orcas island 25k
[SATURDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2017 // Orcas island, WA]
​2017 Results     2017 Photos

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. These are the oldest of all the Rainshadow running races - Races that will leave you wondering: Why run anywhere else?

Questions? The race director for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races is James Varner
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com.

2017 results here, and all previous years' results can be found via UltraSignup. 
​Scroll down for links to 25k race recaps and race photos from Glenn Tachiyama!


Timeline

Friday January 27th 
  • 5:30-9:00 pm: Bunkhouse check-in at Camp Moran (no race check-in, but pre-ordered shirts can be picked up at this time)
  • 6:00-8:00 pm: Pre-race pasta feed at Camp Moran Buy Tickets Here

Saturday January 28th
  • 7:30-8:50 am: Check in at Camp Moran State Park (you can also pick up your Patagonia and thrift store shirt at this time, all other add-ons can be picked up after the race) DONT FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID!
  • 9:00 am: 25K Starts at Camp Moran State Park; runners will have 6 hours to complete the 25k course.
  • 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

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.  

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.  Their winter sailing dates will be announced July 19, 2016.  Follow this link to book your trip via Washington State Ferries: secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx

Parking is limited at Moran, so we highly encourage carpooling.  

Aid Stations/Drop Bags/Crews

There are two fully stocked aid stations for the 25K; North Arch at mile 5.6 and Mt Constitution at mile 10.7.

Runners may have drop bags at both locations.  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. 

Crews and spectators are allowed at both aid station locations, though 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

Below are the course maps, course description and elevation profile, and you can find a course description here. 

Lodging

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 pre- and post-race party feel. The bunkhouses are heated and each bunk has a mattress, but anyone staying there will need to bring bedding (sheets, sleeping bags, pillows, fuzzy bunny slippers, etc.), and anything else you might want for the weekend. Anyone staying in the bunkhouses should also bring a headlamp, or two, as being able to see where you're going in the dark is highly recommended. 

Follow this link to buy bunkhouse lodging for the weekend: https://ultrasignup.com/shopping.aspx?did=40083 

The Rosario Resort & Spa is the closest hotel,  only a couple miles from the race start and finish.  Click here to make your reservation now!

There is camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served.  There is NO CAMPING, including car 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! 

There are hotels in nearby Eastsound as well as numerous Airbnb options.  Doe Bay Resort and Retreat is a short 5-10 minute drive from Moran State Park and offers tent camping, cabins, and year-round yurts.  

Post Race Party

Just like at any Rainshadow race, we will have plenty of wood-fired pizza provided by Pizza Jim and co., a slew of tasty foods, local beer provided by Island Hoppin' Brewery, and bluegrass  music courtesy of Seattle bluegrass band, Dysfunction Junction.  

All runners and volunteers eat and drink for free the day they are paticipating.  Friends and family who would like to partake in the post-race goodies will need to purchase a food bracelet.  You can buy them in advance for $10, or day -of for $15.  Click here to buy tickets.
To get to Orcas Island you'll need to take a ferry from Anacortes, WA, or a neighboring island. 
You can check winter ferry schedules, and schedule a reservation for the ferry boat you'd prefer (highly recommended) via this link.
Once on the ferry, though, these directions should help get you to the race.

orcas island 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.
2017
Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos
Jeremy Wolf's(3rd place overall) Race Video

2016
Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos
Michael Miller's report

2015
Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos

2014
Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos
Bill Sepeda's Report

2012
Martin Taylor's photos
Mike McQuaide's blog/photos
Ryan Roy's photos
Ingunn Markiewicz report
Christopher Baker's report