FAQs
Registration Process
1. How do I register?
You can register online through the 5 Peaks website which will direct you to the registration page specific to the event. You can find events based on geographical region or through our national list of events.
* Please note that each transaction through the registration platform includes a processing fee. Processing fees and taxes are not included in the listed listed price of registration as they are based on percentages of the total price and vary by region.
2. How do I know if I’m registered?
Once registered, you will receive a confirmation email from Movemint. You will also be able to view your registration online through your Movemint profile.
3. What is the closing date for race registration?
Online registration will close when an event reaches capacity or at 11:59 PM on the Wednesday night prior to the event. Whichever happens soonest. Participants in the FREE 1 KM Children’s Challenge can sign up the morning of the race.
4. Are there refunds?
All registrations are non-refundable. 5 Peaks does not process refunds or transfers for any reason. However, you can purchase registration protection at the time of registration and can apply for a refund through that third-party benefit. For more information, please review the Rules and Regulations.
5. Can I register and pick up my race number on race day? The majority of our events reach capacity prior to race day. With the exception of the 1 KM Children’s Challenge race, there usually is not be race day registration. If we are able to offer it, the Race Day price will be greater than the online price to account for the online processing fees. Sign up soon to secure your spot!
6. Is there a minimum age for participants?
No. If you think your child can run the distance, who are we to stop them? We LOVE when kids set lofty goals. We do, however, encourage parents or a designated guardian to run with kids under 10 to ensure safety. Participants under the age of 19 must have a parent or guardian sign the waiver. Youth are welcome to participate in the sport and enduro categories but they must have parental consent and be able to complete the course within the maximum allowed time.
7. May I sign up for just one event, or do I have to sign up for the entire series?
Do one or do them all, the choice is yours! Online registration offers the option to sign up for any event or multiple events. There are no limits or restrictions. The pass is just a way to save time and money when you register.
8. Can I sign up for events in more than one region, or do I need to stay within one geographical region?
Series passes are specific to geographical regions. You can register for individual events in any region, but they are not included with the purchase of a series pass.
Course Information
All of our courses vary from venue to venue. Please see the specific event webpage for more detailed course information.
1. What is the distance of the race?
The distance of the Sport course will vary from 4.5km to 10km, depending on the venue. This course offers entry level participants a challenging, yet manageable distance. The Enduro course is approximately 10km to 17km, geared towards the more advanced trail runner. The Grit distance varies from 20-23 km, and adds that extra challenge to the 5 Peaks line up!
2. What is the average finishing time?
The average finishing time for Sport courses is between 45-50 minutes. The seasoned veteran may rip through the Enduro course in about an hour, while most of the pack will jog/hike the trail finishing the race in about an hour and a half to two hours. The Grit will take racers anywhere from 1.5 hours to 4 hours. All courses are open to athletes of all athletic abilities. Participation is the key.
3. May I walk the course?
Yes, we do allow participants to walk the course. In fact, we offer a hiking category for those who would like to walk or hike the entire course and we offer a bit earlier start time so that you have a hit more time to be supported on course.
If you plan to walk or hike the entire course, please sign up for the hike category. As a walker or hiker, please pay attention to fellow competitors coming up behind you. Please do not walk side-by-side with other walkers so that runners who are approaching from behind can pass.
This will ensure that both walkers and runners can obtain their desired finish times. The Finish Area will be kept open until the last participant crosses.
4. What skill level do you need to compete?
The 5 Peaks events are achievable for all athletic skill levels, from beginner to elite. Everybody can compete and challenge themselves at something different and exciting! Race awards must be picked up at the event. They will not be shipped or transported to future events.
5. Where can I get a map?
When possible, GPS maps will be posted on the website for each individual event webpage.
6. Do you have a race for kids?
Yes we do. The 1 km Children’s Challenge is held prior to the Sport and Enduro events. This event is FREE and you can register your child on race day. We also have a timed Kids' event, approximately 3 km. You can register for the 3 KM kids event online through the individual event webpage.
7. Where are the first aid stations?
There are aid stations in the Start/Finish area and at least one on-course locations.
