deception pass 50K & 25k
DecemBER 11TH & 12TH, 2021 oak harbor, WA
50K Entrants(as of 11/1) 25K Entrants(as of 11/1)
Overview
Taking place at Deception Pass State Park which is named for the narrow and dramatic channel of water that separates Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in the northern Puget Sound. The area is famous for it's rugged coastline, steep cliffs, dense forests and great views. The race covers just about every inch of the park, running at times right at sea level and other times high above on bluffs and hills and twice crosses the pass itself via the historic Deception Pass Bridge which sits about 180 feet above the water. There are no mountains or long climbs like many of our other Rainshadow Running Races but make no mistake Deception Pass races are still tough with it's technical footing, narrow, twisty trails and at times steep grades. They maybe be some of our faster courses but it's still a good challenge!
Taking place at Deception Pass State Park which is named for the narrow and dramatic channel of water that separates Whidbey and Fidalgo Islands in the northern Puget Sound. The area is famous for it's rugged coastline, steep cliffs, dense forests and great views. The race covers just about every inch of the park, running at times right at sea level and other times high above on bluffs and hills and twice crosses the pass itself via the historic Deception Pass Bridge which sits about 180 feet above the water. There are no mountains or long climbs like many of our other Rainshadow Running Races but make no mistake Deception Pass races are still tough with it's technical footing, narrow, twisty trails and at times steep grades. They maybe be some of our faster courses but it's still a good challenge!
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Distance: 50K
Date: Saturday December 11th Elevation Gain: 4,300 ft Elevation Loss: 4,300 ft Aid Stations: 5 Cutoff Time: 8 hours Price: $120 |
Distance: 25K
Date: Sunday December 12th Elevation Gain: 3,000 ft Elevation Loss: 3,000 ft Aid Stations: 2 Cutoff Time: 6 hours Price: $95 |
Distance: 1K Fun Run
Date: Sunday December 12th Elevation Gain: 30 ft Elevation Loss: 30 ft Aid Stations: 0 Cutoff Time: unlimited Price: Free for All Kids |
Timeline
Monday August 16th - Lottery Registration Opens
Monday August 23rd - Lottery Winners announced
Saturday December 11th - 50K
Monday August 16th - Lottery Registration Opens
- 12:01 am
- 11:59 pm
Monday August 23rd - Lottery Winners announced
- TBD
Saturday December 11th - 50K
- 7:00 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 7:45 to 8:30 am: 50K Starting Waves
- 10:30 am: Cut off at Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 (second time through)
- 1:30 pm: Cut off at Cornet, mile 21.4 (second time through)
- 3:25 pm: Cut off at Cornet, mile 28.2 (third time through)
- 8:00 am: Runner Check-in Begins at West Point Amphitheater (DON'T FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID)
- 8:30 am: Kids 1K Race Start
- 9:00 to 9:45 am: 25K Race Starting Waves
- 12:15 pm Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 (second time through)
COVID Plans
Now that Washington has eased many restrictions we have adjusted our COVID safety plans to be more relaxed but still somewhat cautious:
Now that Washington has eased many restrictions we have adjusted our COVID safety plans to be more relaxed but still somewhat cautious:
- Encouraging everyone to get vaccinated
- Asking that if you're sick that you stay home
- Keeping everyone as spread out as possible by either keeping races small or using "wave starts"
- Encouraging everyone(runners, volunteers, friends and family) to stay 6 feet or more apart from folks outside of their household whenever possible.
- Asking everyone(runners, volunteers, friends and family) to wear masks when they can't stay more than 6ft apart from those outside of their household, especially when in vehicles.
- Reducing contact of surfaces and increased cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces.
- Asking everyone to use hand sanitizer(or wear gloves) frequently.
- Having volunteers use gloves and masks whenever preparing or handling food and drinks.
- Asking runners, when in aid stations, to move away from the food and fluid areas to eat and drink or to take on the trail with them.
- Limited post-race party
- We ask that runners keep the numbers of crew/friend/family members to a minimum, ideally they're all from the same household.
Driving Directions
To get to the start/finish area at West Point Amphitheater at Deception Pass State Park, these directions should help. Please park in the West Beach parking lot. The amphitheater is just to the east of the parking lot. Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass.
