orcas island 25k
saturday january 25th, 2020
environmental learning center // moran state park // 9:00 am
sold out, no wait list, no bib transfers for 2020
The Orcas Island 25K is unique in the trail running world, with old-growth forests, tough climbs, and spectacular views of surrounding islands, mountains, and Puget Sound - but what truly sets it apart is the chance to hang out all weekend on a gorgeous island with your trail runner friends. The race starts and finishes at the Environmental Learning Center in Moran State Park and with bunkhouses on site, the weekend is more like summer camp (in the winter) for adults than simply a race!
We do not offer finisher medals at any of our races; instead we choose to spend that money on free wood-fired pizza and other snacks, free beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and a live band at all of our races. We are not just races: we strive to create a community vibe where people will stay to cheer on their fellow runners and share trail stories.
Distance: 25K (15.5 miles)
Elevation: 4,450 feet gain
Price: $95
We do not offer finisher medals at any of our races; instead we choose to spend that money on free wood-fired pizza and other snacks, free beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and a live band at all of our races. We are not just races: we strive to create a community vibe where people will stay to cheer on their fellow runners and share trail stories.
Distance: 25K (15.5 miles)
Elevation: 4,450 feet gain
Price: $95
Timeline
Friday January 24th
Friday January 24th
- 5:30-9:00 pm: Bunkhouse check-in at Camp Moran (no bib pick up, but pre-ordered shirts can be picked up at this time)
- 6:00-8:00 pm: Pre-race pasta feed at Camp Moran
- 7:30-8:50 am: Check in at Camp Moran DONT FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID!
- 8:50 am: Pre-race briefing
- 9:00 am: 25K Starts
- 11:00 am: Cut off at North Arch aid station, mile 5.6
- 1:30 pm: Cut off at Mt Constitution aid station, mile 10.7
- 9:00 am: Camp clean-up (we would love to have your help, email Elizabeth if you are available)
Driving/Parking Directions
The start/finish area (including the Friday meal and bunkhouse lodging) takes place at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Moran State Park. Once you enter Moran State Park, you will pass Cascade Lake on your right and shortly after the lake, is a sharp right turn to enter the ELC. To get to Orcas requires a ferry trip from Anacortes. It is highly recommended that you make a ferry reservation for your trip. They sail less frequently in the winter and certain sailing times WILL sell out. They open spots on the ferries in tiers (with the last tiers being 2 weeks and 2 days before the sailing). Check out the info on their website for more info. Camp Moran is approximately a 30 minute drive from the ferry dock.
You will need a DISCOVER PASS to park in Moran State Park. You can buy an annual pass for $30 via this link: discoverpass.wa.gov/ or you can buy a day pass for $10 at the Cascade Lake day use area on the island or at the Chamber of Commerce Runners who are staying in the bunkhouse will be given a weekend pass for the Camp Moran ELC (the Discover Pass is waived with your overnight reservation). However, if you are going to park anywhere else in the park, you will need to display the Discover Pass.
Parking is VERY limited. The main parking area immediately next to the ELC will be reserved for staff and volunteers. Overnight guests will be able to drive down and drop off their sleeping gear/bags/backpacks, but will need to park in the overflow lot (our volunteers will help you). All racers arriving in the morning will be parking at the South End Campground and will walk ~1/4 to Camp Moran. Crews are welcome to drop off their runners directly at the ELC, then go park in the lot. We will have volunteers and EVENT PARKING signs to help. DO NOT PARK ON THE SIDE OF OLGA ROAD.
The start/finish area (including the Friday meal and bunkhouse lodging) takes place at the Environmental Learning Center (ELC) in Moran State Park. Once you enter Moran State Park, you will pass Cascade Lake on your right and shortly after the lake, is a sharp right turn to enter the ELC. To get to Orcas requires a ferry trip from Anacortes. It is highly recommended that you make a ferry reservation for your trip. They sail less frequently in the winter and certain sailing times WILL sell out. They open spots on the ferries in tiers (with the last tiers being 2 weeks and 2 days before the sailing). Check out the info on their website for more info. Camp Moran is approximately a 30 minute drive from the ferry dock.
You will need a DISCOVER PASS to park in Moran State Park. You can buy an annual pass for $30 via this link: discoverpass.wa.gov/ or you can buy a day pass for $10 at the Cascade Lake day use area on the island or at the Chamber of Commerce Runners who are staying in the bunkhouse will be given a weekend pass for the Camp Moran ELC (the Discover Pass is waived with your overnight reservation). However, if you are going to park anywhere else in the park, you will need to display the Discover Pass.
