Saturday August 24, 2013

Title Sponsor: Winthrop Mountain Sports 

Possibly the most incredible views you could ever have on a trail run! The Cutthroat Classic is a 11.1 mile trail run through the North Cascades, following the Pacific Crest Trail and over Cutthroat Pass. This race is limited and sells out every year. Race registration includes transportation to the race start and back to Mazama from the finish, a race t-shirt, aid stations, awards and random prizes.

The Course
This mountain course begins at Rainy Pass on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, elevation 4,800 feet. The route follows the Pacific Crest Trail north on a steady, gradual 5 mile climb to Cutthroat Pass, elevation 6,800 feet. Runners then descend 4 miles to Cutthroat Lake (Many switchbacks on a 5-10% grade). The course continues gradually downhill for 2 more miles to the Cutthroat Creek Trailhead, elevation 4,500 feet. Total course length is 11.1 miles.

The trail is rough and rocky with some shallow stream crossings. It is used by day hikers, backpackers, horses, llama packers and mountain bikers, so be ready for a challenging run. The weather could be anything from hot, dry and sunny to cold and wet. Be prepared for all weather conditions.The upper part of the course has little shade. Runners must carry a sufficient amount of water and fuel for the whole run.

Course map

Start Times

Self-seeding with 4 waves. Wave one being the fastest wave. See previous Cutthroat results for an idea on past finish times. Race timing will auto adjust for wave time starts.

** Wave one is for elite or very fast runners only; Waves two and three will have the most runners at their start time

• 8:00 a.m. wave one**    finish time is <1:40 Min
• 8:05 a.m. wave two       1:40 to 1:55
• 8:15 a.m. wave three     1:55 to 2:10
• 8:25 a.m. wave four       2:10 to 3:00

*Racers should feel confident that they can complete the course in three hours or less.

Cost

• $85.00 adult
• $60.00 youth age 19 and younger
  
  

Entry fee includes registration, race bib, shuttle transportation from Mazama Venue to the start , custom Cutthroat Classic Tee (with registration prior to June 1, 2012), shuttle transportation from finish to Mazama venue, and awards.

REGISTRATION

2013 Registration IS OPEN - It will close when full!

Refund Policy

No refunds after June 1st 2013
Refunds subject to a 20% administration fee

Packet Pick-up

• 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 23rd  location: Blue Sky Real Estate in Winthrop
• 6:00 - 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 24th at the Mazama Community Center in Mazama

Transportation and Parking
Buses will depart the Mazama Community Center promptly at 7:00 a.m. for the race start at Rainy Pass. There is no transportation provided from the Cutthroat Lake Trailhead to Rainy Pass. Runners may leave bags with extra clothing at the start. Bags will be unloaded at the race finish. Busses will shuttle racers from the finish back to the Mazama Community Center at ~30 minute intervals beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at noon.

Parking is limited at the start and finish and a Northwest Forest Pass is required. A one-day pass is $5.00 and may be purchased at fee tubes at the Rainy Pass and Cutthroat Trailheads (exact cash or check required).

Aid Stations
There will be one aid station at mile 6 with energy gel, water and Gatorade. Aid station supplies are packed in by horseback. Mile 6 is up and over Cutthroat Pass so again runners are encouraged to carry their own food and water supplies.

Lunch
After the race, enjoy great fare prepared by the Methow Valley Nordic Junior Team. Proceeds help support young athletes develop skills and experience, and race locally, regionally, and nationally. Food will be served at the Mazama Community Center from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30pm.

Awards and Divisions
The awards ceremony and random prize drawing will begin approximately 11:30am at the Mazama Community Center. Awards created by local potter Jim Neupert will be presented to the overall male and female winners plus the top three finishers in each age division: 19 & under, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69 and 70+.                         

Directions

Mazama Community Center: From Winthrop, proceed approx. 14 miles west on Hwy 20 to mile marker 179. Take a right on Lost River Road. At intersection proceed straight and then right to park in the Mazama Corral Trailhead lot. Packet pick-up is in the Mazama Community Center-the red building on the eastern end of the parking lot.

Participants: 

Results and Photos
Results will be posted on MVSTA's results webpage the evening of the race.  Event photos will be posted (low resolution) on the MVSTA Blog and (high resolution) www.mitchellimage.com

Sponsors
Winthrop Mountain Sports is the title sponsor. Additional sponsors include Backcountry Coffee, Blue Sky Real Estate, Central Reservations, Chewuch Inn, Freestone Inn, Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies, Methow Cycle and Sport, Nordic Ultratune, River’s Edge Resort, Rocking Horse Bakery, Smartwool and Sun Mountain Lodge.