This event takes place on ancestral lands of the sp̓aƛ̓mul̓əxʷəxʷ (Methow), Syilx (Okanagan), Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka’pamux) all of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla
SUN MOUNTAIN 50M/50K/25K
MAY 1 & 2 2027
WINTHROP, WA
Overview
Located on the eastern, and sunny side of the North Cascades - on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness, above the Methow and Twisp River Valleys - 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 mostly gradual, smooth, runnable trails with moderate amounts of elevation gain.
The 50M & 50K will be the same routes as the 2026 race and the 25K will be basically the same with just a little more distance added in the beautiful Moccasin Lake Ranch to make it a full 25K this time. This is great news because the 2026 routes were the best routes we've ran there in the almost 20 year history of the race! And the lakeside start/finish area at Big Twin Lake Resort Campground is an amazing and relaxing place to hang out all weekend. You can reserve your campsite there when you register for the race!
These races take place on the ancestral lands of the sp̓aƛ̓mul̓əxʷəxʷ (Methow), Syilx (Okanagan), Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka’pamux) all of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla. For members of these tribes we will waive the race entry fee for any of our events, please email us at [email protected]
Note: Dogs not allowed on the race course this year but leashed well-behaved dogs are allowed at the finish at Big Twin.
Located on the eastern, and sunny side of the North Cascades - on the edge of the Chelan Sawtooth Wilderness, above the Methow and Twisp River Valleys - 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 mostly gradual, smooth, runnable trails with moderate amounts of elevation gain.
The 50M & 50K will be the same routes as the 2026 race and the 25K will be basically the same with just a little more distance added in the beautiful Moccasin Lake Ranch to make it a full 25K this time. This is great news because the 2026 routes were the best routes we've ran there in the almost 20 year history of the race! And the lakeside start/finish area at Big Twin Lake Resort Campground is an amazing and relaxing place to hang out all weekend. You can reserve your campsite there when you register for the race!
These races take place on the ancestral lands of the sp̓aƛ̓mul̓əxʷəxʷ (Methow), Syilx (Okanagan), Nłeʔkepmx Tmíxʷ (Nlaka’pamux) all of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation as well as the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla. For members of these tribes we will waive the race entry fee for any of our events, please email us at [email protected]
Note: Dogs not allowed on the race course this year but leashed well-behaved dogs are allowed at the finish at Big Twin.
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50M -- Saturday May 1 Elevation gain: 8200ft Elevation loss: 8200ft Aid Stations: 6 Cutoff Time: 15+ hours |
50K -- Saturday May 1 Elevation gain: 5000ft Elevation loss: 5000ft Aid Stations: 4 Cutoff Time: 13+ hours |
25K -- Sunday May 2 Elevation gain: 2300ft Elevation loss: 2300ft Aid Stations: 2 Cutoff Time: 6+ hours |
Registration
- 50M: Super Early Bird $220 (before June 7), Early Bird $235 (Before July 7), $255 (after July 6)
- 50K: Super Early Bird $180 (before June 7), Early Bird $195 (Before July 7), $215 (after July 6)
- 25K: Super Early Bird $150 (before June 7), Early Bird $160 (Before July 7), $175 (after July 6)
- Big Double (50M + 25K) Super Early Bird $320 (before June 7), Early Bird $335 (Before July 7), $355 (after July 6)
- Little Double (50K + 25K) Super Early Bird $295 (before June 7), Early Bird $310 (Before July 7), $330 (after July 6)
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Do you want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? Are you a part of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ community? Apply to the Trail Mix Fund to have your registration fee waived. |
Kids 1K Fun Run
Stay tuned! We're hoping to bring back the free kids fun run for 2027!
Stay tuned! We're hoping to bring back the free kids fun run for 2027!
Official Race Camping at Big Twin
Again for 2026 our home away from home for race weekend will be the beautiful and spacious Big Twin Lake Resort. This is your most convenient option as this is also where you'll catch the shuttle buses to/from the race start/finish area.
