sun mountain 50M
saturday may 9th, 2020
Registration opens september 1st, 2019 via ultrasignup
6:00 am // patterson lake cabins // winthrop, washington
Due to COVID 19 and other associated reasons this race has been canceled and will not be postponed. Runners will have multiple options to choose from for how they would like to proceed including rolling over to next year, credit towards another race and more. We will be emailing each of the runners registered for these races soon with more details and the process to follow.
To read the latest email from us regarding the cancellation and other information click here
To read the latest email from us regarding the cancellation and other information click here
Course Overview
Located on the eastern, and sunny side of the North Cascades - on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wildereness, above the Methow River Valley - these courses offer great mountain trail running early in the year. You can expect fields of wildflowers, beautiful, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades in the distance, and stunning single-track. In partnership with Methow Trails and Sun Mountain Lodge, we are happy to offer a well supported and scenic race.
Distance: 50 mile
Elevation gain: 8200 feet
Price: $160
Runners have 14 hours to complete the 50M
All Rainshadow Ruuning races are Trail Sisters Approved
All Rainshadow Running races can earn you UTMB/ITRA Points
Located on the eastern, and sunny side of the North Cascades - on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wildereness, above the Methow River Valley - these courses offer great mountain trail running early in the year. You can expect fields of wildflowers, beautiful, snow-capped peaks of the Cascades in the distance, and stunning single-track. In partnership with Methow Trails and Sun Mountain Lodge, we are happy to offer a well supported and scenic race.
Distance: 50 mile
Elevation gain: 8200 feet
Price: $160
Runners have 14 hours to complete the 50M
All Rainshadow Ruuning races are Trail Sisters Approved
- Equal Prize Money & Awards
- Equal Podium Spots
- Women’s Specific Swag & Apparel. (No Unisex T-shirts)
- Menstrual Products Available at All Aid Stations
- Equal Opportunity/Space for Women on the Starting Line
All Rainshadow Running races can earn you UTMB/ITRA Points
TIMELINE
Saturday May 9th
5:00 am-5:50 am: Bib pick up at Patterson Lake Cabins*
5:50 am: Pre-race briefing
6:00 am: 50M Starts
10:30 am: Cut off at Elbow Coulee, mile 13.9
12:45 pm: Cut off at Elbow Coulee, mile 21.5
3:15 pm: Cut off at Ridgeline, mile 29.7
5:00 pm: Cut off at Chicakdee, mile 38.9
6:30 pm: Cut off at Winthrop Trail, mile 44.6
*ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO PICK UP RACE BIB
Saturday May 9th
5:00 am-5:50 am: Bib pick up at Patterson Lake Cabins*
5:50 am: Pre-race briefing
6:00 am: 50M Starts
10:30 am: Cut off at Elbow Coulee, mile 13.9
12:45 pm: Cut off at Elbow Coulee, mile 21.5
3:15 pm: Cut off at Ridgeline, mile 29.7
5:00 pm: Cut off at Chicakdee, mile 38.9
6:30 pm: Cut off at Winthrop Trail, mile 44.6
*ALL RUNNERS MUST SHOW PHOTO ID TO PICK UP RACE BIB
DRIVING/PARKING DIRECTIONS
The start and finish of the race will be at the Patterson Lake Cabins, about a 15 minute drive from Winthrop. There is no parking at the cabins (except for registered overnight guests) so ALL runners, volunteers, and spectators will park in an overflow lot and walk to the start area.
From Highway 20, turn onto Twin Lakes Rd. If you are coming from Twisp, turn left onto Twin Lakes Rd. If you are coming from Winthrop, turn right onto Twin Lakes Rd. Follow this until you veer right onto Patterson Lake Road. You will see the lake on your left and shortly after the lake, the cabins will be on your right (where the start/finish area is located). Continue on Patterson Lake Road and veer right to head towards the Sun Mountain Lodge. The overflow lot will be on your right shortly afterwards. We will have event parking signs posted at the entrance to the lot.
Once you park, there will be a marked trail to lead you down to the cabins. It is about 1/4 mile walk so give yourself a few extra minutes to arrive in the morning. DO NOT FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID. Our volunteers will make you trek back up to the trail to get your ID before you can pick up your bib. There is no overnight parking in the overflow lot. Lodging/camping options are listed below.
The start and finish of the race will be at the Patterson Lake Cabins, about a 15 minute drive from Winthrop. There is no parking at the cabins (except for registered overnight guests) so ALL runners, volunteers, and spectators will park in an overflow lot and walk to the start area.
From Highway 20, turn onto Twin Lakes Rd. If you are coming from Twisp, turn left onto Twin Lakes Rd. If you are coming from Winthrop, turn right onto Twin Lakes Rd. Follow this until you veer right onto Patterson Lake Road. You will see the lake on your left and shortly after the lake, the cabins will be on your right (where the start/finish area is located). Continue on Patterson Lake Road and veer right to head towards the Sun Mountain Lodge. The overflow lot will be on your right shortly afterwards. We will have event parking signs posted at the entrance to the lot.
