Race Guide
June 6, 2026
Hinton, AB | Folding Mountain Landing
↓ SCROLL TO READ ↓
Hinton, AB | Folding Mountain Landing
Welcome to the inaugural Folding Mountain Ultra.
This is a race born from the mountains. From the ridgelines of the Fiddle Range, the alpine forests of Folding Mountain, and the wild, rugged history of the land that connects Hinton to the gates of Jasper National Park.
We started this race because we believe there are few places on earth that offer the beauty of Jasper National Park and Folding Mountain Landing.
Whether you're here for the 25km, the 60km solo, or racing as a relay team, our hope is that you experience something truly special. The climbing is honest, the descents are fast, and the views are exhilarating.
Folding Mountain Landing is more than a start/finish line. We aim to create an atmosphere where runners, families, and spectators gather for a full day of celebration.
Please read this guide carefully. Know your cutoffs, pack your mandatory gear, and show up ready.
We'll see you at the start line!
— The Folding Mountain Ultra Team
info@foldingmountainultra.com
We respectfully acknowledge that today's event takes place on Treaty 6 Territory and within Métis Nation Region 4, the traditional lands of many Indigenous Peoples who have stewarded these lands for generations.
Hosted by Salomon and Fast Trax Run Store — 6:00 PM departing from Jasper East Hostel. All racers welcome!
LIMITED PARKING — Limited parking is available along the road between Folding Mountain Brewing and Jasper East Hostel on a first come, first serve basis. We strongly encourage racers to carpool where possible.
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:30 – 6:30 AM | Drop bag drop-off at the start line |
| 6:30 AM | Mandatory race briefing at the start line |
| 7:00 AM | Race start — 25km, 60km, and 60km Relay (all events) |
| ~11:30 AM | First 25km finisher expected |
| ~1:30 PM | First relay team finishers expected |
| ~2:00 PM | First 60km solo finisher expected |
There is limited parking along the gravel road between Folding Mountain Brewing and Jasper East Hostel. Parking is first come, first served and will fill up quickly. Please plan accordingly and carpool as much as possible.
Aerial view of Folding Mountain Landing — spectator zone, parking, and key locations
Click image to enlarge
Spectators, family, and friends are asked to remain in the spectator area at HQ in front of Folding Mountain Brewing. Bring chairs, blankets, and supplies.
Please note: There are visitors staying in the cabins. Respect their privacy — do not set up camp in front of a cabin if you are not staying there.
Toilets: Porta-potties will be onsite at the start/finish line and Aid Station 3. Additional restrooms can be found inside Folding Mountain Brewing.
Racers MUST LEAVE the designated cutoff aid station by the cutoff time or will be disqualified. The cutoff is when you depart, not when you arrive. Cutoffs are strictly enforced to maintain the safety of racers and volunteers.
| Location | Cutoff Time |
|---|---|
| AS 3 / TA (between Leg 1 & Leg 2) | 2:00 PM |
| AS 4 | 5:00 PM |
| Finish Line Closes | 9:00 PM |
RELAY NOTE: If the Leg 1 runner does not make the 2:00 PM cutoff at AS 3, the Leg 2 runner can forced start at 2:00 PM with a new timing chip provided by HQ.
Racers can leave a drop bag at Aid Station 3 only. There is only one drop bag station — no other aid stations will have drop bags. Drop off your bag at the designated zone near the start line before the race starts on June 6.
| Station | Distance |
|---|---|
| AS 1 | 6.5 km |
| AS 2 | 22 km |
| AS 3 / TA | 36 km |
| AS 4/5 | 42 km |
| AS 5/4 | 55 km (same location as AS 4) |
| Station | Distance |
|---|---|
| AS 1 | 6.5 km |
| AS 3 | 13 km |
| AS 4 | 19 km |
| AS 1 | AS 2 | AS 3 | AS 4/5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | Water | Water | Water |
| Tailwind | Tailwind | Tailwind | Tailwind |
| Cookies | Coke | Coke | Coke |
| Fruit Snacks | Gingerale | Gingerale | Gingerale |
| Chips | Cookies | Cookies | Cookies |
| Bananas | Chips | Chips | Chips |
| Oranges | Candy | Candy | Candy |
| Mini Choc. Bars | Mini Choc. Bars | Mini Choc. Bars | Mini Choc. Bars |
| Mini Eggs | Bananas | Bananas | |
| Twizzlers | Oranges | Oranges | |
| Bananas | Pickles | Pickles | |
| Oranges | Salt Tabs | Salt Tabs | |
| Huma Gels (Strawberry, Blueberry, Mango) | Huma Gels (Strawberry, Blueberry, Mango) | Huma Gels (Strawberry, Blueberry, Mango) | |
| Naak Puree (Apple & Maple Syrup) | Naak Puree (Apple & Maple Syrup) | Naak Puree (Apple & Maple Syrup) |
Gear checks will take place at the start line. Bring what you need to stay safe and self-sufficient. Conditions in the mountains can change suddenly and drastically.
