sun mountain 50M/50K/20M/25K
WINTHROP, WA
May 18 & 19 2024
NEW START/FINISH: SPRING CREEK RANCH IN DOWNTOWN WINTHROP!
Course Overview
Located on the eastern, and sunny side of the North Cascades - on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness, above the Methow River Valley - these courses offer great mountain trail running early in the year. You can expect fields of wildflowers, beautiful, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades in the distance, and mostly gradual, smooth, runnable trails.
New for 2024 all the races will start and finish from the beautiful and spacious Spring Creek Ranch on the edge of downtown Winthrop and all of the races will now be on one weekend with the 50M & 50K on Saturday May 18th and the 20M & 25K on Sunday May 19th. These changes mean easier logistics, less driving to get to the start (some folks might even want to walk to/from the their hotel), more crew access, much better parking and a bigger celebration! The courses will now go from the bank of the Methow River at Spring Creek Ranch up to the trail system at Sun Mountain, do a loop on many of the classic Sun Mountain Trails (or two loops for the 50M) up in the higher country, and then finish with a downhill to the valley floor.
These races take place on the ancestral lands of the sp̓aƛ̓mul̓əxʷəxʷ (Methow), Syilx (Okanagan), Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka’pamux) all of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla. For members of these tribes we will waive the race entry fee, please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
Located on the eastern, and sunny side of the North Cascades - on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness, above the Methow River Valley - these courses offer great mountain trail running early in the year. You can expect fields of wildflowers, beautiful, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades in the distance, and mostly gradual, smooth, runnable trails.
New for 2024 all the races will start and finish from the beautiful and spacious Spring Creek Ranch on the edge of downtown Winthrop and all of the races will now be on one weekend with the 50M & 50K on Saturday May 18th and the 20M & 25K on Sunday May 19th. These changes mean easier logistics, less driving to get to the start (some folks might even want to walk to/from the their hotel), more crew access, much better parking and a bigger celebration! The courses will now go from the bank of the Methow River at Spring Creek Ranch up to the trail system at Sun Mountain, do a loop on many of the classic Sun Mountain Trails (or two loops for the 50M) up in the higher country, and then finish with a downhill to the valley floor.
These races take place on the ancestral lands of the sp̓aƛ̓mul̓əxʷəxʷ (Methow), Syilx (Okanagan), Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka’pamux) all of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla. For members of these tribes we will waive the race entry fee, please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
Registration
Registration will open for all races on Monday November 27th. Registration will not be a lottery as it has been in the past.
50M entry fee: $200 Register Now for the 50M! (No Lottery!)
50K entry fee: $150 Register Now for the 50K! (No Lottery!)
20M entry fee: $130 Register Now for the 20M! (No Lottery!)
25K entry fee: $125 Register Now for the 25K! (No Lottery!)
Registration will open for all races on Monday November 27th. Registration will not be a lottery as it has been in the past.
50M entry fee: $200 Register Now for the 50M! (No Lottery!)
50K entry fee: $150 Register Now for the 50K! (No Lottery!)
20M entry fee: $130 Register Now for the 20M! (No Lottery!)
25K entry fee: $125 Register Now for the 25K! (No Lottery!)
Kids 1K Fun Run
When we can we try to have a low key kids race in conjunction with our races. And we've been doing a kids race at Sun Mountain since the very beginning. We schedule the kids races for right before the start of the main race so everyone can cheer for the kids at the finish line. The route is pretty flat will be an out and back on the same course as the main race, starting at 7:00am from the runner check-in area on Sunday May 19th.
The race is free. We will have bib numbers for the kids if they want to wear them but not required. Kids of all ages are welcome. Parents can run with the kids or they can run by themselves. We'll have volunteers along the route to make sure the kids don't go off course.
When we can we try to have a low key kids race in conjunction with our races. And we've been doing a kids race at Sun Mountain since the very beginning. We schedule the kids races for right before the start of the main race so everyone can cheer for the kids at the finish line. The route is pretty flat will be an out and back on the same course as the main race, starting at 7:00am from the runner check-in area on Sunday May 19th.
The race is free. We will have bib numbers for the kids if they want to wear them but not required. Kids of all ages are welcome. Parents can run with the kids or they can run by themselves. We'll have volunteers along the route to make sure the kids don't go off course.
