Cascade Crest

In this race report, runner Anson Fatland shares his experience running the Cascade Crest 100 and the cardiac needles. Read on for his tips!

Race: Cascade Crest 100

Runner: Anson Fatland

Race Date: 8/28/2021

Location: Easton, WA

Results: 82/152

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/5874602667

3 Bests – What aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 did you like the most?

It’s a classic! It’s super friendly! And it’s gorgeous!

Not so much – What aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 didn’t do it for you?

Not one thing.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Crest 100?

Nothing weird, it’s a classic!

Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

We had a re-route this year because of closed access to some private lands, so we did an OAB from Hyak to Tacoma Pass then the regular course from Hyak to Easton. I was able to run a lot of the course in training ahead of race day so felt good knowing what was coming. I managed my nutrition well and took care of any niggles as they came up instead of just riding them out.

Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the Cascade Crest Endurance Run to help the next runner

I don’t know that I have any pro-tips, especially from the back of the pack. Try to run the course as much as you can in your training, especially the Cascade Crest cardiac needles. You’ll be on 85+ mile legs by then. The Pacific Coast Trail is hillier than you may realize so plan for that, too. And there is no shame in walking early in the race, as well as later in the race. It really doesn’t start until you get to Hyak.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I didn’t realize how hard it was going to be (for me) to run the last 10-ish miles. My legs didn’t want to move quickly because I was tired. I power-walked as much as I could, even the downhill parts.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Cascade Crest 100

The Cascade Crest Cardiac Needles are the real deal. Prepare for them and run them ahead of time if you can.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yep, gorgeous from start to finish.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Yep.

Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Excellent all around, from pre-race communications to day of to after, it’s a top-notch event.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Seems like it. Lots of strong runners.

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.

Nope. Just win a spot via lottery. And the 9am start time almost makes it a leisurely morning if you’re coming up from Seattle.

Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?

Terrific aid stations. Lots to choose from. Fresh huckleberry pancakes at No Name Ridge in the morning!

Weather and typical race conditions

We had great weather. 70’s and clear during the day, 50’s and a gajillion stars at night.

Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?

Nothing special. I picked up poles at Lake Kachess for the last 30 miles.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Kind of? Stampede Pass is off-the-charts for fun and the vibe. A great place to see your runner. Hyak is great, too. Maybe Lake Kachess after that but it’s probably middle of the night by then.

How’s the Swag?

It’s a buckle!

The Overall Score – How many stars do you give the Cascade Crest 100 and do you recommend that others run it?

13/10.

Get more tips on the Cascade Crest 100 from our race intel page!

In this race report, runner Stephanie shares her experience of the Cascade Crest 100 endurance run. Read on for her tips on what gear to bring and more!

Race: Cascade Crest 100

Runner: Stephanie

Date: 8/26/17

Location: Easton, WA

Results: 27:05:19, 6th place Female

3 Bests – What aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 did you like the most?

The whole atmosphere. Everyone was so happy to be there, from runners, to volunteers, to crew. This was true from the moment we arrived around 7:30am, until we left, 34 hours later.

The aid stations, especially the ones my crew were able to access. I loved being able to see my friends along the way, and it kept me really excited about moving forward. All the aid stations were all such a treat to look forward to though, and they were so frequent that it always felt within reach to get to the next one.

The late start. I think it actually had pros and cons for me, but overall I think it made for a much better race day because I knew, without a doubt, that even if every alarm failed, I would wake up in plenty of time to get to the start. I think this really allowed me to sleep much better than I would have with an early start, and the anxiety I can have about that.

Not so much – What aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 didn’t work for you?

How anxious I was about it! That’s probably not the race’s fault though 🙂 I was also surprised to find out how much climbing there was in the last 15 miles. I can’t say it made me super happy at the time, but in hindsight it just adds to my sense of accomplishment.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Crest 100?

How an uphill start can also feel like an uphill finish (on an out and back course). We were also treated to the sound of gunshots during the night.

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

For my first 100, I thought it pretty much went as well as I could have expected. I ran the first half really well, comfortably and making good progress. I even had some sort of rebirth of energy around mile 80 where I actually felt strong again for a few hours after having a rough 25 miles prior to that.

Also, I enjoyed the fact that I stayed in a good mental space for the entire race. I did get quite tired and a bit groan-y (as my pacers can attest), but I never doubted I was going to finish. I was never really intimidated by the distance left to run either (after the first couple of hours), which I was very surprised by and grateful for. Mental games can take so much energy!

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the Cascade Crest 100 to help the next runner

There is a lot of fun runnable trail after the initial climbing.

