The Pemby Pounder trail race returned to Pemberton on Saturday, June 21, drawing a record number of participants and delivering fast times despite overcast skies.
“When we woke in the night before the race day we were fearful of a repeat of Run Comfy Numb’s rainy day,” race organizers wrote to Pique. “However, by 6 a.m., the rain had disappeared, and although clouds unfortunately obscured the magnificent Mount Currie views, the temperature was perfect for running!”
Three course records fell in this year’s event, which marked the race’s third edition and its first under the new Pemby Pounder name. Organizers noted the rebrand didn’t slow growth—registrations were up 20 per cent over 2024, driven largely by increased interest in the nine-kilometre race.
“Three years in… 100 runners in 2023, 200 in 2024 and 235 in 2025. Let’s keep this ball rolling,” organizers wrote on Instagram.
Victoria’s Christopher Walsh defended his men’s 9k title and smashed his own course record from 2023, clocking in at 39:36. Walsh remains the only runner to break 40 minutes on the course. Squamish’s Timothy Maclean finished close behind in 40:04, while Whistler’s Toby Garrick rounded out the podium at 41:45.
In the women’s 9k, Maya Fleury of Saskatoon set a new course record with a winning time of 46:09. Vancouver’s Esther Krauzer placed second at 46:50, despite taking a tumble during the race. She credited her competitive spirit for carrying her through. Squamish’s Elodie Chatel, the previous record holder, finished just behind at 47:05.
Runners of all ages took part.
The event saw a surge in youth participation. Pemberton’s Liam McNolty was the first U18 male to finish, placing sixth overall with a time of 45:42. Fellow local Veya Stevens claimed the female youth title in 59:08.
Two 12-year-old runners also completed the course, adding to the day’s family-friendly atmosphere.
And 79-year-old Agnes Benna of Vancouver crossed the finish line 58th out of 70 women.
Organizers highlighted this year’s family participation. Father-daughter duo Ian and Devon Smith have completed the 9k together every year. This year, they shaved 10 minutes off their previous best times.
In the 22-km “Half Pounder,” the men’s 2024 champion, Charlie Sikkema, returned to break his own course record by just under three minutes, finishing in 1:56:38. Whistler’s Tom Kemma finished second at 2:11:45, followed closely by Freddie Sawyers at 2:12:13.
On the women’s side, Kate Butcher took the win in 2:25:14, though Pemberton’s Claire Dewar’s 2023 record of 2:14:16 still stands. Pemberton’s Coline Heyden came in second at 2:28:12, followed by Danielle Butterfield at 2:31:37.
Organizers thanked the volunteers, spectators and sponsors—including Athletic Brewing, Redbull Canada, WakeWater, Gradient Coffee, Formthotics, ReUp, Coast Optics and the Pemberton Valley Supermarket, for making the event possible.
For full results and more photos of the event, visit thepembypounder.com.
