orcas island 100M
February 4-6 2022 olga, wa
Sold Out! register now for the waitlist! Entrants List Waitlist
Overview
The Orcas Island 100 mile 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. But don't underestimate the difficulty of this race! Cold, wet, dark, and steep this race is not for the faint of heart.
With it's inception in 2016, this race has quickly gained a reputation as having an old school, laid back, grassroots vibe to it. Because runners do four 25 mile loops, the aid station volunteers get to know the runners, the runners look forward to seeing the friendly aid station volunteers, the crews get to know the volunteers, the staff bonds with each runner, you get the picture! By the end of the weekend, we all feel like family and we guarantee you will cry at the awards ceremony (at least once).
The Orcas Island 100 mile 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. But don't underestimate the difficulty of this race! Cold, wet, dark, and steep this race is not for the faint of heart.
With it's inception in 2016, this race has quickly gained a reputation as having an old school, laid back, grassroots vibe to it. Because runners do four 25 mile loops, the aid station volunteers get to know the runners, the runners look forward to seeing the friendly aid station volunteers, the crews get to know the volunteers, the staff bonds with each runner, you get the picture! By the end of the weekend, we all feel like family and we guarantee you will cry at the awards ceremony (at least once).
- This race is hard, beautiful, fun, rewarding, and really hard
- 100 miles
- (4) 25 mile loops
- 19 awesome aid stations
- No pacers
- Crew allowed at more than half the aid stations.
- Elevation gain: ~26,000ft
- 36 hour cutoff
- 3.5 hour drive north of Seattle Airport including 1 hour ferry ride through the San Juan Islands
- Weather varies from rainy to snowy to sunny
- The course is mostly beautiful single track trail, sometimes rugged, sometimes smooth
- All runners get a hoodie
- All finishers get a belt buckle
- Special award for all Tower Club Members(those who take the optional trip to the top of the Mt Constitution Tower on all 4 loops)
- Everyone invited to the heart-warming awards ceremony Sunday AM
Registration
For 2022, at this point, we only plan to accept 77 people into the race and activate a wait list once we reach that number. As space becomes available, runners on the wait list will be sent an invite via email into the race.
All prices include a solid brass finisher's belt buckle, finisher hoodie, free all-you-can-eat handmade pizza and beer (along with other snacks and non-alcoholic drinks) for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends/family and awards ceremony.
For 2022, at this point, we only plan to accept 77 people into the race and activate a wait list once we reach that number. As space becomes available, runners on the wait list will be sent an invite via email into the race.
- $285 (plus applicable fees) until September 1st, 2021
- $325 (plus applicable fees) until the race sells out
All prices include a solid brass finisher's belt buckle, finisher hoodie, free all-you-can-eat handmade pizza and beer (along with other snacks and non-alcoholic drinks) for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends/family and awards ceremony.
- All entries are non-transferable to other runners.
- Runners who cannot make the race and cancel their registration prior to seven days before race day are eligible for a 75% to 25% rollover credit to next year's race. Percentage depends on how far in advance you cancel. Within seven days of race day we no longer offer a credit of any amount because at that point most if not all expenses have been incurred. More info here
- No Rainshadow volunteer and/or transfer credits or other codes or coupons of any kind can be applied to Orcas 100 registration.
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:
- Physically distanced bib/merch pickup
- For unvaccinated folks masks are required at parking lot, start/finish, aid stations & and whenever within 6ft of others
- For vaccinated folks masks are recommended only whenever within 6ft of folks outside of your household
- Volunteers that are actively doing food/drink handling will wear gloves and masks
- Increased sanitary procedures
- 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.
Trail Work & Qualifying
RACE QUALIFIER:
ALL entrants must have completed one of the following:
TRAIL WORK: All 100-mile participants are required to volunteer on trails (any trails, any where) for at least eight hours between August 1st, 2021 - January 2nd, 2022. Our goal is to have runners give back directly to the trails that they love and train on. Volunteering at a trail race will not meet this requirement. We must have received your trail work form by January 9th 2022. Click on the link below to download the form.
Alternatively, if you cannot complete the trail work in time, you have the option to donate to a group or organization who focuses on trail restoration, building, or conservation. We have set the minimum donation at $50 and you need to submit proof of the donation to volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com
RACE QUALIFIER:
ALL entrants must have completed one of the following:
- Organized trail 50-miler OR 100K with at least 7,000 feet of gain since Jan. 1st 2018
- Organized trail 100 mile race since Jan. 1st, 2018
TRAIL WORK: All 100-mile participants are required to volunteer on trails (any trails, any where) for at least eight hours between August 1st, 2021 - January 2nd, 2022. Our goal is to have runners give back directly to the trails that they love and train on. Volunteering at a trail race will not meet this requirement. We must have received your trail work form by January 9th 2022. Click on the link below to download the form.