No overnight parking or camping at the West Beach Parking lot/start/finish area(see below for camping options).
To get to the start/finish area at West Point Amphitheater at Deception Pass State Park, these directions should help. Please park in the West Beach parking lot. The amphitheater is just to the east of the parking lot. Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, there is a kiosk in the park where you can purchase a day pass or an annual pass. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass.
No overnight parking or camping at the West Beach Parking lot/start/finish area(see below for camping options).
Course Details
The course will be well marked with yellow and black arrow signs at each junction and pink/yellow confidence ribbons every 1/2 mile or so. Both races start at the West Point Amphitheater and run out along Cranberry Lake and run for about 1 mile on paved park roads before getting on single track trail. Both courses are mostly single track trails, sometimes smooth trail but just as often they're rocky and or rooty. The hills are relatively short but can be steep at times.
The 50k starts out the same way as the 25k course but after going up and over Goose Rock the 50k does two lollipop-shaped loops in the Hoypus area before heading back to the finish.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Kids 1K Fun Run course is a loop that runs partly through Cranberry Lake Campground(closed for the season) and partly on North Beach and finishes the same way as the 25k and 50k race courses.
The course will be well marked with yellow and black arrow signs at each junction and pink/yellow confidence ribbons every 1/2 mile or so. Both races start at the West Point Amphitheater and run out along Cranberry Lake and run for about 1 mile on paved park roads before getting on single track trail. Both courses are mostly single track trails, sometimes smooth trail but just as often they're rocky and or rooty. The hills are relatively short but can be steep at times.
The 50k starts out the same way as the 25k course but after going up and over Goose Rock the 50k does two lollipop-shaped loops in the Hoypus area before heading back to the finish.
Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
Kids 1K Fun Run course is a loop that runs partly through Cranberry Lake Campground(closed for the season) and partly on North Beach and finishes the same way as the 25k and 50k race courses.
Aid Stations
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3
Cornet mile 14.6
Cornet, mile 21.4
Cornet, mile 28.2
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3
Each aid station will be stocked with water, Nuun electrolyte drink, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips, pickles, and assorted cookies or candy. We will have a variety of gels, but we do ask that you only use those to supplement what you are providing for yourself. There will also be first aid supplies and feminine hygiene products for issues that arise on the course.
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3
Cornet mile 14.6
Cornet, mile 21.4
Cornet, mile 28.2
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3
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.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5 -- No Cutoff
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 -- 10:30am
Cornet mile 14.6 -- No Cutoff
Cornet, mile 21.4 -- 1:30pm
Cornet, mile 28.2 -- 3:25pm
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5 -- No Cutoff
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 -- 12:15pm
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.
50K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5 -- No Cutoff
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 -- 10:30am
Cornet mile 14.6 -- No Cutoff
Cornet, mile 21.4 -- 1:30pm
Cornet, mile 28.2 -- 3:25pm
25K:
Bowman Bay, mile 5.5 -- No Cutoff
Bowman Bay, mile 7.3 -- 12:15pm
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.
Drop Bags
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers of clothing, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
Runners can have drop bags at each of the aid stations: Bowman Bay for the 50K and 25K; Cornet for just the 50K.
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
For those not familiar with drop bags, it's a way for you to have certain items at specific aid stations. If you like to have a certain kind of nutrition or specific brand of electrolyte, you can put those in your bag and restock at the aid station instead of carrying it the whole way. Some people leave extra layers of clothing, gloves or hats, or dry socks in their bags. Runners are responsible for providing their own bag.
Runners can have drop bags at each of the aid stations: Bowman Bay for the 50K and 25K; Cornet for just the 50K.
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Crew Access
Your friends and family can see you, cheer you on and support you at each of the aid stations but we do ask that they keep spread out and not get too close to the aid station tent/tables.
Driving Directions to Bowman Bay Aid Station:
From the start/finish parking lot drive back out to HWY 20 and turn left at the traffic light. Go across the bridge and turn right onto the first road on the right and then immediately turn right again and head down to the boat ramp/trailhead parking lot. The aid station should be easily spotted by the water/boat ramp.
