yakima skyline rim 50k
Saturday apr 20th, 2019 8:00 am
yakima river canyon, wa
COURSE OVERVIEW
The Yakima Skyline 50K takes place outside of Ellensburg, WA near the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area on Canyon Rd. On the eastern side of the Cascade mountains, this out and back course is located in a beautiful high desert, rainshadow region of the area. The race is exposed, hot, and dry! And with nearly 10,000 feet of elevation gain, it's a tough 50K that some have described feels more like a 50 miler. Expect stunning views of the canyon and of the Yakima river below as well as views of Mt Rainier and the Cascades off in the distance. There are quad burning climbs, screaming downhills, and rolling ridgelines along fields of wildflowers.
Questions? The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races is James Varner and Elizabeth Resse.
The Yakima Skyline 50K takes place outside of Ellensburg, WA near the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area on Canyon Rd. On the eastern side of the Cascade mountains, this out and back course is located in a beautiful high desert, rainshadow region of the area. The race is exposed, hot, and dry! And with nearly 10,000 feet of elevation gain, it's a tough 50K that some have described feels more like a 50 miler. Expect stunning views of the canyon and of the Yakima river below as well as views of Mt Rainier and the Cascades off in the distance. There are quad burning climbs, screaming downhills, and rolling ridgelines along fields of wildflowers.
Questions? The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races is James Varner and Elizabeth Resse.
CHECK-IN
Saturday April 20th
6:30-7:55 am: Bib pick-up ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF 32 OZ WATER IN ORDER TO PICK UP BIB
7:55 am: Pre-race briefing
8:00 am: 50K starts
12:30 pm: Cut-off at Buffalo Road, mile 15.5
3:00 pm: Cut-off at Roza Creek, mile 23
AID STATIONS
The 50K will have 3 fully stocked aid stations;
All Rainshadow Running aid stations feature water, GU brew, various kinds of soda, fresh fruit, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and wraps, candy, and pickles. We will have an assortment of gels, but please come prepared with what you think you need for race day and do not plan to rely on gels provided at the aid stations.
DROP BAGS/CREW ACCESS/DOGS
Runners will have drop bag access at the Buffalo Road aid station at mile 15.5. The Roza Creek aid station is a raft-in aid station and will not have any drop bag access. There is no crew access at any point on this course, including Buffalo Road. Our permits are strict and limit our event to only volunteer and staff vehicles at the Buffalo Road aid station. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping in compliance with our permitting agencies. Dogs are allowed on the course, but please note that there is NO water access for your dogs and it gets very hot. Well behaved dogs are welcome at the start/finish area. There is river access at the finish area, but please be aware that the water is quite swift. Please keep an eye on dogs and children (we have no lifeguard on duty).
WATER REQUIREMENT
All runners are required to carry at least 32 ounces of water during the race. You will be required to show your water before you are allowed to pick up your bib. This course is hot, dry, and very exposed. This rule is for your safety and we appreciate everyone's cooperation. Runners found running without the water requirement will be disqualified.
CUT-OFF TIMES/DROPS
Runners will have 9 hours to complete the course. The cut off times are when runners need to be leaving the aid station, not arriving by. If you need to drop on the course, you MUST do so at the Roza Creek or Buffalo Road aid stations and let the captain of the aid station know you are dropping. It's also very helpful if you can let the finish/timing crew know that you are dropping as well. If you drop at Roza Creek, you will need to be rafted across the river which means you'll wait until the guides are able to take you.
CANCELLATIONS/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. The transfer is a two step process and needs to be completed by both the original runner and the recipient. If the recipient fails to properly complete the transfer and we do not have their electronically signed waiver on race day, they will not be allowed to run. If you are unsure if your registration went through, check the entrants list right away on Ultra Signup and if you are still unsure, please email us AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE THE RACE.
COURSE MAPS/ELEVATION PROFILE
Below are the course maps and elevation profile (9,500 feet of gain and 9,500 feet of loss!), and you can find a course description here.
Click below to see the course map, beautifully crafted by Wonderland Mapping.