Entrants
Coming soon!
Volunteers
We always need volunteers on race day and it is a great way to be a part of the event if you are not running or you can volunteer one day and run the other day. Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us.
We always need volunteers on race day and it is a great way to be a part of the event if you are not running or you can volunteer one day and run the other day. Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us.
Timeline
Saturday May 18th - 50M & 50K
Sunday May 19th - 20M & 25K
Early Starts
Early starts are available upon request for folks who think they'll need the extra time to stay ahead of the aid station cutoff times. Early starts generally are one hour prior to the regular start though exceptions can sometime be made to give folks even more time. Please email us if interested in an early start.
Saturday May 18th - 50M & 50K
- 4:30 am: 50M & 50K Bib pick-up starts
- 5:15am: 50M race start
- 5:16am: Sunrise
- 7:00am: 50K race start
- 8:49pm: Sunset
- ~9:00pm: Cutoff at finish for both races
Sunday May 19th - 20M & 25K
- 6:15am: Bib pick-up starts
- 7:00am: Kids race start
- 7:15am: 20M race start
- 8:00am: 25K race start
- ~3:30pm: Cutoff at finish for both races
Early Starts
Early starts are available upon request for folks who think they'll need the extra time to stay ahead of the aid station cutoff times. Early starts generally are one hour prior to the regular start though exceptions can sometime be made to give folks even more time. Please email us if interested in an early start.
Course Details
This year's versions of our Sun Mountain races will be some of our most scenic and diverse courses yet! All four races will go up to and around Patterson Lake and Patterson Mountain which also has amazing views of the Methow Valley and surrounding peaks. The 50M & 50K races will go up to the highest point in the Sun Mountain Trail System, Thompson Ridge at nearly 5000 feet above sea level and the runners will be treated to 360 degree views of the surround North Cascade Peaks including many nearby peaks that are 7000 to 9000 feet tall. The wildflowers will be stunning throughout the course. Everyone will also experience some sections of forest that burned a few years ago in the Cedar Creek fire that spread from Hwy 20 near Early Winters past the south side of Mazama and Winthrop and made it all the way to the Twisp River. We were all fortunate there was no loss of human life and that the fire did limited damage to the trails and homes in the area but it was still scary for all of us living in the Methow Valley. Running through re-built trails and recovering ecosystems allows us all to be reminded of the importance of proper forest management, the danger global warming poses, and our own impacts on the world that we all share. All of the races start and finish on the grassy lawn at the bucolic Spring Creek Ranch which is about as relaxing a place to hang out as one could ask for.
Specific Course Details
This year's versions of our Sun Mountain races will be some of our most scenic and diverse courses yet! All four races will go up to and around Patterson Lake and Patterson Mountain which also has amazing views of the Methow Valley and surrounding peaks. The 50M & 50K races will go up to the highest point in the Sun Mountain Trail System, Thompson Ridge at nearly 5000 feet above sea level and the runners will be treated to 360 degree views of the surround North Cascade Peaks including many nearby peaks that are 7000 to 9000 feet tall. The wildflowers will be stunning throughout the course. Everyone will also experience some sections of forest that burned a few years ago in the Cedar Creek fire that spread from Hwy 20 near Early Winters past the south side of Mazama and Winthrop and made it all the way to the Twisp River. We were all fortunate there was no loss of human life and that the fire did limited damage to the trails and homes in the area but it was still scary for all of us living in the Methow Valley. Running through re-built trails and recovering ecosystems allows us all to be reminded of the importance of proper forest management, the danger global warming poses, and our own impacts on the world that we all share. All of the races start and finish on the grassy lawn at the bucolic Spring Creek Ranch which is about as relaxing a place to hang out as one could ask for.