You can reserve your campsite when you register for the race OR
If you've already registered for the race you can reserve your campsite here OR
Volunteers camp for free, please click here to reserve your volunteer campsite
From the very first conversation with Big Twin owners Loree and Jessica it was obvious we had found our new home for the race! This multi-generation family business will soon be celebrating their 100th anniversary! Any small biz that's been around that long must be doing something right and after meeting with them it was easy to imagine us having a great race weekend there. It's a huge park-like property on the west side of Big Twin Lake just a few miles outside of downtown Winthrop and just 5 miles from the trails at Sun Mountain. Like last year we will again have the property all to ourselves!
This is a great place for you and your friends and family to hang out for the whole weekend! The campground amenities include: playset for children, swimming dock, boat launch, boat dock, boat rentals (pedal boats, paddle boards, row boats), free WiFi at select sites and at the camp office, coin operated showers in the bathhouse, ice and firewood for sale at camp store. And it's a short drive to the towns of Winthrop, Twisp and Mazama with all kinds of fun things to do for everyone!
EACH CAMP SITE RESERVATION IS FOR THREE NIGHTS
Your reservation includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights--the price is the same even if you don't stay all three nights. Checkout by Noon on Monday unless your site is available AND you make special arrangements with Big Twin Resort.
PREMIUM RV CAMP SITE: $200 Amenities: your own individual site, water, 30 amp electric, picnic table, fire pit, sewer dump available. Some sites are pull in or back in, limited pull through sites available. Maximum trailer length varies per site from 18ft for the smallest one to multiple sites that can handle 32-40ft trailers. There are only 28 of these sites!
PREMIUM CAMP SITE: $150 Amenities: your own individual site, picnic table, fire pit, short walk to the lake and to the bathrooms. These sites are for tents and folks sleeping in their vehicles that are 24 feet or less. There are only twelve of these sites!
BASIC RV CAMP SITE: $90 These sites are for vehicles 25+ feet. Price is per vehicle (truck & trailer counts as one vehicle). We'll set aside a big flat area for ya.
BASIC CAMP SITE: $75 These sites are for tents and folks sleeping in their vehicles that are 24 feet or less. Price is per tent or per vehicle if you're sleeping in your vehicle. You'll choose your own site from the available areas that aren't already reserved for others.
You can reserve your campsite when you register for the race OR
If you've already registered for the race you can reserve your campsite here OR
Volunteers camp for free, please click here to reserve your volunteer campsite
From the very first conversation with Big Twin owners Loree and Jessica it was obvious we had found our new home for the race! This multi-generation family business will soon be celebrating their 100th anniversary! Any small biz that's been around that long must be doing something right and after meeting with them it was easy to imagine us having a great race weekend there. It's a huge park-like property on the west side of Big Twin Lake just a few miles outside of downtown Winthrop and just 5 miles from the trails at Sun Mountain. Like last year we will again have the property all to ourselves!
This is a great place for you and your friends and family to hang out for the whole weekend! The campground amenities include: playset for children, swimming dock, boat launch, boat dock, boat rentals (pedal boats, paddle boards, row boats), free WiFi at select sites and at the camp office, coin operated showers in the bathhouse, ice and firewood for sale at camp store. And it's a short drive to the towns of Winthrop, Twisp and Mazama with all kinds of fun things to do for everyone!
EACH CAMP SITE RESERVATION IS FOR THREE NIGHTS
Your reservation includes Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights--the price is the same even if you don't stay all three nights. Checkout by Noon on Monday unless your site is available AND you make special arrangements with Big Twin Resort.
PREMIUM RV CAMP SITE: $200 Amenities: your own individual site, water, 30 amp electric, picnic table, fire pit, sewer dump available. Some sites are pull in or back in, limited pull through sites available. Maximum trailer length varies per site from 18ft for the smallest one to multiple sites that can handle 32-40ft trailers. There are only 28 of these sites!
PREMIUM CAMP SITE: $150 Amenities: your own individual site, picnic table, fire pit, short walk to the lake and to the bathrooms. These sites are for tents and folks sleeping in their vehicles that are 24 feet or less. There are only twelve of these sites!
BASIC RV CAMP SITE: $90 These sites are for vehicles 25+ feet. Price is per vehicle (truck & trailer counts as one vehicle). We'll set aside a big flat area for ya.
BASIC CAMP SITE: $75 These sites are for tents and folks sleeping in their vehicles that are 24 feet or less. Price is per tent or per vehicle if you're sleeping in your vehicle. You'll choose your own site from the available areas that aren't already reserved for others.
