Frequently Asked Questions:
For a full list of policies, please visit the Race Rules page(s).
Q: I'm not able to run a race I registered for. What are my options?
A: Click here to view the Cancellation Page for the full description and instructions on removing your registration.
Q: Do you do refunds?
A: We do not offer refunds for any of our race registrations, but we do offer a partial credit towards another one of our races. Click here for more details.
Q: Can I transfer or sell my entry to someone else?
A: Not at this time. If we can figure out a simpler solution we might bring this option back. Please instead take us up on our offer to give you a partial credit towards another one of our races. Click here for more details.
Q: Can I switch from one distance to another?
A: Usually no, but if the race you want to switch to is not sold out, then probably yes. To find out if the race is sold out or not, please go to UltraSignup and search for the race you're interested in; if the race is sold out, UltraSignup will show that. If you would like to switch between distances that fall on the same day (Beacon Rock 25K and 50K), you can do so on Ultrasignup. Transfers must be completed at least 7 days from race day. If the distances fall on separate days (50K on Saturday, 25K on Sunday) and both distances are sold out, you cannot switch distances.
Q: What about finisher medals?
A: We do not offer finisher medals at any of our races (except belt buckles at Orcas 100). From the very first days at Rainshadow Running, the goal has always been to create a sense of community through trails, music, and camaraderie. For this reason, we choose to spend the money that would normally go towards medals to providing free all-you-can-eat handmade wood-fired pizza, free local, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages, plenty of free snacks, and a live band at the finish line. This post race party is available for all of our runners and volunteers, but also to any friends or family at no additional charge. Our goal is create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to hang out after the race, share trail stories, and cheer on all your fellow runners. If your goal is to leave your trail race with simply a medal to show, this is probably not the organization for you.
Q: What sort of aid station food can I expect at Rainshadow aid stations?
A: Our aid stations always feature plenty of water, potato chips, PB&J, fresh fruit (oranges, grapes, watermelon), jelly beans, GU gels and Nuun electrolyte drink, pickles, and soda. During our long races (100K/100 miles) we will feature hot soup and other savory snacks. You can also pack your preferred calories in drop bags, and/or carry them with you along the course.
Q: Can I run with trekking poles?
A: Yes, just please be mindful of others around you. No one wants to get stabbed, right?
Q: Can I run with my dog(s)?
A: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed on most of our courses, but due to permitting agencies and safety, they aren't allowed on all of them. Courses where dogs are allowed:
Courses where dogs are NOT allowed:
Q: Your race is sold out. Can I run it anyhow?
A: Email us at [email protected] to see if there are still volunteer opportunities that may allow you to get into the race via a volunteer route. The trails we use will always be open to the public on race-day, but it is not cool to bandit a trail race for numerous reasons and could put our permits and/or your safety at risk. For all of our races that are lotteries, you can volunteer the year before and receive a bypass the following year. Click here for our full volunteer policy page.
Q: I noticed "cut-offs" on the info page for [insert name of] race. What are cut-offs?
A: Cut-offs are designated times by which runners need to have ARRIVED AND LEFT a particular aid station to continue on the course. If, for instance, the second aid station cut-off is set at noon, this means you would need to have left the aid station - and be back out on the course - before noon. This helps our races stay on permitted time-tables and makes sure everyone is safe.
Q: What happens if I don't make a cut-off?
A: As these cut-off times are for safety and the sake of our volunteers, we appreciate your cooperation. If you don't leave the aid station before the cut-off time, please accept your fate with grace, and save the rest of the run for another day. Volunteers will help you find a ride back to the start/finish, or you'll come back to the finish-line with them when the aid station closes, where we hope you'll celebrate the day with us. We take this rule very seriously and a violation of this policy could result in a ban from future races as disobeying this rule puts our permits in jeopardy..
Q: Can my child run BLANK race?
A: Maybe. There are a lot of variables involved in this kind of decision so it'll require a discussion. Some races or distances we're more likely to say "yes" to, others might get a "no" or "yes, if...". Some of our races are quite remote or have weather or other factors that make them more dangerous. Some of our races are more benign. And of course the longer the distance or the younger the child is further complicates things. Past experience in general, both for the child and for the parent, helps a lot as does familiarity with the Rainshadow races and the specific race in question. If your child is interested in running one of our races please email [email protected] to discuss. And please check out this article from UltraRunning Magazine "How Young is Too Young?"
Q: I would like to volunteer. How do I get signed up to volunteer?
A: The races would not happen without our wonderful volunteers! If you would like to volunteer you can email our volunteer coordinator at [email protected] All volunteers are highly encouraged to join us at the post-race party where all volunteers eat and drink for free. All volunteers earn a discounted or free race entry depending on the length of their volunteer shift.
Q: How can I stay informed with everything Rainshadow Running does?
A: Sign up for our email newsletter! And make sure you add us to your email contacts so we don't land in your spam!
Besides jumping into our email list you can also find us on social media.
A: Click here to view the Cancellation Page for the full description and instructions on removing your registration.
Q: Do you do refunds?
A: We do not offer refunds for any of our race registrations, but we do offer a partial credit towards another one of our races. Click here for more details.