Alternatively, if you cannot complete the trail work in time, you have the option to donate to a group or organization who focuses on trail restoration, building, or conservation. We have set the minimum donation at $50 and you need to submit proof of the donation to volunteer@rainshadowrunning.com
Race Weekend Timeline
Thursday February 3rd
Thursday February 3rd
- 4:00-7:00 pm: Registration/Bib pick-up/Drop Bag Drop Off at Cascade Lake Day Use Area(Start/Finish)
- 5:45 pm MANDATORY pre-race briefing at Cascade Lake Day Use Area(Start/Finish)
- 7:00 pm: Drop bags for Mountain Lake due at Cascade Lake Day Use Area(Start/Finish) the rest can be dropped off in the morning.
- 7:00-7:50 am: Bib check-in (you must pick up your bib Thursday and then show our volunteers your bib Friday morning so we know you are officially starting)
- 8:00 am: 100 Mile Race Starts!
- 11:00 am: Cut off at Forest-side, mile 75
- 12:45 pm: Cut off at Mountain, mile 81
- 2:45 pm: Cut off at Pickett, mile 86
- 4:00 pm: Cut off at Lake-side, mile 90
- 6:15 pm: Cut off at Constitution, mile 96
- 8:00 pm: Cut off at Finish**
**Even though the cut off is technically at 8:00PM any runner who makes it out of the last aid station by the cutoff there and then completes the course will get an official finish even if they arrive after 8pm.
- 10:00 am: Theater opens for coffee/snacks/socializing before awards ceremony begins
- 10:30 am-12:30 pm: Post Race Awards Ceremony- Seaview Theater (Eastsound) with snacks and coffee--we recommend eating breakfast beforehand
Course
25 Mile Loop Elevtion Profile (mileage on profile is not exact)
DOWNLOAD GPS FILE
| 2021 Orcas Island 100 Single Loop GPS File |
Aid Stations & Drop Bags
FIVE full aid stations each 25-mile loop:
Mountain Aid Station
All aid stations will be fully stocked with water, assorted gels, Nuun electrolyte drink, chips, fresh fruit, chocolate, pb & j sandwiches, soda, hot water, and hot soup/broth. Each aid station will also have their own special food (quesadillas, bacon, perogies, sushi rolls, etc). Our aid station volunteers are very experienced and we promise to take good care of you and keep you well fueled while you are running. However, if there is anything specific you want at the aid stations, you should leave them in your drop bag.
FIVE full aid stations each 25-mile loop:
Mountain Aid Station
- Miles: 6, 31, 56, 81
- Drop Bags OK
- Miles: 11, 36, 61, 86
- No Drop Bags
- Miles: 15, 40, 65, 90
- Drop Bags OK
- Miles: 21, 46, 71, 96
- Drop Bags OK
- Miles: 25, 50, 75
- Drop Bags OK
All aid stations will be fully stocked with water, assorted gels, Nuun electrolyte drink, chips, fresh fruit, chocolate, pb & j sandwiches, soda, hot water, and hot soup/broth. Each aid station will also have their own special food (quesadillas, bacon, perogies, sushi rolls, etc). Our aid station volunteers are very experienced and we promise to take good care of you and keep you well fueled while you are running. However, if there is anything specific you want at the aid stations, you should leave them in your drop bag.
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.
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.
- 11:00 am: Forest-side, mile 75
- 12:45 pm: Mountain, mile 81
- 2:45 pm: Pickett, Mile 86
- 4:00 pm: Lake-side, mile 90
- 6:15 pm: Constitution, mile 96
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.
Crew Access
Parking is very limited at each of the aid station locations, so in an effort to ease congestion, crew access is prohibited on the runner's first loop.
The first time crews can see their runner is at Forest-side at mile 25. Remember to display your Discover Pass when parking anywhere in the park!
Parking is very limited at each of the aid station locations, so in an effort to ease congestion, crew access is prohibited on the runner's first loop.
The first time crews can see their runner is at Forest-side at mile 25. Remember to display your Discover Pass when parking anywhere in the park!
- Mountain Aid Station: Yes, except on lap one
- Pickett Aid Station: Never
- Lake-side Station: Yes, except on lap one
- Constitution Station: Yes, except lap one, depending on road conditions*
- Forest-side Station(start/finish): Yes
Volunteers
Volunteering for a 100 miler is a special thing. You're there for a long time just like the runners. You are exposed to the elements just like the runners. And with Orcas being a loop race you really get to know the runners. It's a shared experience. And you really matter. You can really help a runner make it to the finish and make their dreams come true. It's a cool thing.
