Race: Sun Mountain 20 Mile
Runner: Shannon Payne
Race Date: 05/13/2023
Location: Winthrop, WA
Results: https://chronokeep.com/results/sun-mountain-50m#50Mile
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/9065833201
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Balsamroot! 360 views of the North Cascades! Pizza party and private beach on Patterson Lake at the finish line!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
On an early season warm day one more aid station would have been nice.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Dogs can run at Sun Mt now and I got beat by one this year!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I dialed my effort back a notch on the first 8 mile climb and was able to give a steady effort through to the finish line.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Don’t go too hard on the intro climb because there are a couple more 1-2 mile climbs, one of them at mile 15.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Pay attention! I got turned around and lost the trail – lucky for me another runner came up behind me and we parsed it out together.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
A fair amount of exposure on the big climb, luckily you’ll hit this early in the day – unless you’re running the 50 mile!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Gorgeous, especially in May, nothing beats balsamroot blooming in the peaks of the Methow.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Well, it wasn’t easy, but I guess it’s in the eye of the beholder?
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Rainshadow Running has trail races down. They’re a little old school in that the race length is more a suggestion of minimum distance and there may be a few trees down on the course, but it’s all in the spirit of a good time on the trails – as it should be!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Some fast folks as always, but it’s reasonable, i.e. don’t be afraid to show up.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
This was the first year for the 20 mile and it didn’t sell out (104 registered), but I expect this distance might become as popular as the Sun Mountain 25k which requires a lottery.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Standard fare, fruit at the Woodpecker aid station was a welcome treat.
Weather and typical race conditions
Last year was cold and rainy, this year was sunny and 80 degrees – it’s spring in the Methow!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I used a handheld, but also saw a lot of folks wearing vests. Given the paucity of aid stations and the heat, I was glad I carried my own fluids.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Maybe? Cheer squads can access the Woodpecker aid station and there are other places you could connect with your runner on the course if you wanted. The party at the finish was very family friendly – dogs, kids, and a lake!
How’s the Swag?
A high five from James Varner as you cross the finish line!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Is this a 5 star system? If so, I’ll give it 5 stars. Rainshadow Running knows how to throw a party and you can’t beat spring in the Methow.