Summary: The Orcas Island races are quintessential PNW races – challenging terrain, beautiful scenery (if the weather cooperates) and they bring a strong crowd of local Seattle trail runners and Rainshadow Running fans. With so many distance options, you have plenty of challenges to choose from! Information below is particularly helpful for the 100 mile an 50k distances:
Orcas Island 100 miler:
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
- Race reports note a fair amount of runnable sections, at least on the first time through, with the exception of the Powerline climb, which brings you to Mt. Constitution. Many notes about the climb being a major grind and mentally tough, especially knowing you have to do it 3 more times.
- Regarding the climb up to Mt. Constitution, one runner noted the first lap is about 50-80% runnable, 70% hiking by the 3rd lap, and all hiking by the 4th lap
- Always easy to go out too fast, but that makes loop courses all the more difficult, especially mentally, with major slowdowns loop after loop
- Lots of changes in body temps with how the weather can be at the top and bottom of climbs, so have some layers on you, as well as in drop bags/at aid stations for changes of clothing
- With how many hours of darkness there are at this time of the year, have a great headlamp that’s super bright with plenty of backup batteries
- With how long some of the climbs are, it’s best not to wonder when they’ll be over and just be pleasantly surprised when they are
- The weather will likely vary a lot over the course of the race – have lots of clothing options and a change of clothes for each loop
- Expect the second half to take longer simply because it’s in the dark
- Lots of race reports talk about the first loop feeling way easier and faster than expected, but then it gets way harder after that
- Laps 3 and 4 are all about how fast your slow pace is as you manage the same climbs but in the dark
Elevation
Total gain/loss: ~26,000/26,000
Ft/mile gain: 260
Total climbs: Four major per loop ranging from 800-1500 feet for each climb
Course Map / Elevation profile
Aid stations
Total aid stations: 5 per 25.2 mile loop
Furthest distance apart: 5.8 miles
Locations: Miles 4.7, 10, 14.1, 19.9, and 25.2 of each loop (25.2 is also start/finish); Bold indicates crew accessible
What’s available: Water, assorted GU (gels) + GU Brew, chips, fresh fruit, chocolate, pb & j sandwiches (and tortillas), soda, hot water, hot soup/broth, and a wide variety of other ultra fare
Crew access
Access Locations: Cascade and Camp Moran, available at Mt Constitution during the runner’s last lap.
Crew instructions/directions: Crews are limited to one vehicle per runner. There is no crew access at Mt. Pickett or Mountain Lake. Crews may only provide aid to their runners at the designated aid stations; any help or assistance outside of the designated aid stations may result in disqualification of your runner.
Pacers
None
Race reports
https://teamrunrun.com/orcas-island-100-ricardo-h/
https://jordanmaki.wordpress.com/2016/02/26/orcas-100-race-report/
http://dirigoendurance.com/2016/02/27/670/
http://www.dynamicallyhuman.com/blog/the-2018-orcas-100-miler-my-first-hundred
http://jamiekingfit.com/orcasisland100/
https://bfcblackhorse.wordpress.com/2018/02/21/mulligan-an-orcas-island-100-race-report/ (good section by section descriptions and photos)
https://gabejoyes.com/a-whale-of-a-tale-2018-orcas-island-100/
Strava activities and GPX files
https://www.strava.com/activities/1401231768/overview
https://www.strava.com/activities/1419535534/overview
Race Website
http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/orcas-island-100m.html
How to Stay Warm at the Orcas 100
Orcas Island 50k:
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
- Cupless race – bring your own cup/water bottle for liquids at aid stations and post-race
- You will need a DISCOVER PASS to park in Moran State Park. Any runners who are staying overnight in the bunkhouses do not need a Discover Pass as it’s included in your overnight fee.
- It is highly recommended that you make a ferry reservation for your trip. They sail less frequently in the winter and certain sailing times WILL sell out. Follow this link to book your trip via Washington State Ferries: secureapps.wsdot.wa.gov/Ferries/Reservations/Vehicle/default.aspx
- Road running for the first ~3.5 miles as you head up the first climb of the day, about 1600 feet, which makes the climb more runnable, but still, you start out with a big climb
- Typical Rainshadow run – fairly difficult course with lots of climbing, beautiful views (if weather permits), some aid but not tons, well-organized, and a good race atmosphere with other runners
- Weather in February in the PNW – expect to be wet with minimal sun!
- Fairly easy to find lodging nearby – see race website for more details
- Have proper trail shoes – be ready for slick mud and rocks
- Do your downhill training! Quads will be trashed by the end
- Miles 5-9 of the course are fairly runnable
- Miles 12.5-14.5 is a fast, wide, runnable downhill trail, followed immediately by a steep uphill – a tough transition to make
- Miles 15.5-19ish are again, nice and runnable, until you reach aid station 3 (20.3) and the Power Line section
- Power Line climb is 1600 feet from miles ~19-21.2 and is probably the hardest climb on the course (at least according to race reports) and the make or break section in the race. If you’ve got the legs to power hike this climb and still keep it together, you’re in a good place
- Downhill off the power line climb is again fairly runnable
- Steep set of switchbacks up the final climb to Mt. Constitution
- Some steep, rocky, technical downhill stretches in the final 6 miles down from Mt. Constitution to the finish
Elevation
Total gain/loss: 8400/8400
Ft/mile gain: ~271
Total climbs: 6 major climbs
~1600ft miles 0-3.6, ~750ft miles 9-10.4, ~500ft miles 11.6-12.1, ~750ft miles 14.3-15.4, ~1600ft miles 19-21.2, ~1000ft miles 23.2-24.4
Longest climb: 1600ft miles 0-3.6
Steepest climb: 1000ft miles 23.2-24.4 (all but the first climb have a similar grade)
Aid stations
Total aid stations: 4
Furthest distance apart: 8.2 miles
Locations: Miles 5.1, 13.3, 20.3, and 25.6
What’s available: Fully stocked with standard ultra-fare, including peanut butter and jelly sandwiches/wraps, fresh fruit, salty chips, pickles, GU brew, soda and water.
Crew access
Access Locations: Miles 5.1 (limited parking), 20.3, and 25.6 (if the weather is bad the park rangers may choose to close the gate, allowing only aid station volunteers.)
Crew instructions/directions: Will announce day of the race if crew access at mile 25.6 is closed due to inclement weather
Pacers
None
Race reports
Orcas Island Trail Marathon Race Report – Mark Droge
Orcas Island 50k Race Report – Tyler Sprague
Orcas Island 50k Race Report – Jon-Erik J
Orcas Island Half Marathon Race Report – Paul G
Orcas Island 50k Race Report – Yvonne Naughton
Orcas Island 50k Race Report – Amber P
Orcas Island 25k Race Report – Elizabeth Carey
Orcas Island 25k Race Report – Paul Weeks
Orcas Island 50k Race Report – Pritam D
Orcas Island 50k Race Report – Roey P
Strava activities and GPX files
https://www.strava.com/activities/490758708
https://www.strava.com/activities/251757618