orcas island 25k
saturday january 26th, 2019
environmental learning center // moran state park // 9:00 am
sold out // no wait list
click here for cancellation policy/info on bib transfers
2018 RESULTS 2018 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 and Elizabeth Reese.
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!
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 July 15th and 25th. Once the lottery is closed, we will draw names and announce the entrants list no later than August 18th. 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.
GROUP REGISTRATION
We offer a group option for runners who want to ensure everyone in their party gets into the race together. Everyone interested in being part of a group registration will register via Ultrasignup and will select the GROUP option. You will type in the group name your party has selected. That group will get ONE ticket for the lottery. If the group name is drawn, everyone registered under that group name will get into the race. If that group name is not drawn, NO ONE registered under that group name will get into the race. This option was created for those who might be traveling from far away and would not want to run the race if their friend/family member did not get in.
VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers from 2018 will receive an automatic lottery bypass for 2019. Our volunteer coordinator has your name on a spreadsheet, so register like normal for the race and we will hand select your name before the random draw. The volunteer bypass is good for all distances. If you volunteered for the 50K last year, you can register for the 25K and still receive a bypass and vice versa.
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com.
QUESTIONS? THE RACE DIRECTORS FOR THIS AND ALL RAINSHADOW RUNNING RACES IS JAMES VARNER and ELIZABETH REESE.
Questions? The race director for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races is James Varner and Elizabeth Reese.
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!
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 July 15th and 25th. Once the lottery is closed, we will draw names and announce the entrants list no later than August 18th. 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.
GROUP REGISTRATION
We offer a group option for runners who want to ensure everyone in their party gets into the race together. Everyone interested in being part of a group registration will register via Ultrasignup and will select the GROUP option. You will type in the group name your party has selected. That group will get ONE ticket for the lottery. If the group name is drawn, everyone registered under that group name will get into the race. If that group name is not drawn, NO ONE registered under that group name will get into the race. This option was created for those who might be traveling from far away and would not want to run the race if their friend/family member did not get in.
VOLUNTEERS
All volunteers from 2018 will receive an automatic lottery bypass for 2019. Our volunteer coordinator has your name on a spreadsheet, so register like normal for the race and we will hand select your name before the random draw. The volunteer bypass is good for all distances. If you volunteered for the 50K last year, you can register for the 25K and still receive a bypass and vice versa.
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com.
QUESTIONS? THE RACE DIRECTORS FOR THIS AND ALL RAINSHADOW RUNNING RACES IS JAMES VARNER and ELIZABETH REESE.
Timeline
Friday January 25th
- 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
Saturday January 26th
- 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) 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. Runners who are staying in the bunkhouse do not need a Discover Pass, it is included in your overnight fee.
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 are available on the WSDOT website. 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.
Our race series is cup-less, which means we do not have disposable cups at our aid stations. Please pack your own or bring $5 to purchase a soft reusable cup at the race. Our finish line is also cup-less so do not forget a mug to enjoy post race beverages!
Course Maps/Description
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
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 |
Cancellation Policy/Bib Transfers
We understand things come up and you may not be able to make the race. We are unable to offer refunds for any of our races, but you have options to either transfer your bib to another runner or cancel your registration and receive a partial credit that can be applied to any Rainshadow race in the next year. Click here for complete instructions on bib transfers/registration cancellations and how much credit you are eligible for.
Please remember that all bib transfers need to be completed (by both parties) at least 7 days prior to race day. Please read the instructions carefully to ensure you complete all the necessary steps. If you show up on race day without completing the bib transfer process, you will not be permitted to run the race.
T-Shirts & Other Add Ons
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners had the option to add them on during the registration process. There are two options, a long-sleeved technical race shirt or a thrift store shirt, both printed with the race logo.
If you did not add on a t-shirt during registration and would like to do so now, you have until 45 days prior to the race to purchase one. Click here to purchase a race shirt (link also includes options to add on bunkhouse lodging and/or pre-race dinner Friday night).
Snow Alternate Route
If there is too much snow to safely drive up Mt Constitution Rd to at least Cold Springs Trailhead we'll have to use our snow alternate route instead of the normal route. Click here for more details
We understand things come up and you may not be able to make the race. We are unable to offer refunds for any of our races, but you have options to either transfer your bib to another runner or cancel your registration and receive a partial credit that can be applied to any Rainshadow race in the next year. Click here for complete instructions on bib transfers/registration cancellations and how much credit you are eligible for.