Saturday April 20th
6:30-7:55 am: Bib pick-up ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF 32 OZ WATER IN ORDER TO PICK UP BIB
7:55 am: Pre-race briefing
8:00 am: 50K starts
12:30 pm: Cut-off at Buffalo Road, mile 15.5
3:00 pm: Cut-off at Roza Creek, mile 23
AID STATIONS
The 50K will have 3 fully stocked aid stations;
- Roza Creek mile 8
- Buffalo Road mile 15.5
- Roza Creek mile 23
All Rainshadow Running aid stations feature water, GU brew, various kinds of soda, fresh fruit, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and wraps, candy, and pickles. We will have an assortment of gels, but please come prepared with what you think you need for race day and do not plan to rely on gels provided at the aid stations.
DROP BAGS/CREW ACCESS/DOGS
Runners will have drop bag access at the Buffalo Road aid station at mile 15.5. The Roza Creek aid station is a raft-in aid station and will not have any drop bag access. There is no crew access at any point on this course, including Buffalo Road. Our permits are strict and limit our event to only volunteer and staff vehicles at the Buffalo Road aid station. We appreciate your cooperation in keeping in compliance with our permitting agencies. Dogs are allowed on the course, but please note that there is NO water access for your dogs and it gets very hot. Well behaved dogs are welcome at the start/finish area. There is river access at the finish area, but please be aware that the water is quite swift. Please keep an eye on dogs and children (we have no lifeguard on duty).
WATER REQUIREMENT
All runners are required to carry at least 32 ounces of water during the race. You will be required to show your water before you are allowed to pick up your bib. This course is hot, dry, and very exposed. This rule is for your safety and we appreciate everyone's cooperation. Runners found running without the water requirement will be disqualified.
CUT-OFF TIMES/DROPS
Runners will have 9 hours to complete the course. The cut off times are when runners need to be leaving the aid station, not arriving by. If you need to drop on the course, you MUST do so at the Roza Creek or Buffalo Road aid stations and let the captain of the aid station know you are dropping. It's also very helpful if you can let the finish/timing crew know that you are dropping as well. If you drop at Roza Creek, you will need to be rafted across the river which means you'll wait until the guides are able to take you.
CANCELLATIONS/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. The transfer is a two step process and needs to be completed by both the original runner and the recipient. If the recipient fails to properly complete the transfer and we do not have their electronically signed waiver on race day, they will not be allowed to run. If you are unsure if your registration went through, check the entrants list right away on Ultra Signup and if you are still unsure, please email us AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE THE RACE.
COURSE MAPS/ELEVATION PROFILE
Below are the course maps and elevation profile (9,500 feet of gain and 9,500 feet of loss!), and you can find a course description here.
Click below to see the course map, beautifully crafted by Wonderland Mapping.
| Yakima Skyline 50k Map |
| Yakima Skyline 50k GPX File |
| Yakima Skyline50k Course Description |
POST RACE PARTY
It wouldn't be a Rainshadow Running race without the post race party. We will have wood-fired pizza from Pizza Rocks, a big spread of snacks, cold brew coffee provided by series sponsor, Tony's coffee, local beer, and live bluegrass music courtesy of Dysfunction Junction.
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.
LODGING/CAMPING
The start and finish line of the race is next to the Umtanum Recreation Area, but on private land, so we can offer free tent and small RV (max 25 feet) camping/parking to race participants on Friday and Saturday nights. There will be portable toilets set up, but there is no water (unless you filter from the river). We will have water on race morning and post race, but campers will need to bring their own water and food for the remainder of the weekend. Folks with medium and large sized RVs should plan to camp at one of the various nearby campgrounds as we do not have unlimited space for RVs and the road is a bit narrow and can be rough in places.
There are a handful of campgrounds on Yakima River Road that are all within 15 minutes from the start/finish:
Big Pines
Lluma
Roza
Each campground is first come/first served. Click here for more information.
Additional lodging is available both in Ellensburg, WA and Yakima, WA, both which are approximately 20-25 minutes from the start/finish area.
Note: PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE UMTANUM RECREATION DAY-USE AREA. We have plenty of parking on the private land just behind the recreation area, and we need to leave the recreation area open for day users. There will be EVENT PARKING signs on either side of the Yakima Canyon Road directing runners and spectators into the start/finish area.
It wouldn't be a Rainshadow Running race without the post race party. We will have wood-fired pizza from Pizza Rocks, a big spread of snacks, cold brew coffee provided by series sponsor, Tony's coffee, local beer, and live bluegrass music courtesy of Dysfunction Junction.
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.
