Our mission
Our mission is to cultivate a thriving, welcoming, and inclusive climbing community that embodies integrity, fun, and equality. We are committed to providing an accessible, safe space where climbers of all abilities and backgrounds feel supported and can enjoy the sport. By fostering a quality and professional climbing facility that embodies these values, we aim to strengthen the climbing culture in the qathet Region while upholding principles of fiscal responsibility and sustainable growth for the long-term benefit of the facility.
Top Out is run by an elected volunteer board. Get to know the people helping the co-op thrive.
Derek Runions
Term ends 2028 AGM
Derek recently relocated to qathet with his wife and young daughter in the summer of 2024. He’s been climbing for over 30 years and has been fortunate to climb all over the world and both compete and coach for Team BC. When making the decision to move to qathet, Derek was concerned that his climbing days were over, but he’s been pleasantly surprised by the passionate and inviting climbing community at the TOCC and is excited to explore all that qathet has to offer. Derek has served as a Board Member for Sport Climbing BC and is excited to help grow climbing in the TOCC and qathet.
Mara Johnson-Groh
Term ends 2027 AGM
Mara has been climbing for over a decade and was drawn to the qathet area because of its easy outdoor access, bountiful granite, and friendly community. As a general board member, Mara is excited to help grow the climbing community and is always open to chatting about new ideas you might have for the gym, ways to make the TOCC more inclusive, or just about how great slopers are.
James Townend
Term ends 2027 AGM
James grew up in Scotland but has spent years living across four continents before finally settling in beautiful British Columbia. He chose qathet for its access to nature and its close-knit, welcoming community—exactly what he found at the Top Out Climbing Coop. When he’s not climbing, you’ll usually find him out kayaking, hiking, or exploring the coast.
James is committed to helping the TOCC thrive as a true “third space” for the community—one that introduces more people to the joy of climbing while strengthening our shared connection to the outdoors. He hopes the coop can continue to build community, inspire curiosity, and keep people close to the wild places that make this region special.
Anthony Fast
Term ends 2028 AGM
A recent transplant to qathet, Anthony has been a member of the climbing co-op for almost as long as he’s been a resident—he and his wife relocated in February 2023 and have been loving life here ever since. Anthony enjoys how bouldering combines social, physical, and mental aspects, and the community at Top Out has been, well… top-notch! Anthony’s excited to get started working with the board for the next few years, and looks forward to hearing members’ ideas and suggestions. Say hi if you see him on the wall!
JD Ireland
Term ends 2027 AGM
JD (He/Him) has been climbing for 3 years and is new to the qathet Region, having arrived in spring 2025, in search of a welcoming community, plenty of outdoor activities, and long trails. TOCC was the first stop after arrival, and it delivered on community in a big way!
When the opportunity to join the board arose, JD was happy to volunteer and give back to the community that welcomed him so warmly. You’ll most likely find JD falling off the Kilter Board. If you do, please say hi and share your thoughts about the gym, climbing in general, or whatever else gets you hyped. Also, keep your slopers, I’ll have the crimps!