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Backcountry Rise 50K | 50Mile
August 19, 2023 @ 4:00 am - 9:00 pm PDT
An event every year that begins at 4:00 am on day third of August, repeating until September 20, 2025
Welcome to a majestic backcountry rising from the ashes of the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens. With its sapphire lakes, rugged, toothy peaks and wildflower-blanketed slopes, the Mt. Margaret Backcountry on the north side of the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument provides an unforgettably unique and stunning trail race experience. The power and resilience of Mother Nature is truly on full display here in the backcountry.
Backcountry Rise includes three different challenging and remote loop courses: a 50 miler, 50K and 20 miler. Each race offers big climbs, sweeping descents and stunning ridgeline views of the surrounding Cascade Volcanoes, high mountain lakes, rushing creeks and abundant wildlife, especially resident mountain goats, elk and many more.
Our venue is the spectacular Mt. St. Helens Science & Learning Center, itself designed as the original volcano observatory on the Monument. Perched on the slopes above Coldwater Lake and oriented toward the Mount St. Helens caldera and blast zone, the venue offers a scenic, family-friendly base camp location.
Land Acknowledgement: We recognize that we gather for this event on the traditional, unceded lands of the Cowlitz people who have occupied and stewarded these lands for countless generations. We respect their right to self-determination and their sacred connection to these lands and waters.
50K COURSE
The 50K consists of a single clockwise loop offering seemingly endless breathtaking views along entire course, and mile for mile is truly one of the most scenic and unique trail races in the North America. Runners are treated to panoramic views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, as well as the majestic Mt. Margaret Backcountry’s many high lakes, creeks, craggy ridgelines and miles and miles of sweet single-track trails.
This is a very challenging mountain trail race that should not be taken lightly and is not a beginner-level 50K course (see experience requirement below). Much of the route is on remote backcountry trail with minimal access and rugged sections seeing infrequent maintenance. There is also significant distance between some aid stations. Race entrants who insufficiently train for this race are jeopardizing their safety and unfairly overburdening the event’s volunteers and safety resources—you have been warned.
Total elevation gain is 7,600ft and loss is 7,600ft. Approximately 98% of the course is on single-track trails and three aid stations are offered.
50 MILER
The 50 MILER consists of two different clockwise loops (most of the 50K course, then the 20 mile course) offering equal amounts of breathtaking views and significant mountain challenge. This is a remote mountain trail race that should not be taken lightly and is an advanced-level course (see experience requirement below).
Most of the route is on isolated, narrow backcountry trails with very limited access and rugged sections seeing infrequent maintenance. There is also significant distance between some aid stations. Race entrants who inadequately train for this race are jeopardizing their safety and unfairly burdening the event’s volunteers and safety resources—you have been warned.
Total elevation gain is 11,800ft and loss is 11,800ft. Approximately 98% of the course is on single-track trails. Six aid stations are offered, three of which are hiked in by volunteers.
50 MILE RACE DAY SCHEDULE
MILE BIB PICKUP/CHECK-IN: 4:00-4:50AM
MILE RACE START: 5:00AM
CUT-OFFS:
1:30PM at Johnston Ridge Observatory | Aid Station #3 | Mile 24.5
3:00PM at Coldwater Boatlaunch | Aid Station #4 | Mile 29.9
7:00PM at Johnston Ridge Observatory | Aid Station #6 | Mile 43.5
FINISH LINE CLOSES: 9:00PM (16 Hours/3.1 mph) | Mile 50.4
50K RACE DAY SCHEDULE
BIB PICKUP/CHECK-IN: 5:00-6:45AM
BRIEFING: 6:50AM at Start Line
RACE START: 7:00AM
BRIEFING: 6:50AM at Start Line
RACE START: 7:00AM
CUT-OFF: 4:00PM at Johnston Ridge Aid Station (#3).
FINAL CUT-OFF: 6:00PM at Finish Line
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To confirm event status (sold out, cancellations, COVID restrictions, etc.), be sure to visit the event website above.
Pre-registration is strongly recommended! During COVID, most event organizers do not have on-site registration. You are responsible for following event organizers' COVID procedures.
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