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 or you can volunteer one day and run the other day. Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race and at this race volunteers get free camping (email us to get your coupon code for the camping)! 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!
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 or you can volunteer one day and run the other day. Volunteers earn all kinds of perks; they get to eat and drink for free, are eligible for raffle prizes from our sponsors, earn credit towards a future Rainshadow race and at this race volunteers get free camping (email us to get your coupon code for the camping)! 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!
Timeline
Friday April 30th
Saturday May 1st - 50M & 50K
Sunday May 2nd - 25K
Monday May 3rd
Early Starts
If folks are worried about not making the cutoff times they may email us to request an early start. Early starts will only be granted to those who actually need the extra time. They are not for people who just want to start early so they can finish earlier in the day.
Friday April 30th
- 2:00pm: Camping check-in starts at Big Twin
- 10:00pm: Quiet Time Begins
- 11:00pm: Camping check-in ends for the night
Saturday May 1st - 50M & 50K
- 4:30am: 50M/50K Check-in/bib pickup begins
- 5:30am: 50M Race begins
- 5:41am: Sunrise
- 7:00am: 50K Race begins
- ~8:30pm: Cutoff at finish line
- 8:15pm: Sunset
- 10:00pm: Quiet time begins
Sunday May 2nd - 25K
- 5:39am: Sunrise
- 6:30am: 25K Check-in/bib pickup begins
- 8:00am: 25K Race begins
- ~2:00pm: Cutoff at finish line
- 8:16pm: Sunset
- 10:00pm: Quiet time begins
Monday May 3rd
- All Campers must depart by noon
Early Starts
If folks are worried about not making the cutoff times they may email us to request an early start. Early starts will only be granted to those who actually need the extra time. They are not for people who just want to start early so they can finish earlier in the day.
Course Details
These routes are just spectacular at this time of year! Run through open meadows of wildflowers in full bloom, through old growth forests and along ridgetops all with sweeping views of the surrounding river valleys and snow capped peaks of the North Cascades! And the trails are mostly pretty mellow, not a lot of rocks or roots, and the descents are pretty gradual though there's always exceptions to keep you on your toes and the big climbs are pretty steep (but nothing too crazy). In general these are excellent races for folks new to the sport and or for folks looking to run fast times. This is the eastern side of Washington so odds it'll be sunny skies and warm (some years it's even hot!) and even though there is a good bit of forest, there's also a lot parts with little or no shade. There isn't usually a lot of mud or water out on the course. For the most part it's pretty smooth sailing!
The 50M & 50K routes are basically one big loop starting and finishing at Big Twin Resort & Campground running through Moccasin Lake Ranch to Elbow Coulee then to the Twisp River Valley and then up the south side of the Sun Mountain trail system and after running a bunch of the trails there both races will exit Sun Mountain by summiting Patterson Mountain and dropping down the south side of the mountain to return to Big Twin. The 50M & 50K will follow the same route for the first 18 miles and the last 7 miles and in between the 50K will basically take a big short cut while occasionally intersecting the longer section that the 50M folks are doing. Don't worry it will be clearly marked whenever the two routes diverge from one another.
The 25K route is part out and back and part "figure 8" style course you do an out and back to the first aid station and then on the way back you'll take a big detour, including a big climb (affectionately call the "the Beast") to get up to the 2nd aid station then you'll drop down and cross the route you ran at Moccasin Lake earlier in the race and then run back to Big Twin. The first 10K of the 25K will be the same route as the 50M & 50K and about half of the race course will be on the beautiful Moccasin Lake Ranch property.
The three routes are a mix of single track trails, wider trails/old ranch roads, and some low traffic dirt and paved roads. The 25K will have 2 miles total of pavement broken up into two sections, the 50M & 50K will have 4.8 total miles of pavement broken up into three sections. The surfaces are mostly pretty mellow and smooth, there won't be a lot of super technical trails but there will be some. The climbs will be steep at times and a few of the downhills too especially the last downhill for the 50M & 50K. But overall as far as surface difficulty goes this will be pretty mellow compared to our other race courses.
The 50M will have about 8200ft of elevation gain, the 50K will have about 5000ft of gain and the 25K will have about 2300ft of gain.
Note: Dogs not allowed on the race course this year but leashed well-behaved dogs are allowed at the finish at Big Twin.
