Orientation Run #2

The Nesters Market Squamish 50 Orientation Run #2 is a community training event scheduled for Sunday, April 19, 2026, in Squamish, British Columbia. This run serves as a preparation session for the official Squamish 50 race weekend, allowing participants to familiarize themselves with specific sections of the 50-mile course. The primary route is 25 km, beginning and ending at Capra Running Co, with an optional 3 km addition over DeBeck's Hill for those seeking extra technical challenge. To support the local trail network, the event requires a minimum donation of $10, with 100% of proceeds going directly to the Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) for trail maintenance.

Squamish is widely recognized as the "Adventure Capital of Canada," situated at the northern end of Howe Sound on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. The town has a population of approximately 24,000 residents. The demographic profile of Squamish is roughly 81.3% White, 6.3% South Asian, 4.4% Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit), 2.7% Filipino, and 2.1% Chinese. The median annual household income in the district is approximately $105,000 CAD. Geographically, the trails are situated within the Garibaldi Highlands, featuring a temperate rainforest environment characterized by granite slabs, dense root networks, and significant vertical gain. In mid-April, the coastal mountain climate typically offers average lows of 4°C (39°F) and highs of 13°C (55°F). Runners should expect damp, technical terrain and the possibility of lingering snow at higher elevations like DeBeck's Hill.

The orientation run is organized by Coast Mountain Trail Running and includes a "light" aid station provided by Nesters Market and Näak, offering water, gels, energy drinks, and snacks. While the main 25 km course is marked, the 3 km addition is not, requiring athletes to utilize GPS navigation or have prior knowledge of the DeBeck's Hill section. Online registration remains open until 6:00 PM on April 18, 2026, or until the 200-spot capacity is reached. The event emphasizes safety and community, with organizers checking each runner in and out to ensure all participants emerge safely from the wilderness. Parking is available at the Capra complex, and runners are encouraged to arrive at least fifteen minutes early for the mandatory group photo and final briefing before the 8:15 AM start.