Previewing the rope section was really helpful. It’s not all that hard, but I was glad to have seen it, more than anything just to know I didn’t need to be anxious about it.

Although the aid stations are pretty close together, I was still going through a full liter of water between them (and in general I would say I’m probably low-average on the amount I drink during races).

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I need to figure out my calories better! Work in progress.
I can actually run a 100 mile race! I think that knowledge by itself will be most helpful next time.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Cascade Crest 100

This year’s course was changed to an out and back due to fire, so I don’t really have a comment about the regular course. The first 50 miles (which were the same as the regular course would be) are made up of up, up, up, followed by a lot of runnable trail, followed by the ropes and tunnel sections.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course?

Very! And I don’t think we even got to see many of the pretty parts.

Difficulty – is it a tough course?

I thought the Cascade Crest course was hard, but I’m not sure what 100 mile stretch of running I wouldn’t find hard.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

So well run, even with the course change.

Competition – is there a strong field?

There were definitely some strong runners there.

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 Cascade Crest 100 happen.

Lottery entry, which I think was in January. We got a cabin near the start maybe a week before the race, which I found surprising. You could just drive there the morning of from Seattle, but I liked having the cabin so my crew could rest if they wanted to.

How were the aid stations?

Many and great!

Weather and typical race conditions

It was warm this year, and I think it probably is most years. There is the legendary storm year though. Glad we got a more typical year!

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

The next longest race I’ve done besides this was a 100k in Switzerland, where you had to carry all your gear the whole time (and there was a long requirement list). In comparison, I felt like I could carry almost nothing at the Cascade Crest 100, with the accessibility to my crew, who I could grab layers or food from whenever I needed anything. I ran with a vest with 2 bottles and carried a Houdini, which I used for about 20 minutes during the night. Other than that I just had food with me. I did end up using poles for the last 20 miles, which I actually hadn’t planned on, but they were nice to have for the ups and down of that section (which probably won’t be repeated in the future anyway, so that info is not that helpful).

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Yes and I loved seeing them!

What are the awards like?

Buckle and sweatshirt for everyone

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give the Cascade Crest 100 and do you recommend that others run it?

5/5 – highly recommended and I’m looking forward to doing the regular course someday!

Get more tips on the Cascade Crest 100 from our race intel page!

Matt Urbanski reviews the Cascade Crest 100 mile run in this race report, including what you should know about the course and the weather before running.

Race: Cascade Crest 100

Runner: Matt U

Date: 8/26/2017

Location: Easton, WA

Results: 2nd OA, 20:11.25

The Race:

I was leading from mile 29 until mile 98 (of 102)! My lead was as big as 45 minutes. I was chill, relaxed, and in control of my race through the halfway point. I made some tactical errors early on the way back but I was still moving and nothing ever got really bad, even though I knew I was slowing. I thought I had the win in the bag. I was thinking “prevent defense” during some of the uphills and technical stuff over the final 15 miles, thinking – “don’t fall and mess this up”, “don’t push too hard and start puking and screw this up”, and “someone has to run an amazing finish to even come close to catching me”.

And then just past the final aid station a bright light approached and Jeff Kercher (my pacer) and I were dumbfounded – “who are you?”, “what’s going on?!”. His response – “You’re a tough f&*$ker to catch!”. We shared some joking words about sprint finishes, and allowing him to pass, and then on a switch back, I stepped aside and let him go.

My brain and body were fired up – we were racing down the mountain with four to go. I felt fresh and ready to roll – but damn was he strong! We were running fast, particularly for night time on trails at mile 98+. I couldn’t believe the speed and strength he had, and I gradually let him go. He finished 3 minutes ahead of me for the win.

I’m not upset about it. I would do some things differently (I mention some of it below). But this was my best mountain 100 miler ever, I managed it very well overall, and Lyndsay put on a phenomenal push to the finish for the win – kudos to him – seriously impressive.

3 Bests – what aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 did you like the most?

1. This race is in our backyard so having so many friends and acquaintances out there cheering me on was awesome.
2. I love running on the PCT, and overall, the course was pretty and great for doing a 100 miler.
3. It was cool to be competitive in an ultra – with this being in the heart of the summer mountain ultra season, the fast folks were elsewhere and that opened the race to guys like me to be in the front. It was fun!

Not so much – What aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 didn’t do it for you?

While I would have liked to run the original course, it wasn’t a negative to do an out and back. It ended up different than my expectations given the route change, but that’s it.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Crest 100?