The 50M & 50K routes are basically one big loop starting and finishing at Big Twin Resort & Campground running through Moccasin Lake Ranch to Elbow Coulee then to the Twisp River Valley and then up the south side of the Sun Mountain trail system and after running a bunch of the trails there both races will exit Sun Mountain by summiting Patterson Mountain and dropping down the south side of the mountain to return to Big Twin. The 50M & 50K will follow the same route for the first 18 miles and the last 7 miles and in between the 50K will basically take a big short cut while occasionally intersecting the longer section that the 50M folks are doing. Don't worry it will be clearly marked whenever the two routes diverge from one another.
The 25K route is part out and back and part "figure 8" style course you do an out and back to the first aid station and then on the way back you'll take a big detour, including a big climb (affectionately call the "the Beast") to get up to the 2nd aid station then you'll drop down and cross the route you ran at Moccasin Lake earlier in the race and then run back to Big Twin. The first 10K of the 25K will be the same route as the 50M & 50K and about half of the race course will be on the beautiful Moccasin Lake Ranch property.
The three routes are a mix of single track trails, wider trails/old ranch roads, and some low traffic dirt and paved roads. The 25K will have 2 miles total of pavement broken up into two sections, the 50M & 50K will have 4.8 total miles of pavement broken up into three sections. The surfaces are mostly pretty mellow and smooth, there won't be a lot of super technical trails but there will be some. The climbs will be steep at times and a few of the downhills too especially the last downhill for the 50M & 50K. But overall as far as surface difficulty goes this will be pretty mellow compared to our other race courses.
The 50M will have about 8200ft of elevation gain, the 50K will have about 5000ft of gain and the 25K will have about 2300ft of gain.
Note: Dogs not allowed on the race course this year but leashed well-behaved dogs are allowed at the finish at Big Twin.
An example of one of our arrow signs (and ridgetop views) at Sun Mountain
Course Markings
The courses will be very well marked -- most, if not all, runners should have no problem staying on the race route by following our course markings. We use pink/black checkered ribbons tied onto clothespins that we clip onto tree branches, sign posts, bushes, etc. along the race route. At intersections or anywhere that might confusing we'll use multiple ribbons and yellow and black arrow signs. The course SHOULD be very well marked but S*@# does sometimes happen so just in case something happens to the markings we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the route, carry a paper map and or have the GPS route in your watch or phone and carry a spare battery to charge your phone or watch. Every intersection SHOULD be clearly marked but you also need to be paying attention to make sure you don't miss a turn. Between intersections we normally do a "confidence" ribbon every half mile or so. You shouldn't ever go more than a mile with out seeing a ribbon and or arrow sign and quite often you'll see them more often than once a half mile. And we mark tricky turns and confusing areas with extra signs and ribbons. It's rare that people take a wrong turn/get off course but it does happen, if that happens to you turn around and re-trace your steps until you see signs and ribbons then continue on course from there.
The courses will be very well marked -- most, if not all, runners should have no problem staying on the race route by following our course markings. We use pink/black checkered ribbons tied onto clothespins that we clip onto tree branches, sign posts, bushes, etc. along the race route. At intersections or anywhere that might confusing we'll use multiple ribbons and yellow and black arrow signs. The course SHOULD be very well marked but S*@# does sometimes happen so just in case something happens to the markings we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the route, carry a paper map and or have the GPS route in your watch or phone and carry a spare battery to charge your phone or watch. Every intersection SHOULD be clearly marked but you also need to be paying attention to make sure you don't miss a turn. Between intersections we normally do a "confidence" ribbon every half mile or so. You shouldn't ever go more than a mile with out seeing a ribbon and or arrow sign and quite often you'll see them more often than once a half mile. And we mark tricky turns and confusing areas with extra signs and ribbons. It's rare that people take a wrong turn/get off course but it does happen, if that happens to you turn around and re-trace your steps until you see signs and ribbons then continue on course from there.
Aid Stations
The foods and drinks we typically will have at the aid stations is water, Gnarly electrolyte drink, Coke, ginger ale, Sprite, Gu energy gels, fruit (bananas, grapes and watermelon), cookies (Oreos), candy (fun size candy bars, gummy bears, M&Ms etc), PB&J sandwiches, and potato chips.