Specific Course Details
50 Mile -- Saturday May 18
Elevation Gain: 8700ft Elevation Loss: 8700ft Number of Aid Stations: 7 Cutoff Time: 15+ hours |
50K -- Saturday May 18
Elevation Gain: 5300ft Elevation Loss: 5300ft Number of Aid Stations: 4 Cutoff Time: 13+ hours |
20 Mile -- Sunday May 19
Elevation Gain: 3000ft Elevation Loss: 3000ft Number of Aid Stations: 2 Cutoff Time: 8+ hours |
25K -- Sunday May 19
Elevation Gain: 2300ft Elevation Loss: 2300ft Number of Aid Stations: 2 Cutoff Time: 7+ hours |
Course Markings
The courses will be very well marked -- most, if not all, runners should have no problem staying on the race route by following our course markings. We use pink, yellow and white/black checkered ribbons all combined together and tied onto clothespins that we clip onto tree branches, sign posts, bushes, etc. along the race route. At intersections or anywhere that might confusing we'll use multiple ribbons and yellow and black arrow signs. The course SHOULD be very well marked but S*@# does sometimes happen so just in case something happens to the markings we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the route, carry a paper map and or have the GPS route in your watch or phone and carry a spare battery to charge your phone or watch. Every intersection SHOULD be clearly marked but you also need to be paying attention to make sure you don't miss a turn. Between intersections we normally do a "confidence" ribbon every half mile or so. You shouldn't ever go more than a mile with out seeing a ribbon and or arrow sign and quite often you'll see them more often than once a half mile. And we mark tricky turns and confusing areas with extra signs and ribbons. It's rare that people take a wrong turn/get off course but it does happen, if that happens to you turn around and re-trace your steps until you see signs and ribbons then continue on course from there.
The courses will be very well marked -- most, if not all, runners should have no problem staying on the race route by following our course markings. We use pink, yellow and white/black checkered ribbons all combined together and tied onto clothespins that we clip onto tree branches, sign posts, bushes, etc. along the race route. At intersections or anywhere that might confusing we'll use multiple ribbons and yellow and black arrow signs. The course SHOULD be very well marked but S*@# does sometimes happen so just in case something happens to the markings we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the route, carry a paper map and or have the GPS route in your watch or phone and carry a spare battery to charge your phone or watch. Every intersection SHOULD be clearly marked but you also need to be paying attention to make sure you don't miss a turn. Between intersections we normally do a "confidence" ribbon every half mile or so. You shouldn't ever go more than a mile with out seeing a ribbon and or arrow sign and quite often you'll see them more often than once a half mile. And we mark tricky turns and confusing areas with extra signs and ribbons. It's rare that people take a wrong turn/get off course but it does happen, if that happens to you turn around and re-trace your steps until you see signs and ribbons then continue on course from there.
Aid Stations
The foods and drinks we typically will have at the aid stations is water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, Coke, ginger ale, Sprite, Gu energy gels, fruit (bananas, grapes and watermelon), cookies (Oreos), candy (fun size candy bars, gummy bears, M&Ms etc), PB&J sandwiches, and potato chips.
There will also be first aid supplies and period products for issues that arise on the course.
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
The foods and drinks we typically will have at the aid stations is water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, Coke, ginger ale, Sprite, Gu energy gels, fruit (bananas, grapes and watermelon), cookies (Oreos), candy (fun size candy bars, gummy bears, M&Ms etc), PB&J sandwiches, and potato chips.
There will also be first aid supplies and period products for issues that arise on the course.
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
Cut-off Times
In order to keep our race on schedule and within the time limits of our permits, we have cut-off times at the aid stations. If you are not leaving the aid station by the cut-off time, you will be given a ride back to the finish area by staff or volunteers.
Although these are public trails, you are participating on them as a registered participant of our event and by signing up for the race, you agree to follow our rules and conditions for completing (or not completing) the race. Our sweeps will be leaving right at cut off time, taking down course markings with them. If you refuse to leave the course after cut off and end up getting lost or injured, requiring search and rescue, our permitting agency could look at that as negligence on our end (allowing runners on the course with no course markings or after the time we agreed to stop people). We take this rule seriously and as it puts our permits in jeopardy, if any runner violates this rule, they may be subject to a ban from future races.
For the past few years we've been trying to extend our cutoff times to make them as generous as we can to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to participate and have a decent chance at finishing the race. If you believe you'll need more time that our cutoff times allow we can often allow you to take an early start. Please email us if interested in an early start or if you have questions/suggestions about our cutoff times.
In order to keep our race on schedule and within the time limits of our permits, we have cut-off times at the aid stations. If you are not leaving the aid station by the cut-off time, you will be given a ride back to the finish area by staff or volunteers.