No packet pickup the day before the race. This is a unique aspect of this race that I like. The race start is later than most (9am), and there is a rather lengthy race briefing and chat before the start. (In retrospect, it probably wasn’t a long chat, but given that I was ready and amped to race, it seemed like a long time!) So you show up on race day, get your stuff, and run. I like it!

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

I ran the first half of the race beautifully. I managed my effort well. I managed the heat. I was positive. My legs were strong and I never felt like I was pushing outside of an appropriate 100 mile effort. This resulted to me being in the lead from around mile 30 until mile 98 – very cool to be cheered into aid stations as the lead runner.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the Cascade Crest 100 to help the next runner

• Manage the heat. It wasn’t even that hot and relative to other races (Western States, Pine to Palm, etc) it isn’t a super hot race. However, it was in the 80s and making efforts during the day to keep the core temperature down is important.
• Avoid wasting energy on steeper, technical stuff on course prior to the PCT. There is plenty runnable stuff in this section, but there are a few rougher spots with loose soil and rocks and some steep little ups that it could be easy to waste energy on.
• If you get there early enough, get into Mirror Lake. During the race and during every training run, I totally submersed myself in this awesome lake along the PCT (a few miles before Olallie aid station). It’s a beautiful shock to the system and immediately cools me down. There is also a decent creek a few miles before this that is even colder. Another great opportunity to cool your core. I recommend doing this sort of thing in training so you’re used to running with wet shoes.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

• I’m not going to have a pacer until later in the race – last 10 or 20 miles. This is more of a personal lesson learned based on my personality and what I like about running with a pacer.
• When I left Hyak at mile 51 I was chill and in the lead. Upon picking up my pacer Jeff (awesome pacer BTW) I immediately pushed too hard through the tunnel on the way back and I was pushing too hard on the ropes section and subsequent climb. My left quad starting cramping just above my knee. I couldn’t run the climbs as well from there on in.
• Call it what it is, I am a performer and the main reason I like having a pacer is to have someone there to see me working hard and going for it in a race. I have mantras in my head that go something like “I’m going to show people how to finish”, and if I can have a pacer there with me, I thrive on their being there to witness me trying really hard. In this race, picking up a pacer at the halfway point, I got into the “push for home” mentality way too soon. It wasn’t a drastic move and I didn’t blow up as a result of it, but I got out of my zone of being chill and managing my day, and instead became more focused on the finish and staying in the lead.
• So next time around, no pacers until it’s time to push for home. I want to stay in my zone, manage my race better, and then pick up a pacer when it’s time to hammer it home!

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the Cascade Crest 100?

• Major caveat here is that the course was different this year than normal due to the fires. It was an out and back and didn’t have anything of the normal course after the Hyak aid station.
• Be chill early. There are sections to waste energy on in the first 18 miles.
• The PCT sections from Blowout to some way after Stampede Pass feel amazing and are so smooth and wonderful for running. I loved it.
• It does get rockier and more technical at times after Stampede/Meadow Mt through Olallie. It’s not terrible but it’s not as smooth as earlier PCT sections. I noticed the rockiness of this section way more on the way back.
• Running in the tunnel feels weird to me. I felt like I was sweating more even though I also felt like I was cold at times – just kind of weird – and we had to do it twice this year.
• A lot of runnable stuff on this course. I really enjoyed that aspect of this race.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course?

Definitely. There was some smoke making for some hazy skies but being out in the WA mountains is awesome and I love running out here!

Difficulty – is it a tough course?

• It’s 100 miles so it’s tough b/c of the distance. On the OAB course, there wasn’t anything about the course that is ridiculous.
• Most of it’s runnable. There are a few tough sections (relative to my weaknesses) like the steep up (and down) section with the ropes heading to the Iron Horse trail near the tunnel, but overall, it’s runnable.
• It felt like there was way more uphill on the way back, but that was likely due to my fatigue! 🙂

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Awesome! The Cascade crew is fantastic. They create a good vibe, everything went smoothly, and this was all within the framework of having to change the route the day before the race due to fires – well oiled for sure!

Competition – is there a strong field?

This year was moderate. There were definitely some speedier folks there, but not the front runners that you see at UTMB or Western. That said, the women’s race had some stout competition. I think it varies year to year but generally isn’t as deep as other races.

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.

• Lottery during the winter to get in. Wait list tends to have a lot of movement given the race requirement and the trail work requirement (8 hours of trail work).
• Lodging was easy and good. We got a little A-frame cabin a couple miles from the start at the Easton RV Resort. We didn’t book early and had no problems finding a spot.
• Easy drive from Seattle out I-90.

How are the Aid Stations?