Q: Can I transfer or sell my entry to someone else?
A: Not at this time. If we can figure out a simpler solution we might bring this option back. Please instead take us up on our offer to give you a partial credit towards another one of our races. Click here for more details.
Q: Can I switch from one distance to another?
A: Usually no, but if the race you want to switch to is not sold out, then probably yes. To find out if the race is sold out or not, please go to UltraSignup and search for the race you're interested in; if the race is sold out, UltraSignup will show that. If you would like to switch between distances that fall on the same day (Beacon Rock 25K and 50K), you can do so on Ultrasignup. Transfers must be completed at least 7 days from race day. If the distances fall on separate days (50K on Saturday, 25K on Sunday) and both distances are sold out, you cannot switch distances.
Q: What about finisher medals?
A: We do not offer finisher medals at any of our races (except belt buckles at Orcas 100). From the very first days at Rainshadow Running, the goal has always been to create a sense of community through trails, music, and camaraderie. For this reason, we choose to spend the money that would normally go towards medals to providing free all-you-can-eat handmade wood-fired pizza, free local, craft beer and non-alcoholic beverages, plenty of free snacks, and a live band at the finish line. This post race party is available for all of our runners and volunteers, but also to any friends or family at no additional charge. Our goal is create a welcoming and fun atmosphere to hang out after the race, share trail stories, and cheer on all your fellow runners. If your goal is to leave your trail race with simply a medal to show, this is probably not the organization for you.
Q: What sort of aid station food can I expect at Rainshadow aid stations?
A: Our aid stations always feature plenty of water, potato chips, PB&J, fresh fruit (oranges, grapes, watermelon), jelly beans, GU gels and Nuun electrolyte drink, pickles, and soda. During our long races (100K/100 miles) we will feature hot soup and other savory snacks. You can also pack your preferred calories in drop bags, and/or carry them with you along the course.
Q: Can I run with trekking poles?
A: Yes, just please be mindful of others around you. No one wants to get stabbed, right?
Q: Can I run with my dog(s)?
A: Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed on most of our courses, but due to permitting agencies and safety, they aren't allowed on all of them. Courses where dogs are allowed:
- Deception Pass 50K & 25K
- Orcas Island 100M/50K/25K*
- Yakima Skyline Rim 50K & 25K--we do not recommend bringing your dog for this race as it can be very hot, exposed, and dry and there are no water sources anywhere on the course
- White River 50M
- Beacon Rock 50K & 25K
- Millersylvania 50K/30K/10K
Courses where dogs are NOT allowed:
- Sun Mountain 50 mile*
- Sun Mountain 50K/25K*
Q: Your race is sold out. Can I run it anyhow?
A: Email us at [email protected] to see if there are still volunteer opportunities that may allow you to get into the race via a volunteer route. The trails we use will always be open to the public on race-day, but it is not cool to bandit a trail race for numerous reasons and could put our permits and/or your safety at risk. For all of our races that are lotteries, you can volunteer the year before and receive a bypass the following year. Click here for our full volunteer policy page.
Q: I noticed "cut-offs" on the info page for [insert name of] race. What are cut-offs?
A: Cut-offs are designated times by which runners need to have ARRIVED AND LEFT a particular aid station to continue on the course. If, for instance, the second aid station cut-off is set at noon, this means you would need to have left the aid station - and be back out on the course - before noon. This helps our races stay on permitted time-tables and makes sure everyone is safe.
Q: What happens if I don't make a cut-off?
A: As these cut-off times are for safety and the sake of our volunteers, we appreciate your cooperation. If you don't leave the aid station before the cut-off time, please accept your fate with grace, and save the rest of the run for another day. Volunteers will help you find a ride back to the start/finish, or you'll come back to the finish-line with them when the aid station closes, where we hope you'll celebrate the day with us. We take this rule very seriously and a violation of this policy could result in a ban from future races as disobeying this rule puts our permits in jeopardy..
Q: Can my child run BLANK race?
A: Maybe. There are a lot of variables involved in this kind of decision so it'll require a discussion. Some races or distances we're more likely to say "yes" to, others might get a "no" or "yes, if...". Some of our races are quite remote or have weather or other factors that make them more dangerous. Some of our races are more benign. And of course the longer the distance or the younger the child is further complicates things. Past experience in general, both for the child and for the parent, helps a lot as does familiarity with the Rainshadow races and the specific race in question. If your child is interested in running one of our races please email [email protected] to discuss. And please check out this article from UltraRunning Magazine "How Young is Too Young?"
Q: I would like to volunteer. How do I get signed up to volunteer?
A: The races would not happen without our wonderful volunteers! If you would like to volunteer you can email our volunteer coordinator at [email protected] All volunteers are highly encouraged to join us at the post-race party where all volunteers eat and drink for free. All volunteers earn a discounted or free race entry depending on the length of their volunteer shift.
Q: How can I stay informed with everything Rainshadow Running does?
A: Sign up for our email newsletter! And make sure you add us to your email contacts so we don't land in your spam!
Besides jumping into our email list you can also find us on social media.