Cougar Mountain

Cougar Mountain Trail Series Race Report – Matt Pawelski

Race: Cougar Mountain Trail Series (19.6 mi)

Runner: Matt Pawelski

Race Date: 10/25/2020

Location: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, Newcastle, WA

Results: 3:56:33.4 (28/52)

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/4243627138

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Soooooo many trails. A classic and frequented course on Cougar Mountain gives you a very thorough tour of the most runnable sections.
  2. The course feels fast but in fact is really quite hilly
  3. So great to see the local running community gathering a bit once again.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  1. The number one thing about racing during COVID is the difficulty breathing in a soaked mask — Cougar is especially heavily populated already so when you’re not masking up for other runners, a long string of hikers can make it a bit before I can really breathe.
  2. The number two thing about racing during COVID is a bunch of people you know are around but no one can really tell who is who haha.
  3. The COLD …. 29 degrees at start this year.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

Dustin Hinkle wearing a indomitable snow bunny costume and banging a drum? I guess he just does that for fun?

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

My prep was really good this time around. I think knowing there was a drop bag at 10 mi turn around in addition to the 3 aid stations allowed me to be very realistic about my energy and gear needs. In this one, I carried 3 gels and a pack of Clif Bloks with my hand held Salomon floppy. And that was it. I didn’t stop to fill or anything. I would have, but the need just didn’t arise partly due to the cold. I did of course grab a few packages of M&Ms for my partner at home. It was like my little version of trick or treating 🙂

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

Big thing that threw me off was the race seems to show up a little short of 19.6 on most clean GPX recordings I found, and the elevation more than the advertised 3700. This time I showed 18.76 and 4200ish. Not that big of a deal but climbing up literally the last climb did not expect to emerge to the finish line, and regreted not going a bit harder on that climb. I was kind of saving for a “last mile hard” type thing. Instead the big bunny was waiting across the field banging the drum…

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Focus on the race and don’t get lost in own head — especially important on this race because some of the extended downhill sections can really be taken quickly early on. I was really falling into a race groove darting down a hill thinking, “wow this split may be under 8:00” (which is always nice for me in a trail race) but then I took a bad step which put a lot of impact onto my ankle and rolled it, which I then had to manage for the next 16ish miles. Not fun – stay in the game.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

People are known to take a wrong turn here and there and ruin their race. Seeing as I missed a turn on a simple 5k exactly one week prior I was a bit concerned. In the end no wrong turns today and the course was very well marked.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

There aren’t any views per se but the forest is very pleasant. It was very cold but clear and sunny, and the sun rays against fall foliage was a great environment for an early Sunday morning.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s very hilly but it creeps up on you, too. Some of the terrain is technical due to roots and rocks, hidden and exacerbated by slick conditions in early-mid fall. On the other hand, previous races probably happen in 70 degree weather. October is October in western WA.

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

Pretty well-run minus one caveat (next paragraph). I mean, when Budu Racing, NWTR and SRC come together to host something, I expect pretty smooth sailing. Chipped bibs, quick race results, good course markings all expected with these organizers. Especially giving kudos to the organizers with how quickly they had to pull together the race with WA Safe Start guidelines. It was only approved a couple of weeks ago, if I recall correctly.

The caveat here was, the drop bags didn’t get returned to the start line until after the HWY900 Squak Connector aid station cut-off at 2 PM (50k’ers) . That was silly because I was done at 12:30 and didn’t even use my drop bag. Luckily my neighbor grabbed it for me but I told one of the organizers to please hold it until I came into the city for work because frankly I was cold and ready to go nurse my ankle. Wasn’t really happy to walk back to the race start from my car for 1/2 an hour. It was also a 35 min drive to the aid station with my bag. Dustin apologized profusely but to be completely honest, I didn’t so much mind an excuse to hang out for a while. Would have probably just helped clean up if my ankle wasn’t being fussy.

Also another +1: They had event parking and everything all managed seamlessly. Runners got priority parking by the TH too. Well executed, indeed.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Keith Laverty was there. He won. Some local elites come out for this one and no exceptions here. Good job, Keith!

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.