Parking is VERY limited. The main parking area immediately next to the ELC will be reserved for staff and volunteers. Overnight guests will be able to drive down and drop off their sleeping gear/bags/backpacks, but will need to park in the overflow lot (our volunteers will help you). All racers arriving in the morning will be parking at the South End Campground and will walk ~1/4 to Camp Moran. Crews are welcome to drop off their runners directly at the ELC, then go park in the lot. We will have volunteers and EVENT PARKING signs to help. DO NOT PARK ON THE SIDE OF OLGA ROAD.
Aid Stations/Drop Bags/Crews
All of our aid stations are stocked with PB&J, fresh fruit, salty chips, candy, pickles, cookies, Nuun electrolyte drink, and water. We will have gels, though not enough for runners to rely on ours (please bring your own and use ours to supplement). We also provide first aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, and feminine hygiene products.
Aid #1: North Arch, mile 5.6
Aid #2: Mt Constitution, mile 10.7
Please label your bag with name/bib number/aid station location. We will have tarps (and duct tape/sharpies for labeling) set up at the start line where you can drop them off and our volunteers will transport them to the aid stations. We do our best to keep them dry, but if weather is bad we highly recommend using a waterproof bag (or putting all your things in ziploc baggies) inside the drop bag. Drop bags will come back once the sweeps come through the aid stations and they close down.
*If weather is bad, the park rangers may choose to close the gate to Mt Constitution and only aid station volunteers will be allowed to drive up the road. We'll make an announcement that morning if crews are not allowed.
All of our aid stations are stocked with PB&J, fresh fruit, salty chips, candy, pickles, cookies, Nuun electrolyte drink, and water. We will have gels, though not enough for runners to rely on ours (please bring your own and use ours to supplement). We also provide first aid supplies, sunscreen, bug spray, and feminine hygiene products.
Aid #1: North Arch, mile 5.6
- Cut Off: 11:00 am
- Crew Access: Yes
- Drop Bags: Yes
Aid #2: Mt Constitution, mile 10.7
- Cut Off: 1:30 pm
- Crew Access: Yes, unless there is snow or ice*
- Drop Bags: Yes
Please label your bag with name/bib number/aid station location. We will have tarps (and duct tape/sharpies for labeling) set up at the start line where you can drop them off and our volunteers will transport them to the aid stations. We do our best to keep them dry, but if weather is bad we highly recommend using a waterproof bag (or putting all your things in ziploc baggies) inside the drop bag. Drop bags will come back once the sweeps come through the aid stations and they close down.
*If weather is bad, the park rangers may choose to close the gate to Mt Constitution and only aid station volunteers will be allowed to drive up the road. We'll make an announcement that morning if crews are not allowed.
Course Maps/Description
We mark our race courses with yellow arrow signs and pink/yellow ribbon. There will be a sign at each junction or trail intersection with confidence ribbons at least every 3/4 mile. Click below to view/download the course map. Thanks to Sean Harrasser, of Wonderland Mapping, for his hard work creating these beautiful maps for us! Click here for turn by turn Course Directions.
We mark our race courses with yellow arrow signs and pink/yellow ribbon. There will be a sign at each junction or trail intersection with confidence ribbons at least every 3/4 mile. Click below to view/download the course map. Thanks to Sean Harrasser, of Wonderland Mapping, for his hard work creating these beautiful maps for us! Click here for turn by turn Course Directions.
| Orcas Island 25K Course Map |
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). 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.
- North Arch: 11:00 am
- Mt Constitution: 1:30 pm
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.
Cancellations
We understand things may come up and you may not be able to make it to the race. We do not offer refunds on race entries. Unfortunately we are not able to accept bib transfers for the 2020 Orcas 25K. Due to this reason, we will be extending the credit structure for the 2020 Orcas Island 25K ONLY. If you cancel at least 30 days prior to the race, you will receive a 75% credit and if you cancel 7-30 days prior to the race, you will receive a 50% credit. Like normal, no credits will be issued within a week of the race.
We understand things may come up and you may not be able to make it to the race. We do not offer refunds on race entries. Unfortunately we are not able to accept bib transfers for the 2020 Orcas 25K. Due to this reason, we will be extending the credit structure for the 2020 Orcas Island 25K ONLY. If you cancel at least 30 days prior to the race, you will receive a 75% credit and if you cancel 7-30 days prior to the race, you will receive a 50% credit. Like normal, no credits will be issued within a week of the race.
