It was on August 27, 1998 that a group of local runners—Al Tattersal, Fred Walkley, Charles Helm, Aaron Dalby and wunderkind Kris Swanson—were joined by two Dawson Creek runners to go up and over Roman Mountain as a trial run for what was to become one of Tumbler Ridge’s longest lasting events.
In 1999, the first ever Emperor’s Challenge race was held, and—excluding a blip during the Covid crisis when the race was cancelled two years in a row—has been held ever since.
Because of those missing years, 2025 marks race number XXV for the venerable outdoor race, and what began as a fun challenge for local enthusiasts has grown into a cornerstone event, becoming not only the primary fundraiser for the Wolverine Nordic & Mountain Society (WNMS) but also a well-loved community tradition that has brought the region together through athleticism, adventure, and shared achievement.
Over the years, the race has been instrumental in supporting the WNMS’s activities—building and maintaining trails, primarily—all while drawing outdoor enthusiasts from near and far to experience Tumbler Ridge’s natural beauty. Proceeds from the race go directly to the WNMS, which maintains about 150km of hiking trails and backcountry locations in the Tumbler Ridge area.
Race registrations over the years have allowed the club to purchase trail-clearing power equipment and fuel for chainsaws, materials for trail infrastructure, safety equipment, and training courses for its volunteers.
“We are incredibly proud of the impact the Emperor’s Challenge has had on Tumbler Ridge over the years,” said WNMS President, Dave Thompson. “Reaching this milestone is a big deal for us, and we are excited to celebrate the legacy of the race and all it has achieved for the community and our club.
“Many people have been asking us about what the future holds for the Emperor’s Challenge. At this point, it will be hard to say exactly what the race will look like going forward, but we can confirm that this is going to be the last year that the Emperor’s Challenge route will be largely unchanged. Going forward, our supporters and participants can expect significant alterations. We are still considering some options, and we will likely be unveiling some exciting news later this summer as we figure out what is going to come next,” says Thompson.
This year marks a new wrinkle in the race. In 2009, the race moved from Mount Roman—which gave the race its name—to its current location of Babcock Mountain. But starting late last year, Conuma has started mining, and the route, which used to pass through the inactive Quintette mine site now passes through an active mine. But long discussions with the company and their passionate commitment to the community means the race will be continuing as normal this year.
To honour the legacy of the race and its significance to Tumbler Ridge, WNMS is planning a special celebration as part of the 2025 event. This Emperor’s Challenge will feature additional activities and tributes that will bring the community together in a grand celebration of the race’s remarkable 25 year run.
“We want to make sure this is a celebration of everything the Emperor’s Challenge has meant to us,” says Race Director, Manda Maggs. “This event has had a lot of impact on our community, and we are committed to ensuring that whatever changes are coming down the line in the following years, we will carry forward the same energy, passion, and community spirit that make it so special.”
The 2025 Emperor’s Challenge will take place on August 9, 2025, with registration opening on April 2nd.
For more details, including information on registration, race route, or how to become a volunteer, please visit wnms.ca or visit the Facebook page @emperorschallenge.
Above photo, from the archives: Runners take off from the Core Lodge (seen in the background) at the first-ever Emperor’s Challenge Race in 1999. File photo.
Trent is the publisher of Tumbler RidgeLines.
