Orcas Island 25K
january 21st, 2023 olga, WA
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ATTENTION: for October 2022 Orcas Island 25K info click here
Overview
The Orcas Island 25K 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. The trails used vary from smooth and fast to rooty, rocky and steep but always amazing! And the weather can vary just as much from rainy to snowy to sunny sometimes all in a matter of a few miles.
The Orcas Island 25K 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. The trails used vary from smooth and fast to rooty, rocky and steep but always amazing! And the weather can vary just as much from rainy to snowy to sunny sometimes all in a matter of a few miles.
- Distance: 25K
- Elevation Gain: 4,700ft
- Elevation Loss: 4,700ft
- Aid Station: 2
- Cutoff Time: 7.5+ hours
- Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
- Price: $115
Timeline
Sunday Oct 2nd - 25K race day
Sunday Oct 2nd - 25K race day
- 6:30 to 7:45 am: Bib pick up at Start/Finish(Camp Moran) DONT FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID!
- 8:00 am to 9:00am: Wave Starts
- 10:30 am: Cut off at North Arch aid station, mile 5.6
- 1:30 pm: Cut off at Mt Constitution aid station, mile 10.8
COVID Plans
As guidance evolves we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our COVID safety plans. Here are current plans for this race:
As guidance evolves we will continue to monitor the situation and adjust our COVID safety plans. Here are current plans for this race:
- Encouraging everyone to get vaccinated AND boosted
- Asking that if you're sick that you stay home
- Keeping everyone as spread out as possible by either keeping races small and or using "wave starts"
- Reducing contact of surfaces and increased cleaning and sanitizing of surfaces.
- Having volunteers use gloves and masks whenever preparing or handling food and drinks.
Orcas is an Island... you'll need a ferry reservation
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.
If you've tried to make an advance ferry reservation and saw that it was sold out, you have two more chances to make a reservation:
2 weeks before each sailing date at 7:00 a.m. PST:
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.
If you've tried to make an advance ferry reservation and saw that it was sold out, you have two more chances to make a reservation:
2 weeks before each sailing date at 7:00 a.m. PST:
- Additional 30% of standard vehicle space is released
- Final 30% of standard vehicle space is released
Driving Directions
To get to the start/finish area at Camp Moran at Moran State Park, these directions should help. Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, you can buy an annual pass for $30 via this link: discoverpass.wa.gov/ or you can buy a day pass for $10 at the Cascade Lake day use area on the island or at the Chamber of Commerce. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass.
No overnight parking or camping at the start/finish area(see below for camping options).
To get to the start/finish area at Camp Moran at Moran State Park, these directions should help. Everyone needs to display a Discover Pass on their dash to park anywhere in Deception Pass State Park. If you do not have one, you can buy an annual pass for $30 via this link: discoverpass.wa.gov/ or you can buy a day pass for $10 at the Cascade Lake day use area on the island or at the Chamber of Commerce. The rangers will be writing tickets for any vehicles not showing a Discover Pass.
No overnight parking or camping at the 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.
- The course is mostly single track trails, sometimes smooth trail but just as often they're rocky and or rooty and muddy in a few spots.
- The course starts out relatively easy to the first aid station with just a gradual climb up from Camp Moran to Mountain Lake and a fun descent past Cascade Falls to the far side of Cascade Lake with some short uphills after passing the falls. Once you leave North Arch Aid Station the race really begins and so you'll want to make sure you don't go too fast in those first 10K. As soon as you leave the aid station you start the infamous "Powerline" climb where you gain 1700ft in just over two miles. But after the Powerline you get a super fun gradual descent on the North Boundary Trail followed by the last significant climb of the race. It's 1100ft in just over a mile up to the Constitution Aid Station. From the last aid station it's mostly downhill, but not entirely, to the finish.
| 2023 Orcas Island 25k GPX File |
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.
North Arch Aid Station: mile 5.6
Constitution Aid Station: mile 10.8
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.
North Arch Aid Station: mile 5.6
Constitution Aid Station: mile 10.8
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.
