Jasper runners were at the front of the pack as the Alpenglow Ultramarathon returned to Valemount for its second year, with Maddie Trottier capturing the women’s 100-kilometre title and Brooklyn Rushton finishing third in the women’s 65-kilometre race.

Trottier powered through the punishing course in 14:07:58, conquering 100 kilometres of mountain trails and approximately 5,000 metres of climbing to earn the top spot on the women’s podium. Rushton’s strong performance in the 65 km event added another podium finish for Jasper at a race that is quickly becoming one of the Rockies’ signature endurance events.

If the inaugural Alpenglow introduced trail runners to Valemount, this year’s edition confirmed the community has something special, organizers suggested.

Nearly 100 more runners crossed the finish line than during the race’s debut in 2025, and organizers had to turn away prospective participants after registrations reached capacity. Athletes travelled from across Western Canada and the United States to test themselves on courses that climbed into McKirdy Meadows, crossed the Selwyn Traverse and topped out on Swift Mountain before descending to Whiskey Fill Farm.

The men’s 100 km race featured a dramatic finish, with Surrey’s Simon Widmann edging Hugh Dickens by just over three minutes to win in 12:02:17. Squamish’s Oskar Michalak completed the podium, while Trottier led a competitive women’s field by more than 20 minutes.

As impressive as the race results were, many participants left talking less about finish times than about the people who made them possible.

Hosted by Coast Mountain Trail Running, Alpenglow has become as much a celebration of community as a test of endurance. Throughout the weekend, volunteers staffed remote mountain aid stations, directed runners through the night, prepared food, cheered competitors over the final kilometres and welcomed families to races and festivities around town.

“It’s hard to put this Alpenglow 100 weekend into words,” organizer and Valemount ambassador Dave MacDowell wrote after the event. “Community, inspiration, ‘ohana, teamwork, adventure, achievement, gratitude and LOVE.”

That sentiment echoed across social media after the finish line had been packed away. Residents celebrated not only the athletes but the hundreds of volunteers, businesses and organizations that came together to pull off an event whose reputation is growing as quickly as its registration list.

Valemount resident Sherri Malone wrote that “Valemount has always been a sledding/biking community and now Alpenglow has made us a running community.”

The race also showcased local talent. More than 20 Valemount residents competed in one of the three distances, including Tracy Garneau, who won the women’s 50-59 division in the 100 km race.

For all its early success, organizers say Alpenglow’s biggest challenge isn’t attracting runners—it’s finding enough volunteers to support them.

Valemount’s volunteer base was stretched close to capacity during this year’s event, with residents filling roles ranging from parking attendants and course marshals to aid station crews stationed deep in the mountains. One of the busiest posts was the remote McKirdy Cabin aid station, where volunteers spent long hours keeping runners fed, hydrated and motivated through the night.

Organizers hope more volunteers from neighbouring communities, including Jasper, will lend a hand in 2027. Volunteer shifts can be tailored to individual interests and availability, with perks including event swag, early registration for next year’s race and camping support for those taking multiple shifts.

“Jasper knows Valemount,” longtime volunteer Swantje Pleister told the Jasper Local. “Jasperites should really consider swinging by next year during Alpenglow. Our little village really does glow—it’s throbbing with excitement and anticipation, and filled with happy people who are pumped to be here. It really does feel amazing to be part of this.”

Pleister, who captained the remote McKirdy Cabin aid station, said Jasper resident Kim Winand joined the crew this year, pulling a remarkable 26-hour shift. “She’s hooked and promised to be back next year,” Pleister said. “We’re hoping to find more crazy people like her in the Jasper community.”

With registrations already exceeding capacity this year, the race appears poised for another leap forward in 2027—provided enough helping hands are there to welcome the runners.

-With files from Kevin Gibson, Rocky Mountain Goat Local Journalism Initiative Reporter