Climb for the Cure is a timed MTB/gravel race to the summit of Mt. Spokane — a casual ride or a competitive race, depending on how you want to take it on. Every rider entry goes toward cancer research. It's equal parts beautiful backcountry ride and fundraiser for a cause that touches nearly all of us.

Race day is Sunday, June 14, 2026. The start and finish are both at Big Barn Brewery, 16004 N Applewood Ln, Mead, WA 99021. The staggered start window runs 7:00–9:00 AM, and the race goes rain or shine.

All proceeds support cancer research at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through The Wendy Fund, a 501(c)(3) non-profit (Tax ID: 92-2719075). The Wendy Fund is named for Wendy Ramsey, who was lost too early to a rare blood cancer (Richter's Syndrome). Riding this race is a direct way to fund the work that helps people and families facing a diagnosis.

100% you can just ride it. While it's officially chip-timed, the route is beautiful and challenging for anyone who loves to ride and wants to support cancer research. Show up to compete or show up to enjoy the day — both are welcome.

• A Route — approximately 50.5 miles with 6,422 ft of climbing, roughly 90% gravel. Rated mild-expert; recommended for intermediate-to-expert MTB/gravel riders.
• B Route — approximately 22 miles, roughly 80% gravel. Recommended for moderate-to-intermediate riders.
• E-Bike (Pedal Assist) — an open class, all ages 14 and up.

Pick the A Route if you're a confident gravel/MTB rider chasing the full climb and a real challenge. Choose the B Route if you want a shorter, still-scenic ride that's friendlier to newer or moderate riders. Not sure? Go B — you'll have a great day and can come back for the A Route next year.

A gravel bike or mountain bike is ideal given the high gravel percentage on both routes.

Registration is handled online through our event page. Just pick your route (or set up your team), complete your entry, and you're in.

Entry starts at $100 and prices increase to $150 as race day approaches, so registering early saves you money. Your entry includes a race T-shirt.

Great question! The registration platform charges that fee — not Climb for the Cure — even though we're a non-profit. It's a standard part of using an online registration system.

Your entry includes official chip timing and a race T-shirt. PLUS, post-race food/drink at Big Barn, swag, and more!

Yes — riders must be 14 years or older.

Yes! Both the A and B Routes are open to team registration in 2026. Teams need a minimum of four riders. Your team captain registers first (on the Corporate Cup / Team route) and then invites the rest of the team. Teams can be any size beyond the minimum four, but the fastest four combined finish times determine the Corporate Cup winner.

Have your captain register for the appropriate team route first, then send team invitations to the other riders so everyone is linked under the same team.

The staggered start window runs 7:00–9:00 AM.

• 6:30 AM — Doors open: check-in, bib pickup, day-of registration
• 7:00 AM — Route A early start (pedal riders who'd like extra time on course)
• 7:30 AM — Route A pedal riders, group start
• 7:45 AM — Route A Corporate Cup, group start
• 8:00 AM — Route A pedal-assist, group start
• 8:30 AM — Route B pedal-only, group start
• 8:45 AM — Route B Corporate Cup, group start
• 9:00 AM — Route B pedal-assist, group start
• 1:00–3:30 PM — Big Red Barn Band, raffle, post-ride celebration