SEPT 20, 2025 • CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, WASHINGTION

7.7 miles• 2,544’ft vert

RACE CAPPED AT 500 RUNNERS

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COURSE DESCRIPTION

The 7.7-mile course, featuring 2,544 feet of elevation gain, kicks off at the Crystal Mountain base area. You’ll start by tackling the rugged Kelly’s Gap service road for about 1.7 miles until you reach the Green Valley trail. From there, you’ll ascend Grubstake, the race’s highest point at 6,861 feet. As you head south along the summit ridgeline, take in the expansive views of Mt. Rainier and the breathtaking Cascade Range. Continuing past the gondola and Summit House, you’ll navigate a steep and technical trail that connects you to the Crystal Mountain Trail. Pause to catch your breath and enjoy one last view of Mt. Rainier before cruising through Powder Bowl and across Bear Pits, slipping under the Forest Queen chairlift and Elizabeth Lake, where the trail winds into a lush forest leading to Henskin Lake. Here, you might spot some trout and refresh yourself with a splash of cool water before linking up with the Silver Creek Trail. As you cross alpine creeks and pass old mining camps, you’ll emerge from the trees at Gold Hill, where a stunning view of the valley and finish line awaits. The single-track trail will eventually transition to a service road, guiding you back to the Finish Line at the Crystal Mountain Resort base area, where the celebration is just getting started!

SAFETY LANGUAGE

The course is the most direct route to the high alpine, it is steep, but intuitive, you will be pushing hard for the summit, putting yourself to your capacity, lungs, grit, and strength. Please note, we will have the course well marked, it is imperative, for your safety, you follow precise path of flagging. Please be mindful of other competitors, if you encounter an injured competitor please inform the nearest course Marshall, EMT or Crystal Mountain Patrol along the route. Course is well marked with orange flagging, if you suddenly find yourself on a path without immediate orange flags to indicate the route, please turn around, go back the way you came until you get back on trail with orange flags.

**Every competitor is subject to a strict cut-off time, at Crystal Mountain summit (top of gondola), of 1.5 hrs (competitor will take gondola back down)