Although these are public trails, you are participating on them as a registered participant of our event and by signing up for the race, you agree to follow our rules and conditions for completing (or not completing) the race. Our sweeps will be leaving right at cut off time, taking down course markings with them. If you refuse to leave the course after cut off and end up getting lost or injured, requiring search and rescue, our permitting agency could look at that as negligence on our end (allowing runners on the course with no course markings or after the time we agreed to stop people). We take this rule seriously and as it puts our permits in jeopardy, if any runner violates this rule, they may be subject to a ban from future races.
For the past few years we've been trying to extend our cutoff times to make them as generous as we can to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to participate and have a decent chance at finishing the race. If you believe you'll need more time that our cutoff times allow we can often allow you to take an early start. Please email us if interested in an early start or if you have questions/suggestions about our cutoff times.
Drop Bags
Runners can have drop bags at all of our aid stations (except the Ridgeline Aid Station), see the chart above for more info.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers of clothing, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Runners can have drop bags at all of our aid stations (except the Ridgeline Aid Station), see the chart above for more info.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers of clothing, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Crew Access
One of the best improvements to these races thanks to the new course routes is better locations for crew access. Runners will be able to have crew at the Chickadee and Lake Aid Stations. Driving directions coming soon
One of the best improvements to these races thanks to the new course routes is better locations for crew access. Runners will be able to have crew at the Chickadee and Lake Aid Stations. Driving directions coming soon
Driving Directions to Start/Finish Parking Area
The race start/finish area is at Spring Creek Ranch. The address is 22 Belsby Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862. Click here for google directions
Spring Creek Ranch is within walking distance to many lodging(see below), food and shopping options as well as the Winthrop Town Trailhead and Ice Rink (roller rink and pickle ball courts when it's not winter) and many other attractions including the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Schaefer Museum, The Fish Hatchery, Methow Trails Headquarters, Barnyard Cinema, and the brand new Winthrop Library!
Airports
The closest airport to Spring Creek Ranch is Wentachee’s Pangborn Internation Airport (EAT). You can rent a car at the airport and drive 2 hours to Winthrop.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is a 5 hour drive from the ranch.
Spokane International Airport (GEG), is a 4 hour drive to the ranch.
Or fly right into Winthrop with Catlin Flying Service.
The race start/finish area is at Spring Creek Ranch. The address is 22 Belsby Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862. Click here for google directions
Spring Creek Ranch is within walking distance to many lodging(see below), food and shopping options as well as the Winthrop Town Trailhead and Ice Rink (roller rink and pickle ball courts when it's not winter) and many other attractions including the Old Schoolhouse Brewery, Schaefer Museum, The Fish Hatchery, Methow Trails Headquarters, Barnyard Cinema, and the brand new Winthrop Library!
Airports
The closest airport to Spring Creek Ranch is Wentachee’s Pangborn Internation Airport (EAT). You can rent a car at the airport and drive 2 hours to Winthrop.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), is a 5 hour drive from the ranch.
Spokane International Airport (GEG), is a 4 hour drive to the ranch.
Or fly right into Winthrop with Catlin Flying Service.
Lodging Nearby
Hotel rooms, cabins and campgrounds book up fast and often are sold out months in advance. May has become a pretty popular time to visit the Methow Valley so be sure to book your accommodations asap!
Spring Creek Ranch has a beautiful cabin and house available as nightly rentals and you can't get any closer to the action than those but alas we've already booked them for our staff and pizza crew for race week/weekend. But please do keep them in mind if you come out any other time of the year!
The North Cascades Mountain Hostel is owned and operated by good friends of ours and offers affordable rooms and cabins in the heart of Winthrop.
Chewuch Inn, right across the street from Spring Creek Ranch
Methow River Lodge and Cabins, basically just as close as Chewuch Inn but on the river!
Other options that are also in Winthrop: Observatory Inn, Hotel Rio Vista, River's Edge Resort, River Run Inn, River Pines Inn, Bunkhouse Inn, Mt Gardner Inn, Virginian Resort, Winthrop Inn, Abby Creek Inn, Winthrop Mountain View Chalets.
Sun Mountain Lodge and the Patterson Lake Cabins are a bit of a drive from the start/finish but are basically right on the race course.
For more hotel options in the area click here. And check with Methow Reservations and AirBNB for numerous house rental options.