8. What if I have a pre-existing medical condition? If you have a pre-existing medical condition that we should know about in case of an emergency, please notify us when you register and write (block letters in waterproof ink) the details on the back of your race number bib. Pens will be provided on race day at the first aid tent. Feel free to let our first aid personnel know about any medical concern you may have prior to the event at the medical tent.
9. What is the difficulty of the terrain?
Though most of the courses are on well maintained double and single track trails, some trails include roots, rocks, mud, stream crossings, and downed trees. If possible, it’s always a good idea to pre-run the course so you are familiar with the trail on race day. Remember, there is no shame in walking a section or sections of the course. Safety and overall enjoyment is paramount.
10. Where are the water stations?
There will be water and an electrolyte drink at the start / finish area and at least one aid station approximately ½ way through each course. In some cases, depending on weather and race course design, there may be additional water stations on course. Please note that all of our events are cup-free so if you plan to consume liquid before, during, or after your race you’ll need to bring your own recepticle.
11. How will my race time be recorded?
Chip timing is state of the art technology and will electronically track your start and finish, providing accurate, quick results. At smaller races, ipad “runscore” timing may be used. There is a timing mat at the start and finish line, please ensure you cross it. Failure to do so will result in an inaccurate time, or no result at all.
12. Where can I find my race results?
Race results are posted online on the results tab of our website: https://www.5peaks.com/results1
If you have questions or concerns about the results, please notify the timers on race day or email them ASAP after the event.
Results will not be adjusted within one week after race day, so please notify us of any changes before you leave the event if possible.
13. Can I run with my kid in the 3K race?
The 3 km event is intended for competitive kids under the age of 13. Parents are welcome to run along and support their children but they must not cross the start/finish line or interfere with other runners (kids with bibs) on the course. Please do not wear bib numbers in the start or finish chute for events in which you are not participating or competing.
Event Information
1. Where do I get my race bib number?
Race bib numbers can be picked up on race day and in some cases, pre-race package pick up will be available the day prior to the event. Please check the race schedule section of the individual event web page for times & details of individual events.
2. May I pick up a race bib number and race package for someone else?
Yes. Please be prepared to show an email or text message authorizing you to pick up another participant’s race number and race package.
3. Where do I pick up my individual event swag?
Event swag will be available for pick up as you finish.
4. When and where are the awards presented?
An awards ceremony will be immediately following the event in the race compound. Participants in the top 3 in each age, and category receive a finisher’s gold, silver, or bronze medal. All awards must be picked up at the ceremony and will not be mailed.
5. What do I need to bring to a 5 Peaks Run?
Many of the 5 Peaks Runs take place in an alpine setting where weather can change very quickly. It’s always a good idea to have a hydration pack, a wind proof running jacket, a hat, sunglasses and a thin pair of running gloves in your race kit. Bring dry, warm gear to change into after the race.
6. What type of footwear should I wear?
Most participants in our events wear trail running shoes. Trail running shoes are designed specifically to help you feel more stable and protect you from injuries, as you run over rocks, roots, and through mud.
7. Are there toilet facilities?
Toilet facilities will be available at the start/finish area. If the venue does not have a washroom facility, portable toilets will be brought in for the event.
8. Is there an official photographer?
5 Peaks generally works with one or two photographers per region. Event photos are typically posted to the results page. Participants are notified via email when they are available to view and download.
Our Commitment to the 5 Peaks Community
5 Peaks is committed to providing fun, affordable, family friendly trail running events for people of all ages, abilities, and ambitions. We do not charge enough to pay someone to respond to emails related to these frequently asked questions. Please read and review this page, the Rules and Regulations page, and the individual event webpage before emailing or messaging with a question. The answer is likely available on one of the aforementioned pages. This helps us to keep costs down so that we can put our energy and resources into organizing the best events possible at the lowest prices possible. If after reviewing each of the pages listed above you have not found an answer to your question, please post it in the Facebook group specific to your geographical region. Changes are, if you have a question a member of the community knows the answer.