Saturday August 29, 2009

Part of the Trail Run Series

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 for the whole run.

Course map

Start times

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

Cost

Early registration - through Thursday, August 20th

  • $45.00 adult/$35.00 youth; includes transportation to race start, refreshments, tee shirt and awards.Sean McCabe on the course in 2007

Late registration - from Friday, August 21st through day of race

  • Price increases by $10; includes transportation to race start, refreshments, and awards. Tees available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Refund Policy
No refunds after Thursday, August 20th.

Registration
Online registration is now open.

You can also register in person at the places/times listed immediately below.
Registration is limited to 225 racers and fills up early-register now to guarantee your space.

You may also fill out the registration form, print it and mail it to MVSTA, PO Box 147, Winthrop WA 98862.

Early registration deadline Thursday, August 14th; $10 late fee beginning Friday, August 15th.

Packet Pick-up and Late Registration

  • 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Friday, August 28th at MVSTA, 209 Castle Ave in Winthrop.
  • 6:00 - 7:00 a.m. Saturday, August 29th at the Mazama Community Center in Mazama.

Participants

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: $4.00 for smoothies and $6.00 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+.

Directions
MVSTA: At four-way stop in Winthrop, head north (up hill) on Bridge St and take a right on Castle Ave. MVSTA is first house on right; parking available in adjacent lot.

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.

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

Methow Valley Trail Run Series
This event is part of the Methow Valley Trail Run Series. Run all 4 of the events to qualify for series awards and tee. The events include:

  • Sunflower Iron Event - May 2, 2009
  • Mazama 10K - May 23, 2009
  • Run the Sun 10 Mile - July 11, 2009
  • Cutthroat Classic - August 29, 2009