Grand Ridge Trail Race: 5 Mile, Half and Full Marathon
The course is two distinct loops: one loop for the 5-mile run and another half-marathon(ish) loop for the longer distances. Marathon runners will do two loops of the half-marathon course, and 50K runners will do two half-marathon loops and then one 5-mile loop. We probably should note that the half-marathon loop is closer to 14 miles than 13 miles (gotta make up for those other missed races!)
All distances start from the Highpoint Way Trailhead and follow the Issaquah-Preston Trail for .5 miles before starting the climb. Rocky, technical switchbacks bring you up to the 5-mile course junction. The 5-mile takes a left and heads out on the loop of the lollipop, while the Half, Full, and 50K runners continue up Grand Ridge. They’ll take a detour from the out-and-back on the way north to visit the Flowing Fir Trail before coming back to the main trail and on out to the Duthie Aid Station. The Full-Marathoners get two loops of this awesome course. The 50k runners get two loops of the half AND the 5-mile loop. So they get to see it all!
The trails will be open to other users during the event, including pedestrians and cyclists. See our FAQ page for more information about sharing the trails.
The aid stations are stocked with water, Tailwind, Clif product, PBJ sandwiches, fruit, cookies, crackers and pretzels. As always, but a bit different as a volunteer with assist you in getting your snacks one participant at a time. We encourage you to bring your own food and snacks to better facilitate social distances at aid stations.
Cupless Races
This is a cupless race. All runners should carry with them a refillable container that they can run with. There will be a limited number of cups for emergency situations.