North Arch Aid Station: mile 5.6 -- 10:30 am
Constitution Aid Station: mile 10.8 -- 1:30 pm
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.
North Arch Aid Station: mile 5.6 -- 10:30 am
Constitution Aid Station: mile 10.8 -- 1:30 pm
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: North Arch and Constitution
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.
The drop bags at the aid stations will return to the start/finish once all the runners have come through so it might be awhile for the drop bags to return if you're a faster runner, especially from Constitution Aid Station.
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: North Arch and Constitution
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.
The drop bags at the aid stations will return to the start/finish once all the runners have come through so it might be awhile for the drop bags to return if you're a faster runner, especially from Constitution Aid Station.
Crew Access
Your friends and family can see you, cheer you on and support you at the first aid station.
Driving & Walking Directions to North Arch Aid Station:
There is limited parking at the North Arch Aid Station so lets save that parking for those who walking half a mile is a challenge. So for most folks let's have you park at Cascade Lake Day Use Area or even walk to it, it's a mile and half walk from Camp Moran. To drive the short distance to Cascade Lake Day Use Area from Camp Moran: take Olga Rd (the main road through the park) towards Eastsound. The road will follow along Cascade Lake. The parking lot you come to about a third of a mile after passing Midway Campground is the Cascade Lake Day Use Area. The walk to the aid station from the Cascade Lake Day Use area is 1/3 of mile if you walk on Olga Rd(no shoulder) or 1/2 a mile if you take the trail along Cascade Lake. To get there via road head towards Eastsound via Olga Rd and go through the entrance arch and turn left. To take the trail, stand at the starting line and face the lake, go across the road and go to the right along the lake for about 0.3 mile, turn right at the first intersection and then immediately turn right again, you'll now be on the race course about 100 yards below the aid station.
We do not recommend crews go to the Mt Constitution Aid Station as there is very limited parking up there so your crew might drive all the way up there and then not be able to find a parking spot. Also The drive time is almost the same amount of time as the runners will take to come down from this aid station to the finish, especially if they are a fast runner and we don't want to create a situation where crew feel the need to go too fast on the drive down from Mt Constitution as it's a narrow, steep road with lots of switchbacks and vehicles & bicycles on it.
Cascade Lake is a great place for your crew to hang out while they wait for you to finish the race. The 2.7 mile loop around the lake would be a perfect little adventure for your crew and if they've hiked to the North Arch Aid Station they'll have already done part of the hike. Here's WTA's description of the hike: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cascade-lake
Getting material 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. Cheering for a runner out on the course is ok. Parking and or driving like an idiot is also not cool. Drive slow!
Your friends and family can see you, cheer you on and support you at the first aid station.
Driving & Walking Directions to North Arch Aid Station:
There is limited parking at the North Arch Aid Station so lets save that parking for those who walking half a mile is a challenge. So for most folks let's have you park at Cascade Lake Day Use Area or even walk to it, it's a mile and half walk from Camp Moran. To drive the short distance to Cascade Lake Day Use Area from Camp Moran: take Olga Rd (the main road through the park) towards Eastsound. The road will follow along Cascade Lake. The parking lot you come to about a third of a mile after passing Midway Campground is the Cascade Lake Day Use Area. The walk to the aid station from the Cascade Lake Day Use area is 1/3 of mile if you walk on Olga Rd(no shoulder) or 1/2 a mile if you take the trail along Cascade Lake. To get there via road head towards Eastsound via Olga Rd and go through the entrance arch and turn left. To take the trail, stand at the starting line and face the lake, go across the road and go to the right along the lake for about 0.3 mile, turn right at the first intersection and then immediately turn right again, you'll now be on the race course about 100 yards below the aid station.
We do not recommend crews go to the Mt Constitution Aid Station as there is very limited parking up there so your crew might drive all the way up there and then not be able to find a parking spot. Also The drive time is almost the same amount of time as the runners will take to come down from this aid station to the finish, especially if they are a fast runner and we don't want to create a situation where crew feel the need to go too fast on the drive down from Mt Constitution as it's a narrow, steep road with lots of switchbacks and vehicles & bicycles on it.
