| Date
4/23/17 |
Avg Temps f.
60/40 |
Gain/Loss in ft
1400/1400 |
Furthest Aid
6.9 miles |
Highest Elev.
~1300 ft |
Time Limit
11 Hours (12 for early start) |
| Start
6am |
Surface
88% rails-to-trails path 12% road |
Course Record
5:54:15 (Ryne Melcher) 6:33:37 (Stacie Carrigan) |
Sunrise/set
6am/8:10pm |
Longest Climb
450 over 5 miles |
Hashtags
#MtSi50 |
A Seattle area event for those looking to step up to the 50 for the first time or run a fast 50, this generally smooth rails-to-trails course has minimal elevation change with great aid along the course and access for runner support along the way. The course is generally wide with some crushed rock, but usually is packed dirt and grass, and runs on the Snoqualmie Valley and Iron Horse Trails, providing views of the Cascade foothills and the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers
Race Details
Detailed course description:
- The 50-mile course follows city roads and the trail from the town of Snoqualmie northwest to Fall City and to the South edge of Carnation for the first 9.9 miles, where runners turn around and run back to North Bend.
- At the 19.4 mile mark, in the town of Snoqualmie, the 50-milers will be joined by the 50K runners and head to Rattlesnake Lake via the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and then to Twin Falls Trailhead via the John Wayne Trail in Iron Horse State Park.
- From North Bend to Rattlesnake Lake the runners have their steepest climb, which is 450 miles over 5 miles. At mile 34.5 they will make a U-turn at an aid station and head back to the finish at Snoqualmie Elementary School.
- http://www.mtsirelay.com/assets/UltraCourseMap2017.pdf
Lessons Learned from Race reports
-Pacing is crucial, especially with the second half having the longest climb of the whole route, which is not much gain (450 feet), but it goes on for 5 miles. Save energy for that climb so you can not only get up it fine, but also make use of the downhill to the finish
-Try not to get sucked into racing the relay runners or the fresh 50k runners who join you for the last 31 miles, who will likely be going much faster than the individual ultra runners
– Study the aid stations. Some of the stations that were there on the out were not there on the back part of the race.
-While the climb up is nothing too crazy, once you get to the turn around you have to go up a nasty short gut check hill. It’s not crazy long, but it sucks.
-There are two spots in the race where you can be potentially stopped (4 with the back) while crossing the highways. Good to know if things get competitive.
Elevation
Total gain/loss: 1,400/1,400
Total climbs: One moderate climb of 450 feet over 5 miles
Aid stations
Total aid stations: 7 full, 2 self-service water
Furthest distance apart: 6.9 miles
Locations: Full aid stations at 5.7, 9.9, 14.0, 20.4, 28.9, 34.4, and 39.9 miles. Self-service water at 23.5, 46.8 miles. Portable toilets at 2, 18, 22, 29, 40 and 47 miles.
What’s available:
Aid Station #1 – Mile 5.7 Water, Soda, GU2O sport drink, potatoes, cookies, potato chips, bananas, drop bag #1
Aid Station #2 – Mile 9.9 Water, GU20 sport drink, cookies
Aid Station #3 – Mile 14.0 Water, Soda, GU2O sport drink, potatoes, cookies, potato chips, bananas, drop bag #1
Aid Station #4 – Mile 20.4 Water, GU2O sport drink, Shot Bloks, potatoes, cookies, potato chips, bananas
Aid Station #5 – Mile 23.5 Self service water, bananas
Aid Station #6 – Mile 28.9 (Aid Station Closes at 12:30 PM) Water, Soda, GU2O sport drink, GU gel, potatoes, cookies, potato chips, bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, drop bag #2
Aid Station #7 – Mile 34.4 (Aid Station Closes at 1:40 PM) Water, GU2O sport drink, Gu Shot Bloks, potatoes, potato chips, bananas,
Aid Station #8 – Mile 39.9 (Aid Station Closes at 3:00 PM) Water, Soda, GU2O sport drink, GU gel, potatoes, cookies, potato chips, bananas, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches
Aid Station #9 – Mile 46.8 Self service water, cookies, bananas Finish: Water, fruit and snacks
http://www.mtsirelay.com/assets/UltraCourseMap2017.pdf
Crew access
Crew instructions/directions: Runners can have support provided by friends and family members anywhere along the course provided they do not interfere with traffic or other runners. Note that a Washington State Discover Pass is required to park at Twin Falls Trailhead (mile 34.5) This is reached by crew via Exit 38 on I-90.
Drop bags: Each 50-Mile runner can have two runner-supplied drop bags: one at the 5.7/14.0 mile aid station and one at the 28.9 mile aid station. Drop bags should be deposited at the start line on the day of run prior to 6:00 AM. They will be transported to the aid stations by volunteers and at the end of race will be returned to the finish line for runner pickup.
Pacers
A runner can have one support person run or ride a bike to support them starting at mile 20, provided the runner or biker does not interfere with other runners or traffic. Mountain bikes and cross bikes can easily ride the trail. Narrow-tire street bikes will have difficulty.
Race reports
http://srlopez-maniac111.blogspot.com/2007/04/042207-mt-si-50-miler.html
Strava activities and GPX files
https://www.strava.com/activities/179944393/overview
https://www.strava.com/activities/293331751/overview
Logistics
Packet pickup
Saturday, April 22: Everyday Athlete, 11829 98th Avenue NE, Kirkland, from 12pm to 4:00 p.m. Sunday, April 23 (Race Day): Snoqualmie Elementary School (prior to 6:00 a.m)
Transportation
Best way to reach the race is to drive to Snoqualmie Elementary School, 39801 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie, WA
Best parking: Centennial Field – City of Snoqualmie Park east side of school
Race start and cutoff times
Start at 6am
Course closes at 5:00 p.m.
Note: 5:00 a.m. early start for 50-milers OK by request
There will be an 11 hour cutoff rule for 50-Mile runners (12 hours for those that elect to take an early start). One can still complete the course if they are running slower than the cutoff pace, but volunteer support, aid stations, and the finish line support will close based on cutoff pace. 50-Mile runners who estimate it will take them 11 to 12 hours to complete the run should take an early start (5:00 a.m.) by request prior to race day.
Race Website
http://www.mtsirelay.com/ultras.html
Race Documents
Ultra Information Packet: http://www.mtsirelay.com/assets/UltraInfoPacket2017.pdf
Abridged Ultra Information Packet: http://www.mtsirelay.com/assets/AbridgedUltraPacket2017.pdf
Registration
Through imathlete.com via the race website: http://www.mtsirelay.com/register.html
Location
Snoqualmie Elementary School, 39801 S.E. Park St., Snoqualmie, WA
Best parking: Centennial Field – City of Snoqualmie Park east side of school
Travel
Closest airport is SeaTac International Airport (SEA); start is about 35 miles from the airport and about 30 miles from Seattle
Accommodations
There are many motel choices on Seattle’s Eastside, but not many close to Snoqualmie Elementary School, so plan on driving or getting a ride to the start. Many lodging and dining suggestions can be found on the race website.