The Cumby 2026

The Cumby 2026 is a premier trail racing event held in Cumberland, British Columbia, entering its second decade of operation. Scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, the race follows a theme of "A Hill For Every Racer," highlighting the challenging yet accessible terrain of the Cumberland Hills. The event serves as a major fundraiser for the Cumberland Community Forest Society (CCFS), with all net proceeds donated to preserve local forest lands. As of April 3, 2026, the event has already surpassed its CA$10,000 goal, raising <strong>CA$10,040.54 through the efforts of over 1,100 participants.

The 2026 edition features entirely new race routes for the traditional distances and introduced a new introductory distance for youth and beginners. In order to help participants prepare, volunteer-led familiarization runs are scheduled for April 11th and 18th.

Cumberland is a historic village in the Comox Valley on Vancouver Island, with a population of approximately 4,447 residents. Historically a coal-mining town, it has transformed into a world-class destination for mountain biking and trail running. The demographic profile of Cumberland shows a relatively young population compared to provincial averages, with a median age of 39.6. According to recent census data, the community is primarily of European descent (approx. 91%), with Indigenous residents making up about 5.4% of the population. The median household income in the village is approximately CA$88,000.

The local culture is defined by a fierce commitment to environmental conservation and outdoor recreation. The Cumberland Community Forest Society has successfully purchased hundreds of hectares of land from timber companies to protect it from logging, a movement largely funded by community events like The Cumby. Over the last decade, this race alone has contributed more than CA$250,000 to these land acquisition efforts. The trail network is maintained by the United Riders of Cumberland (UROC), ensuring the technical routes remain sustainable for future generations.

Racers at The Cumby benefit from a high-support environment featuring chip timing, custom hand-crafted medals, and a post-race celebration in a lively beer tent. The social impact of the race extends beyond the fundraising totals; it fosters a strong sense of local identity and stewardship. By May 2nd, the village will host over 1,100 athletes, doubling its population for the day and providing a significant economic boost to local businesses. Participants can also purchase custom technical gear, including Scimitar running shirts and Outway socks, to commemorate their effort in the Cumberland Hills.