ORCAS ISLAND 50K
october 1st, 2022 OLGA, WA
2022 Results
2022 Photos (please credit Somer Kreisman @somerrunner)
ATTENTION: FOR JANUARY 2023 ORCAS ISLAND 50K INFO CLICK HERE
Overview
The Orcas Island 50K 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 50K 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: 50K
- Elevation Gain: 8,500ft
- Elevation Loss: 8,500ft
- Aid Station: 4
- Cutoff Time: 11 hours
- Well behaved, leashed dogs are welcome.
- Price: $145
Timeline
Saturday October 1st
Saturday October 1st
- 6:30 to 7:30 am: Bib pick up at Start/Finish(Cascade Lake Day Use Area) DONT FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID!
- 7:30 am: Race Starts
- 10:00 am: Cut off at Mountain Lake aid station (mile 6)
- 1:00 pm: Cut off at Mt Pickett aid station (mile 14)
- 2:30 pm: Cut off at North Arch aid station (mile 21)
- 4:45 pm: Cut off at Mt Constitution aid station (mile 26.3)
- 6:50 pm: Sunset
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 Cascade Lake Day Use Area 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 Cascade Lake Day Use Area 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 with climb up from Cascade Lake to Little Summit and a fun descent down to the first aid station at Mountain Lake. Then you go around the far side of Mountain Lake and a gradual climb up to Twin Lakes where you go around those two little lakes and then start climbing up to the top of Mt Pickett. From the top you've got another fun downhill and a steep little climb back up Mt Pickett Road and then a nice short downhill to the Mt Pickett Aid Station. From Mt Pickett aid to North Arch it's mostly up and down until you get to Mountain Lake then it's mostly down and fun to Cascade Lake. After passing Cascade Falls on your way to Cascade Lake there are 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 21 miles. 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.
| Orcas Island 50k GPS File |
mileage on elevation profile is not exact--expect the course to be 31 miles
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.
Mountain Aid Station: mile 6
Pickett Aid Station: mile 14
North Arch Aid Station: mile 21
Constitution Aid Station: mile 26.3
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.
Mountain Aid Station: mile 6
Pickett Aid Station: mile 14
North Arch Aid Station: mile 21
Constitution Aid Station: mile 26.3
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.
Even though the cutoff at the finishline is technically at 6:30pm any runner who makes it out of Constitution Aid Station by the cutoff there and then completes the course will get an official finish even if they cross the finish line after the finishline cutoff time. But we do ask that folks do the best they can to finish by the cutoff time especially since sunset is at 6:50pm and we don't want any runners or the sweepers who are running behind the last runner to have to be out after dark.
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.
- 10:30 am: Cut off at Mountain Lake aid station (mile 6)
- 1:00 pm: Cut off at Mt Pickett aid station (mile 14)
- 3:00 pm: Cut off at North Arch aid station (mile 21)
- 5:00 pm: Cut off at Mt Constitution aid station (mile 26.3)
Even though the cutoff at the finishline is technically at 6:30pm any runner who makes it out of Constitution Aid Station by the cutoff there and then completes the course will get an official finish even if they cross the finish line after the finishline cutoff time. But we do ask that folks do the best they can to finish by the cutoff time especially since sunset is at 6:50pm and we don't want any runners or the sweepers who are running behind the last runner to have to be out after dark.
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 following aid stations: Mountain, North Arch and Constitution
No drop bags at Pickett Aid Station
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 following aid stations: Mountain, North Arch and Constitution
No drop bags at Pickett Aid Station
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 some of the aid stations but we do ask that they keep spread out and not get too close to the aid station tent/tables. No crew access at the first two aid stations: Mountain Lake Aid Station and Pickett Aid Station.
Walking Directions to North Arch Aid Station(10-30 min walk/2 min drive):
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. The walk to the aid station from the start/finish 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.
Driving Directions to Constitution Aid Station(15-20min drive from start/finish area):
There is limited parking at the aid station so please do not arrive extra early and please only park in appropriate spots. Also the access to this aid station is often limited to just race volunteers if road conditions are icy, snowy or otherwise deemed unsafe by the park rangers. We usually will know the status of the road by the start of the race at the latest and will announce if it's closed to crews or not if there's any doubt. To get there from the start/finish area head towards Olga/Doe Bay on Olga Rd(the opposite direction of Eastsound/North Arch Aid Station). Go about 1 mile on Olga Rd and turn left onto Mt Constitution Rd and go up the road for about 4.7 miles to the end of the road at the top of the mountain.
Getting aid from your friends and family out on the course anywhere other than at the crew approved aid stations is against the rules of this race and may result in the runner being disqualified. 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 some of the aid stations but we do ask that they keep spread out and not get too close to the aid station tent/tables. No crew access at the first two aid stations: Mountain Lake Aid Station and Pickett Aid Station.
Walking Directions to North Arch Aid Station(10-30 min walk/2 min drive):
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. The walk to the aid station from the start/finish 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.
Driving Directions to Constitution Aid Station(15-20min drive from start/finish area):
There is limited parking at the aid station so please do not arrive extra early and please only park in appropriate spots. Also the access to this aid station is often limited to just race volunteers if road conditions are icy, snowy or otherwise deemed unsafe by the park rangers. We usually will know the status of the road by the start of the race at the latest and will announce if it's closed to crews or not if there's any doubt. To get there from the start/finish area head towards Olga/Doe Bay on Olga Rd(the opposite direction of Eastsound/North Arch Aid Station). Go about 1 mile on Olga Rd and turn left onto Mt Constitution Rd and go up the road for about 4.7 miles to the end of the road at the top of the mountain.
Getting aid from your friends and family out on the course anywhere other than at the crew approved aid stations is against the rules of this race and may result in the runner being disqualified. 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.
|
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 [email protected]!
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 [email protected]!
Lodging & Camping
The closest hotel is the Rosario Resort, located just about 2 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 winter it's usually limited to South End Campground which is about a mile from the start/finish area. 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 Rosario Resort, located just about 2 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 winter it's usually limited to South End Campground which is about a mile from the start/finish area. 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 policies, our COVID precautions, our race rules. our anti-discrimination policies 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
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.
By attending one of our races you agree to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policies, our COVID precautions, our race rules. our anti-discrimination policies 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 [email protected]
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:
- 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 [email protected]
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 [email protected]
Questions? The race directors for this race and all Rainshadow Running races is James Varner and Katy Farrell.
Email us at [email protected]