There will also be first aid supplies and period 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.
There will also be first aid supplies and period 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.
*** The Finish Cutoff Times are not strictly enforced unlike the other cutoff times listed. The finish cutoff time is a guide, a time to shoot for and plan for, but if you come in to the finish after that time it's ok you'll still get an official finish time as long as you make the cutoff times at each of the aid stations.
Cut-off Times
More details about the aid station specific cutoff times coming soon
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.
For the past few years we've been trying to extend our cutoff times to make them as generous as we can to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to participate and have a decent chance at finishing the race. If you believe you'll need more time that our cutoff times allow we can sometimes allow you to take an early start please email us if interested in an early start or if you have questions/suggestions about our cutoff times.
More details about the aid station specific cutoff times coming soon
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.
For the past few years we've been trying to extend our cutoff times to make them as generous as we can to allow as many people as possible the opportunity to participate and have a decent chance at finishing the race. If you believe you'll need more time that our cutoff times allow we can sometimes allow you to take an early start please email us if interested in an early start or if you have questions/suggestions about our cutoff times.
Drop Bags
More details about which aid stations will and will not have drop bags coming soon
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.
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 start/finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag on the shuttle bus with you and at the start/finish area there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
More details about which aid stations will and will not have drop bags coming soon
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.
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 start/finish area for when they are done. Plan to bring the bag on the shuttle bus with you and at the start/finish area there will be a designated tarp/tent to leave it during the race.
Crew Access
Unfortunately there will no crew access to the race course other than the start/finish area due to very limited parking at each of the aid station and to limit vehicle traffic on the roads that the runners will be running on there will be no crew access by motor vehicles allowed on the race course and at the aid stations.
There are however lots of fun things for your crew to do while you're out running including right at the start/finish area at Big Twin Lake as well as in Winthrop, Twisp, and Mazama! Check out some our favorite suggestions for other activities
Unfortunately there will no crew access to the race course other than the start/finish area due to very limited parking at each of the aid station and to limit vehicle traffic on the roads that the runners will be running on there will be no crew access by motor vehicles allowed on the race course and at the aid stations.
There are however lots of fun things for your crew to do while you're out running including right at the start/finish area at Big Twin Lake as well as in Winthrop, Twisp, and Mazama! Check out some our favorite suggestions for other activities
The Finish Line & The Post Race Party
Everyone is welcome at the finish and the post race party with fresh wood-fired pizza from Pizza Rocks!, local beer from Old Schoolhouse Brewery, other food and drinks (cider, NA beer, soft drinks, etc.) and live music lakeside at Big Twin Lake Resort. This is a comfortable and convenient location for your friends and family to relax and hang out at while you're out running. And as usual we will cheer for and celebrate each person as they finish and we encourage everyone who's around to do so as well!
The lake at the resort is great for swimming, paddling and fishing. They have a playground area with swings and slides, rowboat, pedal boat and paddle board rentals, and lawn games available to check out from the camp office. There are also coin operated hot showers and they have ice and firewood for sale (fires must be in designated fire rings).
The post race food and drinks are free for all runners and volunteers; for your crew the price is $20 per adult ($10 for kids 17 and under) and you can pay for them when you register or in person.
The lake at the resort is great for swimming, paddling and fishing. They have a playground area with swings and slides, rowboat, pedal boat and paddle board rentals, and lawn games available to check out from the camp office. There are also coin operated hot showers and they have ice and firewood for sale (fires must be in designated fire rings).
The post race food and drinks are free for all runners and volunteers; for your crew the price is $20 per adult ($10 for kids 17 and under) and you can pay for them when you register or in person.
Other Nearby Lodging Options
Hotel rooms, cabins and campgrounds book up fast and often are sold out months in advance. May has become a pretty popular time to visit the Methow Valley so be sure to book your accommodations asap!
Sun Mountain Lodge and the Patterson Lake Cabins: super scenic and right on the 50M & 50K race courses!
The North Cascades Mountain Hostel: owned and operated by good friends of ours and offers affordable rooms and cabins in the heart of Winthrop.
Observatory Inn also owned and operated by good friends of ours and offers affordable rooms in the heart of Winthrop with their restaurant Jupiter right downstair!
