Saturday August 28, 2010

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. Don't wait to register!

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.

  • 8:00a.m. wave one
  • 8:05 a.m. wave two
  • 8:10 a.m. wave three
  • 8:15 a.m. wave four


Cost


  • $50.00 adult
  • $40.00 youth age 19 and younger

Registration

On-line registration is now closed as the race is full. 

Refund Policy
No refunds after Thursday, August 19th.


Packet Pick-up

  • 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 27th at Blue Sky Real Estate, 141 Riverside Ave in Winthrop
  • 6:00 - 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 28th at the Mazama Community Center in Mazama

Transportation and Parking
Busses 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 on busses. 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 after the last racer is in.

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.

Lunch
After the race, enjoy a smoothie and/or burrito 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 1:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 for smoothies and $7.00 for burritos.

Awards and Divisions
The awards ceremony and random prize drawing will begin approximately 12:00 noon 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+. Prize sponsors include the Mazama Country Inn, the Winthrop Inn, Methow Cycle & Sport, Winthrop Mountain Sports, Black Diamond, Backcountry Coffee and Trail Runner Magazine.

Sean McCabe Prints for Sale at Awards Ceremony

 

If you are feeling like it is going to be hard to get in the car and go home after enjoying a weekend in the Methow, you can take some solace in taking home a Sean McCabe print (paper and canvas available) to commemorate your run and the beauty of the North Cascades.  Prints will be available for sale at the awards ceremony at the Mazama Community Center, right after the race.  Sean was a much loved local artist, teacher and community member, and an accomplished runner, nordic skier and climber.  Credit card, cash or check..

                             

Directions
Race packet pick-up is Friday August 27th from 5-7pm at Blue Sky Realty located in downtown Winthrop on the North side of town at 141 Riverside Ave.

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
Results will be posted on MVSTA's results webpage the evening of the race.