Image: The 2024 Around the Lake Give 'R Take 30 Trail Race raised $11,000 for Chilliwack students and non-profits doing great work in the community. Pictured are Brad Driscoll (left) from the race committee; Polly Raymond (race committee); Chilliwack Park Society volunteers Rhys Walter and Ellen Dyck from Chilliwack Search & Rescue; and Patrick Ramsden from the Chilliwack Outdoor Club.

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Trail race

Annual Cultus Lake trail race raises thousands for scholarships, Chilliwack non-profits doing good work

May 13, 2025 | 10:12 AM

CHILLIWACK — The annual Around the Lake Give ‘R Take 30 Trail Race continues to provide lasting benefits to Chilliwack and beyond, generating thousands of dollars to bolster local programs and services.

The race committee says last year’s race held on October 19 around Cultus Lake raised $11,000 for several non-profit causes in and around Chilliwack, highlighting the positive community impact of the race.

Organized by the Around the Lake Give’R Take Trail Race Society, this annual sold-out trail running event brought together over 325 runners in solo and relay formats—including a new Give’R Take 1.5 km Kids’ Trail Race. Despite heavy rains and an atmospheric river, organizers say the event was a massive success, both in participation and community impact.

Proceeds from last year’s race are being donated to several local organizations that support outdoor recreation and student success, including:

* Chilliwack School District – $2,000 for two student scholarships
* Fraser Valley Mountain Bike Association – $3,000 trail sponsorship
* Chilliwack Park Society – $3,000
* Vedder Mountain Motorcycle Club – $1,000
* Chilliwack Outdoor Club – $1,000
* Chilliwack Search and Rescue – $1,000

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“These contributions reflect the Society’s ongoing mission to invest in the land, trails, and youth that make this region an exceptional place to live, learn, and explore,” the race committee wrote in a statement provided to local media.

Image: Around the Lake Give’R Take 30 Trail Race / Mike (left) and Stewart (right) from the Vedder Mountain Motorcycle Club, one of the recipients of last year’s race proceeds, with Brad Driscoll (centre).

Since its inception in 2003, the Around the Lake Trail Race Society has given back roughly $120,000 to the Chilliwack community. The race got off the ground thanks to founder Clarence Wiens and has grown into a beloved volunteer-led event that sells out every single year.

Registration for the 2025 race opens on June 18. This year’s race will be held on Saturday, October 18.