yakima skyline rim 50k
Saturday april 18th, 2020 8:00 am
yakima river canyon, wa
2019 Results // 2019 race photos
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.
Distance: 50K
Elevation Gain: 9,500 feet
Price: $115
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.
Distance: 50K
Elevation Gain: 9,500 feet
Price: $115
DRIVING DIRECTIONS
The race starts and finishes on private, riverfront property near the Umtanum Recreation Area, about 15 miles east of Ellensburg and 20 miles west of Yakima, Washington. There will be event parking signs on either side of Canyon River Road to help direct you to the start area. DO NOT PARK IN THE UMTANUM REC DAY-USE AREA. There is plenty of race parking on the private property and we need to leave the recreation area open for other day users.
Click here for driving directions.
The race starts and finishes on private, riverfront property near the Umtanum Recreation Area, about 15 miles east of Ellensburg and 20 miles west of Yakima, Washington. There will be event parking signs on either side of Canyon River Road to help direct you to the start area. DO NOT PARK IN THE UMTANUM REC DAY-USE AREA. There is plenty of race parking on the private property and we need to leave the recreation area open for other day users.
Click here for driving directions.
TIMELINE
Saturday April 18th
6:30 am: Bib pick-up
7:50 am: Pre-race briefing
8:00 am: 50K starts
10:40 am: Cut off at Roza Creek, mile 8
12:30 pm: Cut off at Buffalo Road, mile 15.5
3:00 pm: Cut off at Roza Creek, mile 23
*ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF 32 OZ WATER IN ORDER TO PICK UP BIB
Saturday April 18th
6:30 am: Bib pick-up
7:50 am: Pre-race briefing
8:00 am: 50K starts
10:40 am: Cut off at Roza Creek, mile 8
12:30 pm: Cut off at Buffalo Road, mile 15.5
3:00 pm: Cut off at Roza Creek, mile 23
*ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID AND PROOF OF 32 OZ WATER IN ORDER TO PICK UP BIB
AID STATIONS
The 50K will have 3 fully stocked aid stations;
All Rainshadow Running aid stations feature water, Nuun electrolyte drink, 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. Each aid station will also have a first aid kit, feminine hygiene products, and sunscreen for issues that arise on the course.
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, Nuun electrolyte drink, 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. Each aid station will also have a first aid kit, feminine hygiene products, and sunscreen for issues that arise on the course.
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.
The Roza Creek aid station requires a boat ride across the river, so unless there is an injury or issue requiring medical attention, anyone who chooses to drop at this location may have to wait until the aid station closes to be rafted out.
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.
- 10:40 am: Roza Creek, mile 8
- 12:30 pm: Buffalo Road, mile 15.5
- 3:00 pm: Roza Creek, mile 23
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.
The Roza Creek aid station requires a boat ride across the river, so unless there is an injury or issue requiring medical attention, anyone who chooses to drop at this location may have to wait until the aid station closes to be rafted out.
DROP BAGS
Runners who would like to have a drop bag with personal supplies (specific foods/drinks, extra clothes, dry socks, etc) at the halfway aid station (Buffalo Road) can do so and leave their bag at the check in area. We will have a tarp set up, 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 Buffalo Road and we ask that you keep them 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.
There is no drop bag access at Roza Creek (as all supplies have to be rafted in).
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 halfway aid station (Buffalo Road) can do so and leave their bag at the check in area. We will have a tarp set up, 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 Buffalo Road and we ask that you keep them 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.
There is no drop bag access at Roza Creek (as all supplies have to be rafted in).
Drop bags come back to the finish area once the aid station is closed for the day.
CREW ACCESS/DOGS
There is no crew access at any point on this course. Our permits are strict and limit our event to only volunteer and staff vehicles at the Buffalo Road aid station. Crews who park at the Buffalo Road aid station put their runner at risk of disqualification. 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 dog and it gets very hot. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet. This includes carrying the poo bag off the trails and into a trash can (there are no trail fairies picking up bags left on the side of the trail).
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. Keep an eye on dogs and children (we have no lifeguard on duty).
There is no crew access at any point on this course. Our permits are strict and limit our event to only volunteer and staff vehicles at the Buffalo Road aid station. Crews who park at the Buffalo Road aid station put their runner at risk of disqualification. 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 dog and it gets very hot. Dog owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pet. This includes carrying the poo bag off the trails and into a trash can (there are no trail fairies picking up bags left on the side of the trail).
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. 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. This does not mean that you need to have 32 ounces of water on your person at all times, it means you need to start the race with that much water and must have the ability to carry 32 ounces for the duration of the race. The idea is that you will be drinking your water and then refilling at each aid station.
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. This does not mean that you need to have 32 ounces of water on your person at all times, it means you need to start the race with that much water and must have the ability to carry 32 ounces for the duration of the race. The idea is that you will be drinking your water and then refilling at each aid station.
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.
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.
| Yakima Skyline 50K Map |
| Yakima Skyline 50k GPX File |
| Yakima Skyline50k Course Description |
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! 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 Elizabeth.
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! 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 Elizabeth.
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.
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 soft and comfy cotton-blend tee, both printed with the race logo. If you did not add on a shirt during registration, you may purchase one on the store page 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 soft and comfy cotton-blend tee, both printed with the race logo. If you did not add on a shirt during registration, you may purchase one on the store page until 45 days prior to the event.
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.
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 is no power or hook ups.
If you are arriving Friday night, there will be event parking signs set up to help direct you onto the property and dispersed camping is available anywhere besides the roped off areas.
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 which are approximately 20-25 minutes from the start/finish area.
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 is no power or hook ups.
If you are arriving Friday night, there will be event parking signs set up to help direct you onto the property and dispersed camping is available anywhere besides the roped off areas.
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 which are approximately 20-25 minutes from the start/finish area.
CARPOOLING
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
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.