Endurance runners, if you are looking for a challenge, the Plain Endurance Runs could be just the race you are looking for. With only 4 finishers in the first 8 years of this event, and now boasting a 35% finish rate, this race is “Just Plain Tough!” This race is just like the name sounds – plain. No shirts, no aid stations, no marked trails, just plain running! And, it does take place on trails near the town of Plain, Washington.
Participants of the Plain Endurance Runs must carry all of their own food, gear, and water. No stashing supplies along the course or receiving aid along the way. This is a completely self-supported run. The only water sources are creeks and rivers along the course. There is one re-supply point after the first 100K loop, where participants can restock necessary resources for the second loop of the race. There are check points along the route, where participants are required to stop and check in with Search and Rescue.
The race is run on Forest Service trails and roads in the Cascade mountains in the Lake Wenatchee, Entiat, and Chelan ranger districts. There are approximately 85 miles of trail and 20 miles of remote forest service roads. The elevation gain/loss is roughly 21,000 feet with great scenery along the way.
Plain Endurance Runs was started in 1997 with just 6 runners participating. That year a huge snow storm hit, camouflaging the higher trails, thus ending the race. The following year, the race had its first 2 finishers. With the exception of the 2 different years when wildfires forced the cancellation of this event, nothing has stopped endurance runners from taking a shot at finishing this challenging run in the last 19 years.
This non-profit event donates all proceeds to local Search and Rescue and military veteran support groups.
Please note: In order to qualify for the 100 mile run, participants must have previously completed a trail 100 mile race. There is a 36 hour time limit for this event.
Plain Endurance Run Details
Date: Saturday, September 17
Time: 5:00 A.M.
Location: Deep Creek – see race website for more details – Washington
Entry Fees: $135 – 1oo mile
$100 – 100K
Race Website: Click Here