DECEPTION PASS 25K
SUNDAY, december 15th, 2019 // deception pass state park, wa
9:00 am- west POINT AMPhITHEATER
2019 race photos by glenn tachiyama
Taking place at Deception Pass State Park which is named for the narrow and dramatic channel of water that separates Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in the northern Puget Sound. The area is famous for it's rugged coastline, steep cliffs, dense forests and great views. The race covers just about every inch of the park, running at times right at sea level and other times high above on bluffs and hills and twice crosses the pass itself via the historic Deception Pass Bridge which sits about 180 feet above the water. There are no mountains or long climbs like many of our other Rainshadow Running Races but make no mistake Deception Pass 25k is still a tough race with it's technical footing, narrow, twisty trails and at times steep grades. It maybe be one of our faster courses but it's still a good challenge!
Distance: 25K
Elevation gain: ~3650 Feet
Cutoff Time: 6 hours
Click Here for Course Map, Elevation Profile and Detailed Route Description.
Click here for the most recent Official Deception Pass Race Video by Project Talaria
Distance: 25K
Elevation gain: ~3650 Feet
Cutoff Time: 6 hours
Click Here for Course Map, Elevation Profile and Detailed Route Description.
Click here for the most recent Official Deception Pass Race Video by Project Talaria
REGISTRATION/LOTTERY
Due to how quickly the race sells out, registration for this race is a lottery. All runners interested in participating in the race will need to register on UltraSignup between June 15th and 25th. Once the lottery is closed, we will draw names and announce the entrants list no later than June 15th. No credit cards will be charged until the lottery closes and names are drawn. If your name is not drawn, there is no charge to your credit card.
Please click here for information on group registration.
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add one on during registration or via the STORE link up until 45 days prior to the event. We do not offer finisher medals at any of our races, instead we use that money to provide free all-you-can-eat wood-fired pizza, snacks, local craft beer and other non-alcoholic drinks, and a live band for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends and family!
Due to how quickly the race sells out, registration for this race is a lottery. All runners interested in participating in the race will need to register on UltraSignup between June 15th and 25th. Once the lottery is closed, we will draw names and announce the entrants list no later than June 15th. No credit cards will be charged until the lottery closes and names are drawn. If your name is not drawn, there is no charge to your credit card.
Please click here for information on group registration.
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add one on during registration or via the STORE link up until 45 days prior to the event. We do not offer finisher medals at any of our races, instead we use that money to provide free all-you-can-eat wood-fired pizza, snacks, local craft beer and other non-alcoholic drinks, and a live band for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends and family!
RACE WEEKEND TIMELINE
Saturday 50K
Sunday 25K
Saturday 50K
- 6:30 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 7:50 am: Pre-Race Briefing
- 8:00 am: 50K Race Start
Sunday 25K
- 7:30 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 8:30 am: Kids 1K Race Start
- 8:50 am: Pre-Race Briefing
- 9:00 am: 25K Race Start
DRIVING/PARKING DIRECTIONS
To get to the start/finish area at West Point Amphitheater, these directions should help. Please park in the North/West Beach Parking lot. The ampitheater is just to the north of the parking lot. There will be EVENT PARKING and RUNNER CHECK-IN signs once you enter the park. Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass.
Click here to pre-purchase a Discover Pass. We highly recommend having your pass before race weekend!
To get to the start/finish area at West Point Amphitheater, these directions should help. Please park in the North/West Beach Parking lot. The ampitheater is just to the north of the parking lot. There will be EVENT PARKING and RUNNER CHECK-IN signs once you enter the park. Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass.
Click here to pre-purchase a Discover Pass. We highly recommend having your pass before race weekend!
AID STATIONS
There are 2 fully stocked aid stations during the 50K:
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies, hand warmers, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
There is no crew access at Bowman Bay because of very limited parking. If friends want to see their runner, they may study the course map as there are plenty of places outside of the aid station to cheer on runners. Just remember that runners can receive encouragement, but are not allowed to receive any aid outside of designated aid stations.
There are 2 fully stocked aid stations during the 50K:
- Bowman Bay, mile 5.5
- Bowman Bay, mile 7.3
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies, hand warmers, and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
There is no crew access at Bowman Bay because of very limited parking. If friends want to see their runner, they may study the course map as there are plenty of places outside of the aid station to cheer on runners. Just remember that runners can receive encouragement, but are not allowed to receive any aid outside of designated aid stations.
DROP BAGS
Runners who would like to have a drop bag with personal supplies (specific foods/drinks, extra clothes, dry socks, etc) at the aid station can do so and leave their bag at the check in area. We will have a tarp set up for the aid station, along with sharpies and duct tape for runners to label their bag. Please put your name and bib number on your bag. This will help our volunteers sort the bags for easy access at the aid station. Runners are allowed one bag at Bowman Bay and we ask that you keep the bag to a reasonable size (no large backpacks, duffle bags, big coolers, etc) as our volunteers will be transporting them to and from the aid station for you.
Drop bags come back to the finish area once the aid station is closed for the day.