Once you park, there will be a marked trail to lead you down to the cabins. It is about 1/4 mile walk so give yourself a few extra minutes to arrive in the morning. DO NOT FORGET YOUR PHOTO ID. Our volunteers will make you trek back up to the trail to get your ID before you can pick up your bib. There is no overnight parking in the overflow lot. Lodging/camping options are listed below.
AID STATIONS
Runners will have14 hours to complete the course. There will be 6 full aid stations (and one water only stop)
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
Runners will have14 hours to complete the course. There will be 6 full aid stations (and one water only stop)
- Valley View Aid Station, mile 5.7
- Elbow Coulee Aid Station: mile 13.9
- Elbow Coulee Aid Station, mile 21.5
- Ridgeline Aid Station, mile 29.7
- Gobblers Knob (water only): mile 35.8
- Chickadee Aid Station: mile 38.9
- Winthrop Trail Aid Station: mile 44.6
Our volunteers are tracking all runners at the aid stations, so please wear your bib visibly on the front of your body.
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.
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 Elbow Coulee (first time), mile 13.9
- 12:45 pm: Cut off at Elbow Coulee (second time), mile 21.5
- 3:15 pm: Cut off at Ridgeline, mile 29.7
- 5:00 pm: Cut off at Chickadee, mile 38.9
- 6:30 pm: Cut off at Winthrop Trail, mile 44.6
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/DROP BAGS
Runners can have drop bags at the following aid station locations:
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Crew access is available at the following:
We encourage spectators to carpool to reduce congestion. Crew driving directions will be posted soon.
Runners can have drop bags at the following aid station locations:
- Elbow Coulee
- Ridgeline
- Chickadee
- Winthrop Trail
There will be tarps set up at check-in, one for each aid station location, along with duct tape and sharpies. Runners are allowed one bag per location and should be labeled with: name, bib number, and aid station name. Our volunteers will be transporting the bags to to the aid station and back to the finish once they close for the day.
Runners can also leave a drop bag at the finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag during morning check in and there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Crew access is available at the following:
- Elbow Coulee
- Chickadee aid station
- Winthrop Trail aid station (requires a 1.25 mile walk from the start/finish area)
We encourage spectators to carpool to reduce congestion. Crew driving directions will be posted soon.
DOGS
Though we love our furry friends, dogs are not allowed at this race. The trails we use are also used for horseback riding and the course goes through stretches of cattle feeding ground so our permitting agencies prohibit dogs during the race. The Patterson Lake Cabins, where the races starts and finishes, does not allow dogs on their property. Please leave your dog at home for this race.
Though we love our furry friends, dogs are not allowed at this race. The trails we use are also used for horseback riding and the course goes through stretches of cattle feeding ground so our permitting agencies prohibit dogs during the race. The Patterson Lake Cabins, where the races starts and finishes, does not allow dogs on their property. Please leave your dog at home for this race.
COURSE MAPS/ELEVATION PROFILE
After the addition of a beautiful new ridge trail, the Sun Mountain 50M course will be different than past years. The initial course map can be found below and we will post the official course map once it is finished. Stay tuned!
The course will be well marked with pink and yellow ribbon and yellow arrow signs. You should not go more than one mile without seeing a sign or ribbon. Some of the trails are also used for horseback riding and mountain biking, so if you encounter a horse on the trail, runners need to yield.
Please study these and print them out and bring them with you if you'll want a paper map come race-day. Like all Rainshadow races, the course will be well marked, but we won't have any paper maps for runners or spectators (so print your own if you want one), and ultimately, it's each runner's responsibility to know the course.
After the addition of a beautiful new ridge trail, the Sun Mountain 50M course will be different than past years. The initial course map can be found below and we will post the official course map once it is finished. Stay tuned!
The course will be well marked with pink and yellow ribbon and yellow arrow signs. You should not go more than one mile without seeing a sign or ribbon. Some of the trails are also used for horseback riding and mountain biking, so if you encounter a horse on the trail, runners need to yield.
Please study these and print them out and bring them with you if you'll want a paper map come race-day. Like all Rainshadow races, the course will be well marked, but we won't have any paper maps for runners or spectators (so print your own if you want one), and ultimately, it's each runner's responsibility to know the course.
| Sun Mountain 50 Mile Course GPS File |
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! The Sun Mountain 50K and 25K are lottery races, but volunteers for any of the distances (including the 50 mile) can bypass the Sun Mountain lotteries. Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us or sign up here!
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! The Sun Mountain 50K and 25K are lottery races, but volunteers for any of the distances (including the 50 mile) can bypass the Sun Mountain lotteries. Volunteer shifts range from just a couple hours in the morning to an all day aid station or something at the finish area. If you are new to volunteering, check out the job descriptions page to find the volunteer gig that is perfect for you! We promise you will have fun!
If you are interested in volunteering for the race, please email us or sign up here!
CANCELLATIONS
We understand things may come up and you may not be able to make it to the race. We do not offer refunds, but you have 3 choices for cancellations. Click below for more information.
We understand things may come up and you may not be able to make it to the race. We do not offer refunds, but you have 3 choices for cancellations. Click below for more information.