Cascade Lake is a great place for your crew to hang out while they wait for you to finish the race. The 2.7 mile loop around the lake would be a perfect little adventure for your crew and if they've hiked to the North Arch Aid Station they'll have already done part of the hike. Here's WTA's description of the hike: https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/cascade-lake
Getting material 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. Cheering for a runner out on the course is ok. Parking and or driving like an idiot is also not cool. Drive slow!
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! Volunteers for this race also get to bypass the Orcas Island 50K or 25K lotteries the following year!
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! Volunteers for this race also get to bypass the Orcas Island 50K or 25K lotteries the following year!
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
We're so happy to be able to have our post race parties again! Almost more than the races themselves! Fresh, delicious pizza handmade on site by our good friends at Pizza Rocks (they also do GF and Vegan options grab one of the merry folks and ask them to make something for ya). Local beer and cider. Plus other food and drinks and music and all your running buddies all hanging out at the finish!
We're so happy to be able to have our post race parties again! Almost more than the races themselves! Fresh, delicious pizza handmade on site by our good friends at Pizza Rocks (they also do GF and Vegan options grab one of the merry folks and ask them to make something for ya). Local beer and cider. Plus other food and drinks and music and all your running buddies all hanging out at the finish!
Videos, Photos, Results & Race Reports
All of the past race results can be found here. 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 here. 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 Rosario Resort, located just about 3 miles from the race start. There are other lodging choices available in Eastsound and various other places around the island including Doe Bay Resort. Check out the Chamber of Commerce website, Airbnb and VRBO for more options.
There is camping in Moran State Park, in the fall and winter it's usually limited to Midway and/or South End Campground which are close the start/finish area. Reservations can't be made in advance, it's first come/first serve at this time of year.
No camping/overnight parking at the start/finish parking lot area.
The closest hotel is the Rosario Resort, located just about 3 miles from the race start. There are other lodging choices available in Eastsound and various other places around the island including Doe Bay Resort. Check out the Chamber of Commerce website, Airbnb and VRBO for more options.
There is camping in Moran State Park, in the fall and winter it's usually limited to Midway and/or South End Campground which are close the start/finish area. Reservations can't be made in advance, it's first come/first serve at this time of year.
No camping/overnight parking at the start/finish parking lot area.
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please fill out this form before race day to let us know you will not be participating in the race. After you fill out the form we'll email you to give you a coupon code for a credit that you can use for one of our future races. NO REFUNDS and NO BIB TRANSFERS.
The amount of credit is based on when you submit this form to cancel your registration:
The coupon code can be used for any Rainshadow race.
The coupon code will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you were in one of our "lottery" races you will be automatically selected if you register for that lottery again the following year.
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 will bring this option back.
By registering for one of our races you agreed 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...
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's 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 and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
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.
Please fill out this form before race day to let us know you will not be participating in the race. After you fill out the form we'll email you to give you a coupon code for a credit that you can use for one of our future races. NO REFUNDS and NO BIB TRANSFERS.
The amount of credit is based on when you submit this form to cancel your registration:
- 31 days or more before race day: 50% of your race entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
- 30 days to 7days before race day: 50% of your race entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
- Less than 7 days before race day or after race day: 0% of your race entry fee + 0% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
The coupon code can be used for any Rainshadow race.
The coupon code will be good for two years from the date we email you your coupon code.
If you were in one of our "lottery" races you will be automatically selected if you register for that lottery again the following year.
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 will bring this option back.
By registering for one of our races you agreed 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...
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's 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 and the deadline for letting us know their decision. If the reason for cancelling the race is something out of our control like something weather or COVID related we will likely offer runners a 50% credit towards a future race as the we see it both the runners and Rainshadow share the risk of a cancelled race equally.
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.
Contact Us
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at info@rainshadowrunning.com