Camping
These campgrounds are all in Winthrop:
Pine Near RV and Campground
Big Twin Lakes Campground
Pearrygin Lake State Park
Silverline Lakeside Resort
Winthrop KOA
Riverbend RV and Campground is about a 10 minute drive away in Twisp
There are also quite a few U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the area too, here's a list of closest ones to the race area: Early Winters, Klipchuck, and Lone Fir on HWY 20 west of Mazama; Ballard and River Bend on Lost River Rd/Harts Pass Rd west of Mazama; numerous campgrounds north of Winthrop, Buck Lake, Flat, Nice, Falls Creek, Chewuch; and up Twisp River Rd, west of Twisp, War Creek, Mystery, Poplar Creek and South Creek.
Free/Dispersed Camping
If you are looking for free or dispersed camping we might have an area available at the start/finish (we're still working on that detail). But if not your best options are either Thompson Pass Rd or Forest Service Rd 500 off of Thompson Pass Rd or Elbow Coulee Road, which are all just a few miles from the start/finish area. Lots of other options up the Chewuch and Twisp Rivers on Forest Service land also!
Hotel rooms, cabins and campgrounds book up fast and often are sold out months in advance. May has become a pretty popular time to visit the Methow Valley so be sure to book your accommodations asap!
Spring Creek Ranch has a beautiful cabin and house available as nightly rentals and you can't get any closer to the action than those but alas we've already booked them for our staff and pizza crew for race week/weekend. But please do keep them in mind if you come out any other time of the year!
The North Cascades Mountain Hostel is owned and operated by good friends of ours and offers affordable rooms and cabins in the heart of Winthrop.
Chewuch Inn, right across the street from Spring Creek Ranch
Methow River Lodge and Cabins, basically just as close as Chewuch Inn but on the river!
Other options that are also in Winthrop: Observatory Inn, Hotel Rio Vista, River's Edge Resort, River Run Inn, River Pines Inn, Bunkhouse Inn, Mt Gardner Inn, Virginian Resort, Winthrop Inn, Abby Creek Inn, Winthrop Mountain View Chalets.
Sun Mountain Lodge and the Patterson Lake Cabins are a bit of a drive from the start/finish but are basically right on the race course.
For more hotel options in the area click here. And check with Methow Reservations and AirBNB for numerous house rental options.
Camping
These campgrounds are all in Winthrop:
Pine Near RV and Campground
Big Twin Lakes Campground
Pearrygin Lake State Park
Silverline Lakeside Resort
Winthrop KOA
Riverbend RV and Campground is about a 10 minute drive away in Twisp
There are also quite a few U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the area too, here's a list of closest ones to the race area: Early Winters, Klipchuck, and Lone Fir on HWY 20 west of Mazama; Ballard and River Bend on Lost River Rd/Harts Pass Rd west of Mazama; numerous campgrounds north of Winthrop, Buck Lake, Flat, Nice, Falls Creek, Chewuch; and up Twisp River Rd, west of Twisp, War Creek, Mystery, Poplar Creek and South Creek.
Free/Dispersed Camping
If you are looking for free or dispersed camping we might have an area available at the start/finish (we're still working on that detail). But if not your best options are either Thompson Pass Rd or Forest Service Rd 500 off of Thompson Pass Rd or Elbow Coulee Road, which are all just a few miles from the start/finish area. Lots of other options up the Chewuch and Twisp Rivers on Forest Service land also!
Featured Artist
Our race artwork and the Rainshadow Running logo were designed by Baylie Peplow of Red Umbrella Designs. Baylie grew up in the Methow Valley and you can visit her new shop in Downtown Winthrop (235 Riverside Ave aka "main street" between Meza Restaurant and Winthrop Gallery).
Our race artwork and the Rainshadow Running logo were designed by Baylie Peplow of Red Umbrella Designs. Baylie grew up in the Methow Valley and you can visit her new shop in Downtown Winthrop (235 Riverside Ave aka "main street" between Meza Restaurant and Winthrop Gallery).