Please remember that all bib transfers need to be completed (by both parties) at least 7 days prior to race day. Please read the instructions carefully to ensure you complete all the necessary steps. If you show up on race day without completing the bib transfer process, you will not be permitted to run the race.
T-Shirts & Other Add Ons
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners had the option to add them on during the registration process. There are two options, a long-sleeved technical race shirt or a thrift store shirt, both printed with the race logo.
If you did not add on a t-shirt during registration and would like to do so now, you have until 45 days prior to the race to purchase one. Click here to purchase a race shirt (link also includes options to add on bunkhouse lodging and/or pre-race dinner Friday night).
Snow Alternate Route
If there is too much snow to safely drive up Mt Constitution Rd to at least Cold Springs Trailhead we'll have to use our snow alternate route instead of the normal route. Click here for more details
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.
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.
The bunkhouse rental is $26/person and is good for both Friday and Saturday nights. The online ordering has been turned off, but there is still room, so if you would like to reserve a bed in the bunkhouse, please email Elizabeth at info@rainshadowrunning.com.
There is limited camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served, most of the open spots are in the midway loop, on the water side. 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!
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!
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat is a short 5-10 minute drive from Moran State Park and they are offering 20% off a 2-night stay to any runner who books accommodations during any of the Orcas races. Simply enter RAINSHADOW at checkout to redeem this special offer. Doe Bay is also offering a free pass to the spa for all registered runners. Present your bib at the spa desk for your free entry (all overnight guests have access to the spa included with their stay). Doe Bay is also offering the following promo for in house massages:
$15 off any 60 minute massage
Promo code: Rainshadow60
$30 off any 90 minute massage
Promo code: Rainshadow90
This can be done online or by calling in directly to the spa at 360-376-2291.
Cancellation/Bib Transfers
We do not offer refunds for any of our races, but runners have the option to cancel their registration (up to 7 days prior to the race) to receive a partial credit. Please click here to view our cancellation policy, including rolling over your registration or receiving partial credit towards a future Rainshadow race.
Runners also have the option to sell or give away their bib. All transfers must be completed 7 days prior to race day. Click here to view our policies page with instructions on how to transfer your bib. We have created a bib transfer spreadsheet where people can connect with other runners who are looking to buy or sell a bib.
Post Race Party
We will have homemade pizza cooking all day courtesy of Pizza Rocks (gluten and vegan options available), local beer provided by Fort George Brewery, and bluegrass music courtesy of Seattle bluegrass band, The Pine Hearts.
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.
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.
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.
The bunkhouse rental is $26/person and is good for both Friday and Saturday nights. The online ordering has been turned off, but there is still room, so if you would like to reserve a bed in the bunkhouse, please email Elizabeth at info@rainshadowrunning.com.
There is limited camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served, most of the open spots are in the midway loop, on the water side. 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!
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!
Doe Bay Resort and Retreat is a short 5-10 minute drive from Moran State Park and they are offering 20% off a 2-night stay to any runner who books accommodations during any of the Orcas races. Simply enter RAINSHADOW at checkout to redeem this special offer. Doe Bay is also offering a free pass to the spa for all registered runners. Present your bib at the spa desk for your free entry (all overnight guests have access to the spa included with their stay). Doe Bay is also offering the following promo for in house massages:
$15 off any 60 minute massage
Promo code: Rainshadow60
$30 off any 90 minute massage
Promo code: Rainshadow90
This can be done online or by calling in directly to the spa at 360-376-2291.
Cancellation/Bib Transfers
We do not offer refunds for any of our races, but runners have the option to cancel their registration (up to 7 days prior to the race) to receive a partial credit. Please click here to view our cancellation policy, including rolling over your registration or receiving partial credit towards a future Rainshadow race.
Runners also have the option to sell or give away their bib. All transfers must be completed 7 days prior to race day. Click here to view our policies page with instructions on how to transfer your bib. We have created a bib transfer spreadsheet where people can connect with other runners who are looking to buy or sell a bib.
Post Race Party
We will have homemade pizza cooking all day courtesy of Pizza Rocks (gluten and vegan options available), local beer provided by Fort George Brewery, and bluegrass music courtesy of Seattle bluegrass band, The Pine Hearts.
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.
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.
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.
2018
Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos
Maria Dalzot's (1st Female) Race Report
Michael C Millers's Race Report
Dani Reese's Race Report
Kay Downes-Allen Race Report
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
Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos
Maria Dalzot's (1st Female) Race Report
Michael C Millers's Race Report
Dani Reese's Race Report
Kay Downes-Allen Race Report
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