In addition to their ultra and trail races, Rainshadow Running is probably known best for simply putting on some pretty darn good events in some really cool, picturesque locations. That’s why it should come as no surprise that many of their races are highly sought after and often sell out quickly. One such race includes the Yakima Skyline Rim 25k & the Yakima Skyline Rim 50k, which are scheduled to take place Saturday, April 22nd (50k) and Sunday, April 23rd (25k). Both events will take place just outside of Ellensburg, WA near the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area on Canyon Road.
The out and back courses for both the 25k and the 50k are located in a beautiful, high desert, rainshadow region of the area, and are described as being exposed, hot, and dry. Participants can expect to see stunning views of the canyon, and of the Yakima river below, as well as views of Mt Rainier and the Cascades off in the distance. The 25k course has nearly 5,000 feet of elevation gain, while the 50k course includes nearly 10,000 feet of elevation gain. The courses are both, essentially, intense quad workouts, and not for the faint of heart.
25k Elevation chart
50k Elevation Chart
**It should be important to note that both the 25k and 50k races will require all race participants to carry 40 oz. of water during the race. You will need to bring proof of your 40oz of water at bib pickup, in addition to bringing your ID if you want to be able to pick up your bib.
The schedule and information for each days’ events are as follows:
Saturday, April 22nd – 50k Race
6:30-7:55 am: Bib pick-up/ID and 40 oz of water verification
7:55 am: Pre-race briefing
8:00 am: 50K starts
12:30 pm: Cut-off at Buffalo Road, mile 15.5
3:00 pm: Cut-off at Roza Creek, mile 23
The 50k will have 3 fully stocked aid stations in the following locations:
Roza Creek mile 8
Buffalo Road mile 15.5
Roza Creek mile 23
There will also be an additional water station on the ridge line at mile 5.5 (on the way out) and mile 25.5 (on the return). Each aid station will include water, GU brew, various kinds of soda, fresh fruit, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and wraps, candy, and pickles. There will also be an assortment of gels, however, racers are also encouraged to supply their own gels if you have a particular flavor preference.
Drop bags/crew access
Runners will have drop bag access at the Buffalo Road aid station at mile 15.5. The Roza Creek aid station is a raft-in aid station and will not have any drop bag access. There is no crew access at any point on this course.
Cut off/drops
The 50k race will have a 9 hour cutoff time. The cut off times are when runners need to be leaving the aid station, not arriving by. If you need to drop on the course, you MUST do so at the Roza Creek or Buffalo Road aid stations and let the captain of the aid station know you are dropping. It’s also helpful if you can let the finish/timing crew know that you are dropping as well. If you drop at Roza Creek, you will need to be rafted across the river which means you’ll wait until the guides are able to take you.
Registration for the 50k is open until April 20, 2017 and is $95. Register here: Ultra Sign Up 50k
Sunday, April 23rd – 25k Race
7:30-8:55 am: Bib pick-up/ID and 40 oz of water verification
8:55 am: Pre-race briefing
9:00 am: 25K starts
12:00 pm: Cut-off at Roza Creek, mile 8
There will be 1 fully stocked aid station on the 25k course at Roza Creek, mile 8. The aid station will supply water, GU brew, gells, various kinds of soda, fresh fruit, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and wraps, candy, and pickles. There is also a water only aid station on the ridge line at mile 5.5 on the way out and mile 10 on the way back.
Drop bags/crew access
There will be no drop bags on the 25k course and no crew access at any point on the 25k course due to Roza Creek’s raft-in location.
Cut off/drops
Runners will have 6 hours to complete the course. Cut off times at Roza Creek are TBD. The cut off times are when runners need to be leaving the aid station, not arriving by. If you need to drop on the course, you MUST do so at the Roza Creek aid station and let the captain of the aid station know you are dropping.
Registration for the 25k is open until April 20, 2017 and is $75. Register here: Ultra Sign Up 25k
Dogs
Dogs are allowed on both the 25k and 50k courses, and well behaved dogs are welcome at the start/finish area. Those who are planning on bringing their dogs on course, however, should note that there is NO water access for your dogs and it gets very hot, so prepare accordingly.
You can visit each course site, Yakima Skyline 25k & Yakima Skyline 50k, for more information on lodging, camping, carpooling, as well as additional information about each race.
If you’re somehow not familiar with Rainshadow Running, I would highly recommend checking out their 2017 race calendar, and see for yourself why their events are incredibly popular.
