Saturday April 19, 2008

Part of the Trail Run Series

The Course
The Rattler Half Marathon offers racers some of the first and finest Methow Valley trails to become snow free in the spring. 13.1 miles in length and with approximately 1800 feet of gain, the course runs above and below the unique rock formations of Pipestone Canyon southeast of Winthrop. Racers will find aid stations with energy gel, Gatorade and water at the 4, 9, and 11-mile marks.

Conditions as of April 14: The trail is in good shape going into race week. Runners may expect patches of snow on the four-mile loop north of the start and through the heart of the canyon. The remainder of the course is snow-free and in great shape!

Course Map

Start time
8:55 a.m. race announcement
9:00 a.m. race start

Cost
$30 adult/$20 youth early registration fee through Thursday, April 10th, includes a tee shirt designed and printed by local artist Mary Sharman, light refreshments and awards.

$40 adult/$30 youth late registration fee from Friday, April 11th through day of race. Tees available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Refund Policy
No refunds after Thursday, April 10th.

Registration
Online registration is now closed. You can register in person at the places and times listed immediately below.

Packet Pick-up and Late Registration

• 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 18th at MVSTA, 209 Castle Ave in Winthrop
• 7:30 – 8:15 a.m. Saturday, April 19th under the picnic shelter in the Winthrop Town Park

Participants

Transportation To and From the Race Start
A bus will depart the Winthrop Town Park at 8:15 a.m. for the race start. There is very little parking at the trailhead and a Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Vehicle Use Permit is required for parking. Permits are sold at Pardners Mini Market in Winthrop and the Do-It Center in Twisp. A van will transport runners back to the Winthrop Park approximately every 30 minutes from 10:45 a.m. until 12:15 p.m., or until the last runner has completed the race.

Awards and Divisions
The awards ceremony and random prize drawing will begin approximately 12:00 noon at the Winthrop Town Park. 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+.

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

Directions to Race Start
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.

Winthrop Town Park – At four-way stop in Winthrop, head south (across Chewuch River) on Bridge street and after ~1/4 mile take a left into parking lot adjacent to Winthrop Town Park and Barn.

Race Start - Take the East County Road from Winthrop or Twisp to Upper Bear Creek Road (follow signs for Golf Course). Head north on Bear Creek Road past the golf course to Lester Road. Follow event signs from there. You may expect patches of snow on Lester Road.

Methow Valley Trail Run Series
The Rattler Half Marathon is part of the Methow Valley Trail Run Series. Run 4 of the 5 events to qualify for series awards and tee. The events include:

• Rattler Half Marathon – April 19, 2008
• Sunflower Iron Event – May 3, 3008
• Mazama 10K – May 24, 2008
• Run the Sun 10 Mile – July 12, 2008
• Cutthroat Classic 11.1 Mile Mountain Run – August 23, 2008