Driving Directions to Cornet Aid Station:
From Bowman Bay aid station go back to HWY 20 and turn right, go across the bridge and turn right at the traffic light onto Cornet Bay Rd. Follow the road about 3 miles to the end of the road. The aid station is at the end of the road by the gate.
Getting aid from your friends and family out on the course anywhere other than at the aid stations is against the rules of this race and may result in the runner being disqualified.
Your friends and family can see you, cheer you on and support you at each of the aid stations but we do ask that they keep spread out and not get too close to the aid station tent/tables.
Driving Directions to Bowman Bay Aid Station:
From the start/finish parking lot drive back out to HWY 20 and turn left at the traffic light. Go across the bridge and turn right onto the first road on the right and then immediately turn right again and head down to the boat ramp/trailhead parking lot. The aid station should be easily spotted by the water/boat ramp.
Driving Directions to Cornet Aid Station:
From Bowman Bay aid station go back to HWY 20 and turn right, go across the bridge and turn right at the traffic light onto Cornet Bay Rd. Follow the road about 3 miles to the end of the road. The aid station is at the end of the road by the gate.
Getting aid from your friends and family out on the course anywhere other than at the aid stations is against the rules of this race and may result in the runner being disqualified.
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. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us.
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. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us.
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Race Shirts Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to purchase one during the registration process. Race artwork by Baylie Peplow of Red Umbrella Designs |
Post Race Party
At this time the post-race party is planned to be somewhat limited out of the desire to still be cautious. There will be some food and drinks and folks will be encouraged to only stay for up to 30 mins after finishing. We also ask that runners keep 6ft or more from folks outside of their household. And to keep from having too large of a gathering we ask that runners keep the number of people who come to support them to a minimum ideally one person per runner but if more than one person but there is flexibility especially for those from the same household.
At this time the post-race party is planned to be somewhat limited out of the desire to still be cautious. There will be some food and drinks and folks will be encouraged to only stay for up to 30 mins after finishing. We also ask that runners keep 6ft or more from folks outside of their household. And to keep from having too large of a gathering we ask that runners keep the number of people who come to support them to a minimum ideally one person per runner but if more than one person but there is flexibility especially for those from the same household.
Videos, Photos, Results & Race Reports
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: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to info@rainshadowrunning.com!
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: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to info@rainshadowrunning.com!
Lodging & Camping
The closest hotel is the Fidalgo Country Inn, located about 15 miles from the race start. There are plenty of lodging choices available in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, both of which are approximately 20 minutes from the start line.
There is camping in Deception Pass State Park at the Quarry Campground (Cranberry Lake Campground is closed during the winter). Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
No camping/overnight parking at the start/finish parking lot area.
The closest hotel is the Fidalgo Country Inn, located about 15 miles from the race start. There are plenty of lodging choices available in Anacortes and Oak Harbor, both of which are approximately 20 minutes from the start line.
There is camping in Deception Pass State Park at the Quarry Campground (Cranberry Lake Campground is closed during the winter). Reservations can be made online or by calling (888) CAMPOUT or (888) 226-7688.
No camping/overnight parking at the start/finish parking lot area.
Cancellations
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and anti-discrimination policies, local, state and federal laws and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
These cancellation policies apply to all new transactions as of April 2 2021 including folks using credits, discounts or coupon codes. Runners who rolled over their 2020 race entries to 2021 or 2022 will still have the same cancellation options that we offered when the 2020 races were cancelled.
All runners, for any reason and at any time BEFORE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE RACE DAY , will have the following options if they cannot or chose not to run a race that they have registered for(this includes if we cancel the race for any reason):
To take advantage of these cancellation options a runner simply needs to email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com anytime BEFORE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE RACE DAY. If you do not email us BEFORE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE RACE DAY we'll assume you chose Option 3.
We are no longer allowing runners to transfer or sell their bib/race entry to another runner. If in the future we can create a simpler system to do this we might bring this option back.
Pregnancy Deferral Policy: If a runner becomes pregnant and wants to cancel their entry they are eligible for a 100% deferment credit to any Rainshadow Running race, for a period of 3 years. If they are signed up for a lottery race, they can have a lottery bypass for that specific race in any year of their choosing (in the 3 year window). Please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com to receive the pregnancy cancellation credit.