We have several volunteer jobs available at the Orcas 100! Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, receive a free volunteer t-shirt, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteers for Orcas Island can also bypass the lottery for the following year for either the 50K or 25K. Volunteer shifts range from a couple hours to all day at an aid station so we can guarantee something for everyone!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us.
Volunteering for a 100 miler is a special thing. You're there for a long time just like the runners. You are exposed to the elements just like the runners. And with Orcas being a loop race you really get to know the runners. It's a shared experience. And you really matter. You can really help a runner make it to the finish and make their dreams come true. It's a cool thing.
We have several volunteer jobs available at the Orcas 100! Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, receive a free volunteer t-shirt, and earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race! Volunteers for Orcas Island can also bypass the lottery for the following year for either the 50K or 25K. Volunteer shifts range from a couple hours to all day at an aid station so we can guarantee something for everyone!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us.
Tower Club
At the top of Mt Constitution, there is a 53 foot stone tower that offers panoramic views of the Salish Sea during the day and a dazzling display of the stars at night. Runners have the option to climb the stairs to the top of the tower on EACH loop and be a part of the Tower Club! When you check in to the Moran aid station, a volunteer will make a mark on your bib and when you reach the top of the tower, there will be a paper punch for you to punch a hole in the mark. You will do this on each loop.
Every runner who climbs the tower on all 4 loop will receive a special award at the awards ceremony!
At the top of Mt Constitution, there is a 53 foot stone tower that offers panoramic views of the Salish Sea during the day and a dazzling display of the stars at night. Runners have the option to climb the stairs to the top of the tower on EACH loop and be a part of the Tower Club! When you check in to the Moran aid station, a volunteer will make a mark on your bib and when you reach the top of the tower, there will be a paper punch for you to punch a hole in the mark. You will do this on each loop.
Every runner who climbs the tower on all 4 loop will receive a special award at the awards ceremony!
Awards Ceremony
We highly recommend staying for the awards ceremony! We put together a slide show, thank all of the volunteers, and recognize each and every runner on stage. The awards ceremony will be Sunday, February 6th at the SeaView Theater in Eastsound. Doors will open at 10:00 am (free coffee/snacks, beer/wine for sale) and the ceremony will start at 10:30 am.
Each runner will be presented their belt buckle, finisher hoodie, and the Tower Club award (if applicable). There will be raffle prizes and lots of camaraderie! We will also bring all of the leftover drop bags to the theater Sunday morning for runners to pick up.
We highly recommend staying for the awards ceremony! We put together a slide show, thank all of the volunteers, and recognize each and every runner on stage. The awards ceremony will be Sunday, February 6th at the SeaView Theater in Eastsound. Doors will open at 10:00 am (free coffee/snacks, beer/wine for sale) and the ceremony will start at 10:30 am.
Each runner will be presented their belt buckle, finisher hoodie, and the Tower Club award (if applicable). There will be raffle prizes and lots of camaraderie! We will also bring all of the leftover drop bags to the theater Sunday morning for runners to pick up.
Lodging & Camping
For Covid reasons we will not be using Camp Moran and the bunkhouses this year.
Lodging
There are various hotels and rental houses on Orcas. The closest hotel is Rosario Resort. Check out the various options in Eastsound and at Doe Bay Resort.
Camping
There is limited camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served. Reservations can be made through the park. 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!
For Covid reasons we will not be using Camp Moran and the bunkhouses this year.
Lodging
There are various hotels and rental houses on Orcas. The closest hotel is Rosario Resort. Check out the various options in Eastsound and at Doe Bay Resort.
Camping
There is limited camping in Moran State Park and it is all first come/first served. Reservations can be made through the park. 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!
Orcas is an Island
For those who are unfamiliar with Orcas. It's an island. You gotta take a ferry to get there. You gotta make reservations for the ferry. It's a small island. It's winter time. Not everything will be open. But it's cute as hell. And it's where Rainshadow began way back in 2006. We've got history. But we are guests. And it's not a normal place. And that's a good thing.
For those who are unfamiliar with Orcas. It's an island. You gotta take a ferry to get there. You gotta make reservations for the ferry. It's a small island. It's winter time. Not everything will be open. But it's cute as hell. And it's where Rainshadow began way back in 2006. We've got history. But we are guests. And it's not a normal place. And that's a good thing.
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.
Questions?
The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races is James Varner.
The race directors for this and all Rainshadow Running Club races is James Varner.
Orcas Island 100 from Project Talaria on Vimeo.