SHIRTS
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add them on during the registration process. There are two options, a technical Patagonia race shirt or a soft and comfy cotton-blend tee, both printed with the race logo. If you did not add on a shirt during registration, you may purchase one on the store page until 45 days prior to the event.
Race registration does not include a t-shirt, but runners have the option to add them on during the registration process. There are two options, a technical Patagonia race shirt or a soft and comfy cotton-blend tee, both printed with the race logo. If you did not add on a shirt during registration, you may purchase one on the store page until 45 days prior to the event.
LODGING
The start/finish area is at the Patterson Lake Cabin resort and all of the cabins are available for booking directly through the Sun Mountain Lodge. The cabins are first come, first served and will sell out so do not hesitate to call in to make your reservation. The Sun Mountain Lodge is only about 1 mile from the start/finish and has beautiful rooms, spa, and restaurant. When you make your reservation for either the cabins or the lodge, be sure to mention you are with Rainshadow Running!
No camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the start/finish or start/finish parking lot or anywhere on Sun Mountain property.
There are campgrounds nearby and plenty of lodging in Winthrop and Twisp, both of which are 20-30 minutes from the race start/finish. The North Cascades Mountain Hostel is owned and operated by a good friend of ours and offers very affordable rooms in the heart of Winthrop.
Big Twin Lakes Campground is the closest camping to the start/finish area. If you are looking for free or dispersed camping, your best options are Elbow Coulee Road, which is off Patterson Lake Road, just a couple miles before the start/finish area. You can also try Thompson Pass Road, also off of Patterson Lake Road, about a mile past the start/finish.
Other lodging we recommend: Sun Mountain Lodge, The Chewuch Inn and the River Run Inn
The start/finish area is at the Patterson Lake Cabin resort and all of the cabins are available for booking directly through the Sun Mountain Lodge. The cabins are first come, first served and will sell out so do not hesitate to call in to make your reservation. The Sun Mountain Lodge is only about 1 mile from the start/finish and has beautiful rooms, spa, and restaurant. When you make your reservation for either the cabins or the lodge, be sure to mention you are with Rainshadow Running!
No camping or sleeping in your vehicle at the start/finish or start/finish parking lot or anywhere on Sun Mountain property.
There are campgrounds nearby and plenty of lodging in Winthrop and Twisp, both of which are 20-30 minutes from the race start/finish. The North Cascades Mountain Hostel is owned and operated by a good friend of ours and offers very affordable rooms in the heart of Winthrop.
Big Twin Lakes Campground is the closest camping to the start/finish area. If you are looking for free or dispersed camping, your best options are Elbow Coulee Road, which is off Patterson Lake Road, just a couple miles before the start/finish area. You can also try Thompson Pass Road, also off of Patterson Lake Road, about a mile past the start/finish.
Other lodging we recommend: Sun Mountain Lodge, The Chewuch Inn and the River Run Inn
POST RACE PARTY
We do not give out finisher's medals at any of our races, instead that money goes to providing free handmade pizza courtesy of Pizza Rocks, free craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and live bluegrass from Danville. This is free for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends/family. We strive to create a welcoming community feel where runners and volunteers want to stay and hang out after they finish, cheer on their fellow runners, share trail stories and dance to live music! We promise you the finish line will be just as festive for the last runner as it is for the first finisher.
Our amazing pizza crew can accommodate just about every dietary preference (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian), so when it is your turn to grab a slice, simply make your request and they will make a special pizza for you!
The post race party is free for registered runners, their families, and volunteers (guest list will be monitored by a volunteer). Unfortunately we are not able to offer the food and drink to outside spectators. Those who appear under 30 will be asked to present ID for beer.
We do not give out finisher's medals at any of our races, instead that money goes to providing free handmade pizza courtesy of Pizza Rocks, free craft beer and non-alcoholic drinks, and live bluegrass from Danville. This is free for all registered runners, volunteers, and their friends/family. We strive to create a welcoming community feel where runners and volunteers want to stay and hang out after they finish, cheer on their fellow runners, share trail stories and dance to live music! We promise you the finish line will be just as festive for the last runner as it is for the first finisher.
Our amazing pizza crew can accommodate just about every dietary preference (gluten free, vegan, vegetarian), so when it is your turn to grab a slice, simply make your request and they will make a special pizza for you!
The post race party is free for registered runners, their families, and volunteers (guest list will be monitored by a volunteer). Unfortunately we are not able to offer the food and drink to outside spectators. Those who appear under 30 will be asked to present ID for beer.
CARPOOL
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
Coordinating carpools in three quick and easy steps!
- Click this link and scan the spreadsheet to find compatible folks to carpool with;
- Contact those folks or...
- If you don't see what you're looking for enter your own details and contact info.
PHOTOS/RESULTS/RACE REPORTS
All of the past race results can be found on UltraSignup. To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to info@rainshadowrunning.com!
All of the past race results can be found on UltraSignup. To check out photos, media, and race reports from previous years, please choose the appropriate option below: We would love to feature your race report on our website. If you have one to share, please email it to info@rainshadowrunning.com!