Military Deployment Deferral Policy: If a runner becomes scheduled to deploy after registering and wants to cancel their entry they are eligible for a 100% deferment credit to any Rainshadow Running race, for a period of 3 years(or longer if it's an extended deployment). If they are signed up for a lottery race, they can have a lottery bypass for that specific race in any year of their choosing (in the 3 year window). Please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com to receive the deployment cancellation credit.
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...runners have the same options as listed above.
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility. We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation. All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are(see the options above) and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If it's a "last-minute" cancellation where the race is cancelled less than a week before race day we will extend the deadline for the runner to notify us of their preferred option.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and anti-discrimination policies, local, state and federal laws and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
These cancellation policies apply to all new transactions as of April 2 2021 including folks using credits, discounts or coupon codes. Runners who rolled over their 2020 race entries to 2021 or 2022 will still have the same cancellation options that we offered when the 2020 races were cancelled.
All runners, for any reason and at any time BEFORE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE RACE DAY , will have the following options if they cannot or chose not to run a race that they have registered for(this includes if we cancel the race for any reason):
- Option 1: a 75 to 25% rollover of your entry fee to the same race the following year. If it's a race with a lottery process for registration the runner will bypass the lottery. Percentage of credit is determined by the date you notify us:
60+ plus from race day: 75% rollover credit
30-60 days from race day: 50% rollover credit
7-30 days from race day: 25% rollover credit
within 7 days of race day: no rollover credits available
- Option 2: a 75 to 25% credit of your entry fee will be automatically applied to the next Rainshadow race that you sign up for. This option does not give the runner any preferential treatment for lottery races. Percentage of credit is determined by the date you notify us:
60+ plus from race day: 75% credit
30-60 days from race day: 50% credit
7-30 days from race day: 25% credit
within 7 days of race day: no credits available
- Option 3: Donate to Rainshadow your race entry fee and any other items you paid for(merchandise, meal tickets, bunkhouse reservation, etc.).
- NO REFUNDS for Entry Fees and NO BIB TRANSFERS
- Refunds for other purchased items such as merchandise, meal tickets, bunkhouses is possible if we have not already had to pay for those items. Please inquire about these when you email us to cancel your race.
To take advantage of these cancellation options a runner simply needs to email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com anytime BEFORE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE RACE DAY. If you do not email us BEFORE SEVEN DAYS BEFORE RACE DAY we'll assume you chose Option 3.
We are no longer allowing runners to transfer or sell their bib/race entry to another runner. If in the future we can create a simpler system to do this we might bring this option back.
Pregnancy Deferral Policy: If a runner becomes pregnant and wants to cancel their entry they are eligible for a 100% deferment credit to any Rainshadow Running race, for a period of 3 years. If they are signed up for a lottery race, they can have a lottery bypass for that specific race in any year of their choosing (in the 3 year window). Please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com to receive the pregnancy cancellation credit.
Military Deployment Deferral Policy: If a runner becomes scheduled to deploy after registering and wants to cancel their entry they are eligible for a 100% deferment credit to any Rainshadow Running race, for a period of 3 years(or longer if it's an extended deployment). If they are signed up for a lottery race, they can have a lottery bypass for that specific race in any year of their choosing (in the 3 year window). Please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com to receive the deployment cancellation credit.
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our race rules and any other logistics or arrangements you that must adhere to. If you would like to get more information about any of this or discuss things further please email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
If Rainshadow Cancels a Race...runners have the same options as listed above.
If we have to cancel an event for any reason (COVID, wildfire, acts of nature, etc) we understand the disappointment to the participants. But it something that does happen from time to time so you should be prepared for that possibility. We will do our best to notify runners as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation. All runners will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation and any other pertinent info including what their options are(see the options above) and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If it's a "last-minute" cancellation where the race is cancelled less than a week before race day we will extend the deadline for the runner to notify us of their preferred option.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for an ultramarathon, so if we can make adjustments to our race plans instead of cancelling, that is our priority, but at the end of the day, the safety of our runners, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.