Photos, Videos, Past Results & Race Reports
2023 50M RESULTS 50M PHOTOS
2023 20M RESULTS 20M PHOTOS
2023 50K RESULTS 50K PHOTOS
2023 25K RESULTS 25K PHOTOS
2022 50M RESULTS
2022 50M PHOTOS
CHARLENE WALDNER'S 2022 50M REPORT
2022 50K RESULTS
2022 50K PHOTOS
2022 25K RESULTS
2022 30K RESULTS
2022 25K/30K PHOTOS
Past race results for the 50M, 50k. Past results for the 25K To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to info@rainshadowrunning.com!
2023 50M RESULTS 50M PHOTOS
2023 20M RESULTS 20M PHOTOS
2023 50K RESULTS 50K PHOTOS
2023 25K RESULTS 25K PHOTOS
2022 50M RESULTS
2022 50M PHOTOS
CHARLENE WALDNER'S 2022 50M REPORT
2022 50K RESULTS
2022 50K PHOTOS
2022 25K RESULTS
2022 30K RESULTS
2022 25K/30K PHOTOS
Past race results for the 50M, 50k. Past results for the 25K To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to info@rainshadowrunning.com!
Race Rules
- Be nice: please be courteous of other trail users as well as fellow runners and volunteers. If you come upon hikers or other day users, please alert them of your presence and give them a chance to move over before you pass
- Passing: please yield to faster runners.
- One ear bud only: if you must wear headphones while running, they may only be in one ear and the volume must be low enough that you can hear others around you (we had an injury at one of our races due to someone not being able to hear while wearing both earbuds; so we take this rule seriously)
- No continuing on past cut off: for liability and safety reasons we cannot let any runner continue on their own past cut off time. We take this rule seriously. Please treat our aid station and sweep volunteers with respect. If you have an issue, find a race staff after the race and we are more than happy to have a conversation with you
- No cheating/course cutting/bandits/anything deemed unsportsmanlike: this could result in a ban from Rainshadow races and we just do not want to do that
- Dogs: Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on some parts of the race course so no dogs are allowed in this race, sorry!
- No performance enhancing substances
- Be on time: our sweeps go out shortly after the runners start and once they start, we cannot send out any runners after that
- No Pacers
- No crew access or crew support except at crew accessible aid stations(Chickadee and Lake Aid Stations). If folks want to see their runners at other parts of the course that's ok but they must travel on those locations by foot or bicycle and they are only allowed to view their runners, no providing their runners anything other than cheers.
- No Littering
- All local, state and federal laws must be followed as well as all instructions from race staff, aid station captains and road crossing volunteers(cars will not be stopped).
Cancellations
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policies, our COVID precautions, our race rules. our anti-discrimination policies and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please fill out this form before race day to let us know you will not be participating in the race. After you fill out the form we'll email you to give you a coupon code for a credit that you can use for one of our future races. NO REFUNDS and NO BIB TRANSFERS.
The amount of credit is based on when you submit this form to cancel your registration:
The coupon code can be used for any Rainshadow race.
The coupon code will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you were in one of our "lottery" races you will be automatically selected if you register for that lottery again the following year.
We are no longer allowing runners to transfer or sell their bib/race entry to another runner. If in the future we can create a simpler system to do this we will bring this option back.
By registering for one of our races you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc.) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it's something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility.
We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation.
All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policies, our COVID precautions, our race rules. our anti-discrimination policies and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please fill out this form before race day to let us know you will not be participating in the race. After you fill out the form we'll email you to give you a coupon code for a credit that you can use for one of our future races. NO REFUNDS and NO BIB TRANSFERS.
The amount of credit is based on when you submit this form to cancel your registration:
- 31 days or more before race day: 50% of your race entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
- 30 days to 7days before race day: 50% of your race entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
- Less than 7 days before race day or after race day: 0% of your race entry fee + 0% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
The coupon code can be used for any Rainshadow race.
The coupon code will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you were in one of our "lottery" races you will be automatically selected if you register for that lottery again the following year.
We are no longer allowing runners to transfer or sell their bib/race entry to another runner. If in the future we can create a simpler system to do this we will bring this option back.
By registering for one of our races you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc.) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it's something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility.
We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation.
All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Conatct Us
Questions? Comments? The race directors for all Rainshadow Running races are James Varner and Kathryn "Katy" Farrell.
Please contact us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
Questions? Comments? The race directors for all Rainshadow Running races are James Varner and Kathryn "Katy" Farrell.
Please contact us at info@rainshadowrunning.com