers, other racers, traffic and pedestrians.

WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO IF I’M NOT RUNNING?

Come cheer our runners on! There are lots of trail access points along both the 5 and 10 K courses you can cheer from, but we'd really appreciate if you walked or biked to these spots to keep the route as clear of vehicles (parked and moving) as possible. We'll also have lots going on at the start/finish line (aka- race headquarters) at the Pender Islands Elementary and Secondary School, including a bouldering wall, live DJ from Pender Island Radio ( penderradio.ca ), and live music!!!! Party goes from 8:30 am-1:00 pm at PIESS.

WHAT ABOUT SNACKIES ON COURSE?

We have 2 aid stations on the course for the 10 K race and 1 for the 5 K race. They will have water, electrolytes and run snacks ready for ya. Both the 5 and 10 K routes pass by the aid station at Danny Martin Park twice, so we'll keep you well-hydrated along the way. And once you’re back at the start/finish we will have some celebratory snackies as well!

WHAT ABOUT THE LOO?

We will have washrooms available at the school for that last minute pee, including special access toilets as well as a washroom at the Danny Martin Park aid station. We will also have menstrual products available, just to make sure all emergencies are covered so you can get back to racing.

WHAT IF I FALL AND HURT MYSELF?

Don’t worry, we got you covered for that too. First aid and medic support available to make sure you are cared for, no matter what is going on. Find one of our friendly volunteers on course and they'll coordinate things for you. In case of emergencies, call 911.

WHAT ABOUT GETTING THERE AND PARKING?

The address for the Pender Islands Elementary and Secondary School is 5714 Canal Rd, and the start/finish will be in the schoolyard.

PARKING is very limited in the area so we encourage you to walk/bike/carpool there. If you do drive, expect to park far away and walk.