• Great and happy folks (as is the case at most of these races).
• Even better that I knew lots of them!
• I didn’t rely on aid stations for anything other than water (and a few gels and Gu brew later in the race), but I imagine they had good stuff!

Weather and typical race conditions

Summer in Seattle is awesome. Sunny, potential to be hot. Rain not likely (though it has happened in past years). Fires this year unfortunately.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

• I tried something new this year and it was awesome. I used the Nathan Krar Vapor waist belt (thanks Dale for the recommendation and 7Hills for hooking me up!). This allowed me to carry on Salomon soft flask in the belt. I didn’t need a handheld or a vest as a result. I was able to carry my food and gels in the belt pockets and my Salomon Exo tights pockets. I was streamlined and had all I needed. I was cutting it close on water capacity during the day a few times when it was warmer but it worked out well in general.
• I switched to carrying a 5L vest the final 22 miles. I was slowing enough, there was a 7.9 mile stretch between aid stations, and I was switching more of a gel/liquid calorie fueling plan.
• I never felt like I needed poles for this course.
• Weather was mild and stayed warm throughout the night so I didn’t need anything else. I’ve been told from past racers that having colder gear for the nighttime is wise.
• My crew had a cooler with ice water and a soaked bath towel ready for me at crew spots. So when I came into the aid station, I sat down briefly while we reloaded and they wrapped this wet cold towel around my upper body – wow! Awesome.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends?

Decent. Driving isn’t crazy, crew directions in the race guide are detailed, and this year given the out and back course, we got one more crew spot later in the race which was nice.

What are the awards like?

• Rich hands you your buckle and cheers you in on the bull horn.
• He hands you a cool sweatshirt.
• And then the volunteers take good care of you with food, blankets, buckets of water to soak your feet. Solid.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it

5 out of 5 stars. This one has been on my list for a long time and it didn’t disappoint, even with the course change.

Get more tips on the Cascade Crest 100 from our race intel page!

In this Cascade Crest 100 Race Report, runner Vivian shares her experience of the endurance run. Read for her tips on how to make the most of the race!

The Cascade Crest 100 Race Report

Race: Cascade Crest 100

Runner: Vivian D

Date: 8/27/2016 & 8/28/2016

Location: Easton, WA

Results: 33:59:13 (I know, cut a little too close)

3 Bests – what aspects of the Cascade Crest 100 did you like the most?

The view, the climb, the people

Not so much – What aspects of the race didn’t work for you?

None

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about the Cascade Crest 100?

The rope and tunnel (maybe weird but special)

Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?

There is always lows during the 100. This time was my darkest with longest time (came in waves, but close to 14 hours total), mostly because I could not eat solid food, (threw up after m43 A/S). After a while, I could drink tiny bit of liquid calories (I guess maybe 200 during 6h, 500 during 12h? And 30+ miles?). I never really felt completely empty, got pretty low for sure. And the experience of seeing the dark(er) side, going there and finding the light again, came back to life, all alone by myself. It may sound funny, I felt I got the upgrade.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner

When I threw up at the first time, I should have just stopped, taken my pepto bismol out and eaten it right away. It may have cut down some of my low time.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I will take medicine right away after I throw up next time.

Trust my body can handle it when I could not eat.

It’s a continuous damage control, and problem solving process.

Silver lining of middle low section: save my legs. I made m80 with 10 min to spare. When I was able to eat some, I had enough energy to shuffle through the needle section in okay time.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race?

Go to the training run weekend. And train on the course as much as possible, specially the first climb.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course?

Not the most scenic I have run. But yes.

Difficulty – is it a tough course?

yes

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?

Well run.

Competition – is there a strong field?

I guess so. I just do my own race.

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.

Lottery opens in early Feb. New start time at 9a, Tom was in Teton, so I camped with a friend at Easton lake state park the night before, like 5 min drive. And shared a hotel room with 3 other people in Cle Elum after the run. First time has this arrangement (usually Tom drove me home), need more time off, but  I liked it. More relaxing.

How are the Aid Stations?

Good

Weather and typical race conditions 

Mountain has its own weather. Always want to be prepared.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?

Not really. Cant think of any.

Spectators – is the Cascade Crest 100 a friendly course for your friends?

I never have a crew. They can see runners in few places.

How are the awards?

Finisher buckle, hoodie this year. I also got the finisher towel few years ago.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give the Cascade Crest 100 and do you recommend that others run it

Before maybe 9. After adding the new 3.5m section, now it’s 10. Makes the whole flow better and even better view at early part. It’s hard but I highly recommend.

Get more tips on the Cascade Crest 100 from our race intel page!