Other options that are also in Winthrop: Chewuch Inn, Methow River Lodge and Cabins, Hotel Rio Vista, River's Edge Resort, River Run Inn, River Pines Inn, Bunkhouse Inn, Mt Gardner Inn, Virginian Resort, Winthrop Inn, Abby Creek Inn, Winthrop Mountain View Chalets.
For more hotel options in the area click here. And check with Methow Reservations and AirBNB for numerous house rental options.
Hotel rooms, cabins and campgrounds book up fast and often are sold out months in advance. May has become a pretty popular time to visit the Methow Valley so be sure to book your accommodations asap!
Sun Mountain Lodge and the Patterson Lake Cabins: super scenic and right on the 50M & 50K race courses!
The North Cascades Mountain Hostel: owned and operated by good friends of ours and offers affordable rooms and cabins in the heart of Winthrop.
Observatory Inn also owned and operated by good friends of ours and offers affordable rooms in the heart of Winthrop with their restaurant Jupiter right downstair!
Other options that are also in Winthrop: Chewuch Inn, Methow River Lodge and Cabins, Hotel Rio Vista, River's Edge Resort, River Run Inn, River Pines Inn, Bunkhouse Inn, Mt Gardner Inn, Virginian Resort, Winthrop Inn, Abby Creek Inn, Winthrop Mountain View Chalets.
For more hotel options in the area click here. And check with Methow Reservations and AirBNB for numerous house rental options.
Other Camping Nearby
These are the other campgrounds in Winthrop:
Pine Near RV and Campground
Pearrygin Lake State Park
Silverline Lakeside Resort
Winthrop KOA
Riverbend RV and Campground is about a 10 minute drive away in Twisp
There are also quite a few U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the area too, here's a list of closest ones to the race area: Early Winters, Klipchuck, and Lone Fir on HWY 20 west of Mazama; Ballard and River Bend on Lost River Rd/Harts Pass Rd west of Mazama; numerous campgrounds north of Winthrop, Buck Lake, Flat, Nice, Falls Creek, Chewuch; and up Twisp River Rd, west of Twisp, War Creek, Mystery, Poplar Creek and South Creek.
These are the other campgrounds in Winthrop:
Pine Near RV and Campground
Pearrygin Lake State Park
Silverline Lakeside Resort
Winthrop KOA
Riverbend RV and Campground is about a 10 minute drive away in Twisp
There are also quite a few U.S. Forest Service campgrounds in the area too, here's a list of closest ones to the race area: Early Winters, Klipchuck, and Lone Fir on HWY 20 west of Mazama; Ballard and River Bend on Lost River Rd/Harts Pass Rd west of Mazama; numerous campgrounds north of Winthrop, Buck Lake, Flat, Nice, Falls Creek, Chewuch; and up Twisp River Rd, west of Twisp, War Creek, Mystery, Poplar Creek and South Creek.
Driving Directions to Big Twin Resort & Campground
The race parking and camping is at Big Twin Lake Resort. The address is 210 Twin Lakes Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862. Click here for google directions
There is no parking for runners or their friends and family (crew) allowed at or near the Sun Mountain Trail System. Your crew also can not drop you off at the start. Everyone must take the shuttle buses.
Airports
The closest airport to the race is Wentachee’s Pangborn Internation Airport (EAT) with a two hour drive to Winthrop.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a 5 hour drive.
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a 4 hour drive.
Vancouver BC International Airport (YVR) is a 4 hour drive (not including time for border crossing)
Portland International Airport (PDX) is a 7hr 15min drive.
The race parking and camping is at Big Twin Lake Resort. The address is 210 Twin Lakes Rd, Winthrop, WA 98862. Click here for google directions
There is no parking for runners or their friends and family (crew) allowed at or near the Sun Mountain Trail System. Your crew also can not drop you off at the start. Everyone must take the shuttle buses.
Airports
The closest airport to the race is Wentachee’s Pangborn Internation Airport (EAT) with a two hour drive to Winthrop.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is a 5 hour drive.
Spokane International Airport (GEG) is a 4 hour drive.
Vancouver BC International Airport (YVR) is a 4 hour drive (not including time for border crossing)
Portland International Airport (PDX) is a 7hr 15min drive.
