Summary: The Backcountry Rise 50K consists of one clockwise loop offering views of Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams, Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Hood, as well as Mt. Margaret Backcountry and its many lakes, creeks, craggy ridgelines and miles of single-track trails. Approximately 98% of the course is on single-track trails and the course offers four full aid stations.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

• Lots of exposed trail, so be ready for sun and heat, and other elements if the weather is windy or rainy
• Aid stations are fairly far apart, so be sure to carry enough fueling, especially water
• Very dry conditions on the trail and lots of ash (being near Mt. St. Helens) so be ready for hot, dry, dusty conditions

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 7500/7500

Total climbs: 3 major (1×2750, 1×1500, 1×650) and many minor

Longest climb: 2750 feet in 5 miles

Steepest climb: 1500 feet in 3 miles

Map & Elevation profile 

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 4

Furthest distance apart: 8.3 miles

Locations: 4.6, 12.8, 20, 25.7

What’s available: Typical trail race food items: Bananas, oranges, chips, PB&J, Skout gels and bars, CarboPro, soda, water and other sweet stuff. Aid stations are CUPLESS!

Crew access

Hike-in access only, no driving to trailheads

Pacers

None

Race qualifiers

UTMB – 3 points

Race reports

Backcountry Rise 50k Race Report – Kim C

Race: Backcountry Rise 50k Runner: Kim C Race Date: 09/07/2019 Location: Toutle, WA Results: 1st female, 13th overall, time 6:20 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2688977291 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The course is stunning ... there were moments when I rounded a corner and literally gasped because it was so beautiful. The volunteers ...
Read More

Backcountry Rise 50k Race Report – Frank Fisher

Race: Backcountry Rise 50k Runner: Frank Fisher Race Date: 09/07/2019 Location: Toutle, WA Results: Placed 25th, 6:48:57 Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/2688901443 3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most? The scenery around the volcano is awesome! The race is well organized, and the aid station volunteers were fantastic. Not so much – Aspects of the ...
Read More

Backcountry Rise 50k Race Report – Marc

Race: Backcountry Rise 50k Runner: Marc Date: 9/9/17 Location: Mt. St. Helens Science & Learning Center (Start/Finish) Results - 9:12:43 3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most 1. The course was amazingly beautiful, with crazy views in every direction. 2. The race is very well run, and the RD makes sure to say hello ...
Read More

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1176490655/overview

https://www.strava.com/activities/1176487586

Race Website

https://www.daybreakracing.com/backcountry-rise-50k/

Prepping for your first ultra? Check out our 7 Steps Towards Running your First Ultra