Races

Skyrace Forest Loop Race Info

SKYRACE

Skyrunning in the PNW! Come race the world's elite in the Olympic Mountains of Washington State.

The race start at (almost) sea level and follows a steep mountain trail - including a full VK on the upper section of the trail! - to the true summit of Mount Ellinor. Enjoy expansive views of the interior of the Olympics, including the glaciers of Mount Olympus to the north. To the south you can see Mount Rainier and Mount St. Helens in the distance. Once you past the second aid station you return on a different route to the finish.

• Distance: 24km | 15miles
• Vert: 1,600 m/5,300 ft.
• High point at 7 miles and 5,944ft.
• Aid station access at mile 5.4 and 8.4

Forest Loop

The Forest Loop race is 10km/6 miles and follows the Big Creek trail through lush PWN rainforest with an elevation gain of about 1,200ft. Enjoy several wooden bridge crossings over the stream at the high point of the course.

• Distance: 6 miles
• Vert: 1,200ft of vertical gain and loss.
• High point at 2.6 miles.

Your Registration Includes

• Race bib
• Aid station and finish line refreshments
• Participants gift
• Access to sponsor races swag
• Race Shirt
• Chip timing
• Free entry to the Trail Running Film Festival screening Saturday night
• Safety and medical assistance
• We plant a tree for each finisher
• A portion of entry fee will go to Olympic Mountain Rescue and to trail building and maintenance efforts in the region
• An unforgettable and fun mountain adventure at Mount Ellinor in the Olympic Mountains

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Skyrace Prize Money

	WOMEN	MEN
1	€800	€800
2	€500	€500
3	€350	€350
4	€200	€200
5	€150	€150

Combined total: €4,000 furnished by Skyrunner World Series, thank you!

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ROUTES

2026 course routes and maps with start/finish changes.

• Start/finish is at Big Creek Campground
• Both races are a bit longer due to the increased number of runners. We'll run through the campground to stretch out the crowd before hitting the singletrack.
• Strava file for Skyrace.
• Strava file for Forest Loop

TRAILS

Thanks to the efforts of the Mt. Rose Trail Crew the trails are in wonderful condition.

• Courses will be marked with bright pink and yellow ribbons. Yellow directional arrows are placed at all intersections and crossings.
• Stay on the trails at all times (as long as it is safe to do so), especially on the alpine portion of route - intentional course cutting could results in disqualification.
• Potential hazards include yellow jackets and horseflies the size of helicopters.

CUTOFFS

For Skyrace: We are asking you to be back at the finish in ~6hrs. If you would like to join us but are worried you won't make it in time we will allow you to start 30min early. Please reach out to us to arrange this. The spirit of our event is that you get to the summit and back as fast as you possibly can; this is an athletic endeavor and a test of fitness rather than a hike.

For Forest Loop: We are asking you to be back at the finish in ~2hrs.

Required Gear

This is a mountain race and you should come prepared for the elements.

• We ask that you to carry a flask of at least 500ml of water with you to the summit - Skyrace only.
• Poles are allowed and encouraged.

Aid Station

Skyrace only: We will have a full stocked aid station mile 5.4 (at the upper trailhead parking lot). This aid station you will visit again on your return trip at mile 8.3. Our Aid station is stocked with water, Tailwind, soda, fruit, chips, pickles and a few other treats. Basic first aid supplies are available too.

• There's no aid at the summit turnaround point!
• We have post race food and aid available at the finish line for both races.

Zero-Waste

All our races are cupless events, thanks to our sponsor Hydrapak. Bring a collapsible cup for fluids at the aid stations. For folks who forgot their cup you'll be able to purchase one at race pickup.
In our effort to reduce waste we will have very few trash cans at the event. We aim to recycle an and compost most of our waste. Please be mindful of our environment.

Weather

Beast of Big Creek takes place in early August. Often the early part of the race the woods are shady and cool, but once you make it above tree line you will be exposed to the sun. Prepare for alpine conditions. Bring sunscreen and potentially an extra layer.

Share the Trail

The trails are open to all other forest users on race day. Most everybody will be stoked to see you out there.

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Read up on our event rules and policies.

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