Featured Artist
Our race artwork and the Rainshadow Running logo were designed by Baylie Peplow of Red Umbrella Designs. Baylie grew up in the Methow Valley and you can visit her new shop in Twisp at TwispWorks 502 S Glover Street Building O, Unit 2, Twisp, WA 98856 Lots of cool shops and galleries to check out at TwispWorks and Old Schoohouse Brewery and Taphouse is located there too!
Our race artwork and the Rainshadow Running logo were designed by Baylie Peplow of Red Umbrella Designs. Baylie grew up in the Methow Valley and you can visit her new shop in Twisp at TwispWorks 502 S Glover Street Building O, Unit 2, Twisp, WA 98856 Lots of cool shops and galleries to check out at TwispWorks and Old Schoohouse Brewery and Taphouse is located there too!
Photos, Videos, Past Results & Race Reports
2023 50M RESULTS 50M PHOTOS
2023 20M RESULTS 20M PHOTOS
2023 50K RESULTS 50K PHOTOS
2023 25K RESULTS 25K PHOTOS
2022 50M RESULTS
2022 50M PHOTOS
CHARLENE WALDNER'S 2022 50M REPORT
2022 50K RESULTS
2022 50K PHOTOS
2022 25K RESULTS
2022 30K RESULTS
2022 25K/30K PHOTOS
Past race results for the 50M, 50k. Past results for the 25K 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]!
2023 20M RESULTS 20M PHOTOS
2023 50K RESULTS 50K PHOTOS
2023 25K RESULTS 25K PHOTOS
2022 50M RESULTS
2022 50M PHOTOS
CHARLENE WALDNER'S 2022 50M REPORT
2022 50K RESULTS
2022 50K PHOTOS
2022 25K RESULTS
2022 30K RESULTS
2022 25K/30K PHOTOS
Past race results for the 50M, 50k. Past results for the 25K 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]!
Race Rules
- Be nice: please be courteous of other trail users as well as fellow runners and volunteers. If you come upon hikers or other day users, please alert them of your presence and give them a chance to move over before you pass
- Passing: please yield to faster runners.
- One ear bud only: if you must wear headphones while running, they may only be in one ear and the volume must be low enough that you can hear others around you (we had an injury at one of our races due to someone not being able to hear while wearing both earbuds; so we take this rule seriously)
- No continuing on past cut off: for liability and safety reasons we cannot let any runner continue on their own past cut off time. We take this rule seriously. Please treat our aid station and sweep volunteers with respect. If you have an issue, find a race staff after the race and we are more than happy to have a conversation with you
- No cheating/course cutting/bandits/anything deemed unsportsmanlike: this could result in a ban from Rainshadow races and we just do not want to do that
- Dogs: Dogs not allowed on the race course this year but leashed well-behaved dogs are allowed at the finish at Big Twin.
- No performance enhancing substances
- Be on time: our sweeps go out shortly after the runners start and once they start, we cannot send out any runners after that
- No Pacers
- No crew access or crew support on the race course unless they arrive on foot or bicycle. Please no crews driving on Patterson Lake Road (crew that have reservations at Sun Mountain Lodge and Patterson Lake Cabins are allowed to drive Patterson Lake Road to go to/from your lodging but please do not drive to go see your runner at the aid stations or on the course).
- No Littering
- All local, state and federal laws must be followed as well as all instructions from race staff, aid station captains and road safety volunteers(cars will not be stopped).
Cancellations
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
If You Need to/Choose to Cancel Your Registration...
Please let us know before event day to let us know you will not be participating. We do not issue refunds, rollovers or transfers but depending on when you fill out the form you may be eligible for a credit. The amount of credit is based on when your cancellation form was submitted. The credit can be used for any Rainshadow event and never expires.
If you cancel more than 30 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel 30 days to 7 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel less than 7 days before event day or after the event: No credits will be issued. This includes entry fees, merchandise and anything else you ordered.
No rollovers or bib transfers:
We no longer offer rollovers for our events and we do not allow folks to transfer or sell their bib or registration to another person. Any participants who give away their bib, or run under a different name, are subject to being permanently banned from our events.