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 Orcas Island 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 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 Orcas Island 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 interested in volunteering for the race, please email volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com.
T-Shirts
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add them on during the registration process. There are two options, a technical Patagonia race shirt or a thrift store shirt, both printed with the race logo. If you did not add on a shirt during registration, you may purchase one here up until 45 days prior to the event.
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add them on during the registration process. There are two options, a technical Patagonia race shirt or a thrift store shirt, both printed with the race logo. If you did not add on a shirt during registration, you may purchase one here up until 45 days prior to the event.
Lodging
Bunkhouses
Moran State Park has a retreat center that Rainshadow will rent out for the weekend for some communal lodging good times, and a summer-camp-in-February sort of vibe. The bunkhouses are heated and each bunk has a mattress, but anyone staying there will need to bring bedding (sleeping bags, pillows, fuzzy bunny slippers, etc.) as well as soap/shampoo for the showers. The rental is $26/person and is good for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Per park rules, dogs are prohibited in the bunkhouses and in the main lodge at Camp Moran. Leashed dogs are welcome on the lawn at the finish area and on the trails.
Camping
There is limited camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served. Reservations can be made through the park. There is NO CAMPING at the start/finish area. This is a park regulation and obtaining our permits are contingent on us following this rule. We appreciate your support!
Local Lodging Specials
Bunkhouses
Moran State Park has a retreat center that Rainshadow will rent out for the weekend for some communal lodging good times, and a summer-camp-in-February sort of vibe. The bunkhouses are heated and each bunk has a mattress, but anyone staying there will need to bring bedding (sleeping bags, pillows, fuzzy bunny slippers, etc.) as well as soap/shampoo for the showers. The rental is $26/person and is good for both Friday and Saturday nights.
Per park rules, dogs are prohibited in the bunkhouses and in the main lodge at Camp Moran. Leashed dogs are welcome on the lawn at the finish area and on the trails.
Camping
There is limited camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served. Reservations can be made through the park. There is NO CAMPING at the start/finish area. This is a park regulation and obtaining our permits are contingent on us following this rule. We appreciate your support!
Local Lodging Specials
- The Rosario Resort & Spa is the closest hotel, just a couple miles from the race start and finish.
- Beach Haven Resort They would like to extend their midweek rates to the race weekends. They offer single cabins or family cabins that can accommodate 5-8 people. Email relax@beach-haven.com to book.
- Pebble Cove Farm Runners are eligible for 20% off a 2-night (or more) stay.
- Smuggler's Villa Located on the north shore of Orcas Island, runners are eligible for $50 off a 2-night minimum stay at one of their waterfront 2-bedroom vacation home and enjoy their hot tub and pool. Just ask for the "Rainshadow Race Discount."
- Doe Bay Resort & Retreat is offering a promo for all registered runners: 20% discount for anyone attending the race. Use the code RAINSHADOW when you make your reservation. The resort is about a 10-15 minute drive from Camp Moran (the race location) and offers cabins, yurts, camping, along with a spa and full restaurant.
- Kangaroo House Bed & Breakfast would like to offer 10% off Friday and Saturday nights or 20% off weekday stays if they call and reserve from their website. The stay comes with a delicious, homemade breakfast each morning and they will even make a "to go" breakfast on race morning!
- Otter's Pond Bed & Breakfast Just steps away from Moran State Park, they would like to offer 20% off your stay if you book directly with them. They offer king and queen suites, free chef prepared hot breakfasts, WIFI, and free parking.
- Inn at Ship Bay Located on the bluff with beautiful water views, they are offering 10% off any 2 night+ stay in their downstairs double occupancy state rooms. Be sure to mention Rainshadow when you make the reservation.
- Smuggler's Villa Resort offers comfy 2 bedroom waterfront vacation homes. Call 1-800-488-2097 to receive $50 off per night. Two night minimum, no smoking, no pets.
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 The Pine Hearts. 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 The Pine Hearts. 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.
CARPOOLING
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
- Click this link and scan the spreadsheet to find compatible folks to carpool with;
- Contact those folks or...
- If you don't see what you're looking for enter your own details and contact info.
Photos/Results
All of the past race results can be found on UltraSignup. To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below:
All of the past race results can be found on UltraSignup. To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below:
Questions? The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races are James Varner and Elizabeth Reese.