Runners who would like to have a drop bag with personal supplies (specific foods/drinks, extra clothes, dry socks, etc) at the aid station can do so and leave their bag at the check in area. We will have a tarp set up for the aid station, along with sharpies and duct tape for runners to label their bag. Please put your name and bib number on your bag. This will help our volunteers sort the bags for easy access at the aid station. Runners are allowed one bag at Bowman Bay and we ask that you keep the bag to a reasonable size (no large backpacks, duffle bags, big coolers, etc) as our volunteers will be transporting them to and from the aid station for you.
Drop bags come back to the finish area once the aid station is closed for the day.
CUT OFFS
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). Deception Pass State Park is VERY strict about us having all of the runners off the trails by sunset. 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.
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.
- 11:30 am: Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 (second time through)
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). Deception Pass State Park is VERY strict about us having all of the runners off the trails by sunset. 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.
CANCELLATIONS
We understand things may come up and you may not be able to make it to the race. We do not offer refunds, but you have 3 choices for cancellations. Click below for more information.
We understand things may come up and you may not be able to make it to the race. We do not offer refunds, but you have 3 choices for cancellations. Click below for more information.
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. 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! Volunteers for Deception Pass also have the ability to bypass the lottery the following year. If you volunteer for the race weekend, you can bypass the lottery for the following year. Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. We promise you will have fun! If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to decide which volunteer shift is right for you!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com.
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. 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! Volunteers for Deception Pass also have the ability to bypass the lottery the following year. If you volunteer for the race weekend, you can bypass the lottery for the following year. Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. We promise you will have fun! If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to decide which volunteer shift is right for you!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com.
DOGS
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at the start/finish of the race. While dogs are technically allowed on the course, the first half of the course does three lollipops where runners will be meeting other runners on the singletrack. It will be busy and can get crowded which does not make it ideal for dogs. If you do choose to run with your dog, they need to be kept on a very short leash during those sections and should be comfortable with lots of action around them (jumpy, snappy dogs should maybe sit this one out). As always, remember to clean up after your pet and discard of the waste in a trash can.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at the start/finish of the race. While dogs are technically allowed on the course, the first half of the course does three lollipops where runners will be meeting other runners on the singletrack. It will be busy and can get crowded which does not make it ideal for dogs. If you do choose to run with your dog, they need to be kept on a very short leash during those sections and should be comfortable with lots of action around them (jumpy, snappy dogs should maybe sit this one out). As always, remember to clean up after your pet and discard of the waste in a trash can.
POST RACE PARTY
We do not give out finisher's medals at any of our races, instead that money goes to providing free handmade pizza courtesy of Pizza Rocks, free craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and live bluegrass from Dysfunction Junction. This is free for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends/family. We strive to create a welcoming community feel where runners and volunteers want to stay and hang out after they finish, cheer on their fellow runners, share trail stories and dance to live music! We promise you the finish line will be just as festive for the last runner as it is for the first finisher.
Our amazing pizza crew can accommodate just about every dietary preference (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian), so when it is your turn to grab a slice, simply make your request and they will make a special pizza for you!
The post race party is free for registered runners, their families, and volunteers (guest list will be monitored by a volunteer). Unfortunately we are not able to offer the food and drink to outside spectators. Those who appear under 30 will be asked to present ID for beer.
We do not give out finisher's medals at any of our races, instead that money goes to providing free handmade pizza courtesy of Pizza Rocks, free craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and live bluegrass from Dysfunction Junction. This is free for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends/family. We strive to create a welcoming community feel where runners and volunteers want to stay and hang out after they finish, cheer on their fellow runners, share trail stories and dance to live music! We promise you the finish line will be just as festive for the last runner as it is for the first finisher.
Our amazing pizza crew can accommodate just about every dietary preference (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian), so when it is your turn to grab a slice, simply make your request and they will make a special pizza for you!
The post race party is free for registered runners, their families, and volunteers (guest list will be monitored by a volunteer). Unfortunately we are not able to offer the food and drink to outside spectators. Those who appear under 30 will be asked to present ID for beer.
KIDS 1K FUN RUN
The kids will run a 1 kilometer loop trail that is right along the water at the race start/finish area at West Beach Amphitheater. The run is open to kids of all ages and parents can run with their kids if they want to. The run will start just prior to the start of the 25K race Sunday morning at 8:30 am and parents simply need to stop by the check in table to sign a waiver and pick up a kids fun run bib!
The kids will run a 1 kilometer loop trail that is right along the water at the race start/finish area at West Beach Amphitheater. The run is open to kids of all ages and parents can run with their kids if they want to. The run will start just prior to the start of the 25K race Sunday morning at 8:30 am and parents simply need to stop by the check in table to sign a waiver and pick up a kids fun run bib!
LODGING
The closest hotel is the Fidalgo Country Inn, located about 15 miles from the race start. There are plenty of lodging choices available in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, both of which are approximately 20 minutes from the start line.
The closest hotel is the Fidalgo Country Inn, located about 15 miles from the race start. There are plenty of lodging choices available in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, both of which are approximately 20 minutes from the start line.
PHOTOS, RESULTS, RACE REPORTS
Have photos and/or a race recap to share? Email them to us at info@rainshadowrunning.com!
RACE REPORTS // RACE VIDEOS // RACE PHOTOS
Have photos and/or a race recap to share? Email them to us at info@rainshadowrunning.com!
RACE REPORTS // RACE VIDEOS // RACE PHOTOS
PLEASE CARPOOL
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