LODGING/CAMPING
The start and finish line of the race is next to the Umtanum Recreation Area, but on private land, so we can offer free tent and small RV (max 25 feet) camping/parking to race participants on Friday and Saturday nights. There will be portable toilets set up, but there is no water (unless you filter from the river). We will have water on race morning and post race, but campers will need to bring their own water and food for the remainder of the weekend. Folks with medium and large sized RVs should plan to camp at one of the various nearby campgrounds as we do not have unlimited space for RVs and the road is a bit narrow and can be rough in places.
There are a handful of campgrounds on Yakima River Road that are all within 15 minutes from the start/finish:
Big Pines
Lluma
Roza
Each campground is first come/first served. Click here for more information.
Additional lodging is available both in Ellensburg, WA and Yakima, WA, both which are approximately 20-25 minutes from the start/finish area.
Note: PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE UMTANUM RECREATION DAY-USE AREA. We have plenty of parking on the private land just behind the recreation area, and we need to leave the recreation area open for day users. There will be EVENT PARKING signs on either side of the Yakima Canyon Road directing runners and spectators into the start/finish area.
The 50k starts and finishes on private property adjacent to the Umtanum Recreation Area, in the Yakima River Canyon, between Ellensburg and Yakima. Driving directions. Once you make the turn into Umtanum Rec Area, you'll head through a gate to the new start/finish.
yakima carpooling
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
- Click this link and scan the spreadsheet to find compatible folks to carpool with;
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2018
50K Results
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Race Report by James Holk
2017
50K Results
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
2016
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
50k Race Report by Denzil Jennings
2015
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Time-lapse video of the Buffalo Road Aid Station by Joe Williams
50k Race Report by Kevin Smythe
50k Race Report by Luke Distelhorst
50k Race Report by Christopher Barry
2014
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Official Race Video by Project Talaria
Time-lapse video of the Buffalo Road Aid Station by Ross Comer
Finish-line video of The Pine Hearts by Chelsea Anne
50k Race Report by Connor Meakin [Men's second place]
Illustrated 50k Race Report by Adam Hewey of Team Seven Hills
50k Race Report by Trail to 50
50k Race Report by Chelsea Anne
50k Race Report by Aaron Stewart
2013
Race Video by Project Talaria
Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Photos by Paul Nelson
Photos by Ross Comer
Photos by Candice Burt
Photos by Jay Kacey
Photos by Jerry "Missing Link" Gamez
Photos by Seth Wolpin
Timelapse Video at Buffalo Aid Station by Ross Comer [Special thanks to Bob Marley]
Report by Loren Buchanan
Report by Adam Hewey
Report by Chase Parnell
Report by Alicia Woodside
Report by volunteer Tim Mathis
Report by volunteer Martin Criminale [Includes videos from both 50k and 25k starts]
Report by Seth Wolpin
2012
Report by Yitka Winn [Associate Editor of Trail Runner Magazine]
Report by Laura Kantor
Report by Susan Kelley
2011
Ofificial race photos by Matt Hagen
50K Results
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Race Report by James Holk
2017
50K Results
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
2016
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
50k Race Report by Denzil Jennings
2015
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Time-lapse video of the Buffalo Road Aid Station by Joe Williams
50k Race Report by Kevin Smythe
50k Race Report by Luke Distelhorst
50k Race Report by Christopher Barry
2014
Official Race Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Official Race Video by Project Talaria
Time-lapse video of the Buffalo Road Aid Station by Ross Comer
Finish-line video of The Pine Hearts by Chelsea Anne
50k Race Report by Connor Meakin [Men's second place]
Illustrated 50k Race Report by Adam Hewey of Team Seven Hills
50k Race Report by Trail to 50
50k Race Report by Chelsea Anne
50k Race Report by Aaron Stewart
2013
Race Video by Project Talaria
Photos by Glenn Tachiyama
Photos by Paul Nelson
Photos by Ross Comer
Photos by Candice Burt
Photos by Jay Kacey
Photos by Jerry "Missing Link" Gamez
Photos by Seth Wolpin
Timelapse Video at Buffalo Aid Station by Ross Comer [Special thanks to Bob Marley]
Report by Loren Buchanan
Report by Adam Hewey
Report by Chase Parnell
Report by Alicia Woodside
Report by volunteer Tim Mathis
Report by volunteer Martin Criminale [Includes videos from both 50k and 25k starts]
Report by Seth Wolpin
2012
Report by Yitka Winn [Associate Editor of Trail Runner Magazine]
Report by Laura Kantor
Report by Susan Kelley
2011
Ofificial race photos by Matt Hagen