2,430m Elevation Gain | Solo & Relay
Head out along Highway 16 before climbing roughly 900m in the first 15km to crest Cap Ridge before cruising back down to Folding Mountain Landing. The terrain mixes long climbs with rolling ridgelines and fast, runnable descents. You'll make your way back to the start/finish and Aid Station 3 where you'll regroup and head up Folding Mountain.
Leaving base camp, you'll start with an immediate grind — about 980m of climbing over 9km, with nearly 660m packed into the first 4km. It's steep and relentless. Beyond the initial climb, the trail rolls through alpine forest and open ridgelines with stunning views along the way.
Cresting the top of Folding Mountain, you'll be rewarded with one of the most stunning panoramic views in the Canadian Rockies. You'll run down along a ridge to the turnaround point.
From the summit, the trail drops fast. The descent back toward Folding Mountain Landing winds through alpine meadows and forest, with big mountain views at every turn. As you lose elevation, the terrain becomes smoother and faster — a mix of technical footing and runnable stretches that bring you back to base camp for the final push.
60km course map with aid station locations and elevation profile
Click image to enlarge
1,086m Elevation Gain
Starting at Folding Mountain Landing, runners head out on a flat and fast 6.5km section to the first aid station before turning back toward base camp. Once back at the main transition area, runners will regroup and begin the climb up the Folding Mountain Trail.
Leaving the Landing, you'll start with an immediate grind — about 980m of climbing over 9km, with nearly 660m packed into the first 4km. Beyond the initial climb, the trail rolls through alpine forest and open ridgelines with stunning views of Roche Perdrix (the entrance to Jasper National Park) and the Athabasca River Valley below.
There are plenty of runnable sections along the way, and the views only get better as you climb. You'll reach the false summit aid station (AS 4/5), perched just before the mountain's scree section. This will be your turnaround point.
From there, it's time to let gravity take over. The descent down Folding Mountain is fast, flowy, and unforgettable — a cruisy dream of smooth trail, mountain air, and panoramic views all the way back to Folding Mountain Landing, where the finish line, music, and cold beer await.
25km course map with aid station locations and elevation profile
Click image to enlarge
You are running in bear and wildlife country. While encounters are rare during organized events, be aware of your surroundings, especially in the early morning hours.
Conditions in the Canadian Rockies can change rapidly. Be prepared for anything from hot sun to cold rain, wind, and even snow at elevation. Your mandatory gear is designed to keep you safe — carry it all.
The start/finish area will be buzzing all day. Here's what you'll find:
| Vendor | Description |
|---|---|
| Fast Trax Run Store | Gear, nutrition, and last-minute race essentials |
| Salomon Expo | Check out the latest trail running gear |
| The Bridge Sports Therapy & Training | Pre and post-race sports therapy and taping |
| Canadian Ski Patrol | First aid and medical support onsite |
| Folding Mountain Brewing | Award-winning craft beer — the perfect finish line reward (vegan options available) |
| Tim Hortons | Coffee and quick bites |
| Juniper Pizza Pies | Thin-crust pizza |
| Big Bird BBQ | BBQ and hearty eats (vegan options available) |
| Funky Monkey Ice Cream | Ice cream for finishers and spectators |
Email: info@foldingmountainultra.com
Website: www.foldingmountainultra.com
For any questions about the race, gear checks, logistics, or anything else — don't hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you have the best race day possible.
This event would not be possible without the generous support of our partners.