Pregnancy Deferral:
Anyone who becomes pregnant after registering can defer their entry for up to 3 years. Please email [email protected]
How to Use Your Rainshadow Credit:
Your credit does not have an expiration date and you can choose to use it when you register for any of our events. You can also combine your credit with a coupon code if you have one from volunteering at one of our races in the past or other coupon codes we may have given you in the past. Also if you sign up for an event that costs less than your credit total the remaining credit balance can be used for future Rainshadow events. And if we give you a credit in the future for volunteering or any other reason that credit will be added to your credit balance.
At anytime you can check your Rainshadow Running credit balance by logging into your Webscorer account, navigating to your racer profile and clicking on View participant credit. Also as long as your balance is above zero you'll be shown your credit balance when you register for any of our events and you'll be given the option to use your credit.
To use your credit simply log into your Webscorer account and go through the event registration process as normal and when you get to the section that shows the subtotal and total there will be a question that asks if you want to use your credit. Select yes and hit the "Calculate" button.
If Rainshadow Cancels a Event...
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 aware of that possibility and understand that when signing up there is that risk.
In the event of a cancellation we will do our best to notify folks as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation. All participants will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation. If the reason for cancelling the event is something out of our control like (dangerous weather, COVID shutdowns, etc.) we will likely offer folks a 50% credit towards a future event. If we are forced to cancel an event once it's already begun no credits will be issued. We do not issue refunds for any reason.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for these events, 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 the participants, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Reminder:
By registering for one of our events you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our event rules and any other logistics or arrangements you must adhere to. Please don't ask for an exception to our cancellation policies, we've given them a lot of consideration and have tried to be as generous as we can.
If you cancel more than 30 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 100% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel 30 days to 7 days before event day: 50% of your entry fee + 50% of merchandise or anything else extra you ordered.
If you cancel less than 7 days before event day or after the event: No credits will be issued. This includes entry fees, merchandise and anything else you ordered.
No rollovers or bib transfers:
We no longer offer rollovers for our events and we do not allow folks to transfer or sell their bib or registration to another person. Any participants who give away their bib, or run under a different name, are subject to being permanently banned from our events.
Pregnancy Deferral:
Anyone who becomes pregnant after registering can defer their entry for up to 3 years. Please email [email protected]
How to Use Your Rainshadow Credit:
Your credit does not have an expiration date and you can choose to use it when you register for any of our events. You can also combine your credit with a coupon code if you have one from volunteering at one of our races in the past or other coupon codes we may have given you in the past. Also if you sign up for an event that costs less than your credit total the remaining credit balance can be used for future Rainshadow events. And if we give you a credit in the future for volunteering or any other reason that credit will be added to your credit balance.
At anytime you can check your Rainshadow Running credit balance by logging into your Webscorer account, navigating to your racer profile and clicking on View participant credit. Also as long as your balance is above zero you'll be shown your credit balance when you register for any of our events and you'll be given the option to use your credit.
To use your credit simply log into your Webscorer account and go through the event registration process as normal and when you get to the section that shows the subtotal and total there will be a question that asks if you want to use your credit. Select yes and hit the "Calculate" button.
If Rainshadow Cancels a Event...
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 aware of that possibility and understand that when signing up there is that risk.
In the event of a cancellation we will do our best to notify folks as soon as we can but sometimes it may be a last minute situation. All participants will be sent an email as soon as possible with information about the cancellation. If the reason for cancelling the event is something out of our control like (dangerous weather, COVID shutdowns, etc.) we will likely offer folks a 50% credit towards a future event. If we are forced to cancel an event once it's already begun no credits will be issued. We do not issue refunds for any reason.
We understand how much money, energy, and time goes into training for these events, 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 the participants, volunteers, staff, and the general public will be the main factor in our decision to cancel.
Reminder:
By registering for one of our events you agreed to accept the terms of and abide by our cancellation policy, our COVID precautions, our event rules and any other logistics or arrangements you must adhere to. Please don't ask for an exception to our cancellation policies, we've given them a lot of consideration and have tried to be as generous as we can.
Contact Us
Questions? Comments? The race directors for all Rainshadow Running races are Katy Farrell and James Varner.
Please contact us at [email protected]
Questions? Comments? The race directors for all Rainshadow Running races are Katy Farrell and James Varner.
Please contact us at [email protected]
This activity is operated under special use permit with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this activity is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this activity is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. (Not all prohibited bases apply to all programs.)
To file a complaint of discrimination: write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.