No not at all. This is usually a series of races throughout the summer and fall and it’s common enough that even the ONLY race happening this year didn’t fill up and day of registration was available.

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

Standard fare — Gatorade, Water and snacks ranging from fruit (nanners and oranges) to candy (M&Ms and Snickers, etc). I didn’t really stop to look too much this time around though.

Weather and typical race conditions

October in PNW: Check the weather and bring what looks necessary. Less is probably more for most in this distance. I didn’t take many pictures but in those I did take I was highlighting the presence of frost in the Start/Finish field. It’s cold and slick, and the slickness probably attributed to rolling my ankle.

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

Just have layers for temp and conditions and, if COVID / pandemics are still an issue, I’d recommend a replacement face covering (buff, mask or whatever) in the drop bag because they get disgusting and can be either too hot or too cold, depending.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Yeah it’s wide open. Felt like a substantial portion of Seattle was visiting Cougar Mountain on this day.

How’s the Swag?

EXCELLENT. I got 2 cool stickers, a steel, race-branded bottle opener, an SRC drop bag and a branded beer cup. All things I have regular needs for 🙂

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

Overall, I’ll give it a 3.5 and I’m taking a full star for the lack of views, and taking half a star away because of the drop bag snafu haha. That said, I do recommend it for everyone. If you have any specific trail training goals, with distances ranging from 5k to 50k EVERYONE can come here and get a superb workout, the endurance long run they need or even just come enjoy a very energetic, hyper-local race.

This race is pretty classic. I don’t even know how many years it has been going on but it has a special place with many and for many different reasons.

Photo: Heather Gonzalez at bsd photagraphy
Photo: Heather Gonzalez at bsd photagraphy
Photo: Heather Gonzalez at bsd photagraphy

cougar mountain series

Cougar Mountain 50k Race Report – Olin Berger

Race: Cougar Mountain 50k

Runner: Olin Berger

Race Date: 10/28/2018

Location: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, WA

Results: 4:18:22, 1st place and CR

https://ultrasignup.com/results_event.aspx?did=55243#id226078

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1933140715

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

– Seattle Running Club’s home court!
– No rain the entire race, was expecting to deal with soggy misery!
– Running the race means I didn’t have to wheelbarrow out supplies to Aid Station 2!

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

– Piles of slippery fallen leaves. Beautiful and deadly; who knows that dangers lurk beneath their colorful facade? I lost a chunk of knee to their beguiling charms.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

All the inherent weirdness is normalized in the ultra community.

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

I cut 22 minutes off my PR from four years ago, which felt great. Started out perhaps a bit fast, chasing the 7.5 mile race leaders, but that was the mindset I wanted to be in for this one. I was able to keep up the pace and overcame a decent fall early on. Mostly happy with the consistent movement on the ups and pushing the downs.

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

For as runnable as it is, Cougar can be surprisingly technical. It definitely helps to practice your downhill speed and foot skills for this race. The descents where you think you’ll be able to make up time don’t always yield as much speed as you think. As for the uphills, just keep plugging away.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

Pretty much all of the course is runnable, so maintaining effort is key. The big climbing is done at around the 2/3 point of the race, so ensure you have speed left to push the last 10 miles.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

It’s a well marked course, but course knowledge in advance always helps calm turn-anxiety. You should be prepared for some rocky and rooty running.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

No grand panoramas, but a pretty park!

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

It’s certainly not all groomed trail and fire roads. The course is certainly runnable for the majority of the race, but there are some technical sections that can slow you down, especially the descent from Wilderness Peak.

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

Well-oiled! SRC and NW Trail runs have been putting on this race for years and it’s just getting better.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

You’re always racing the ghosts of everyone who’s ran there before and your own demons, it’s a pre-Halloween race after all.

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.

Easy. Show up the day-of if you want to. Discounts for Seattle Running Club members, but you don’t need to learn the handshake.

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

Standard fare, which these days means a pretty full spread.

Weather and typical race conditions

Gray, usually fairly wet, should plan for colder conditions, but varies.

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

Nothing special; shoes should have some grip.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Kinda sorta. The course loops around so there are plenty of ways to find friends if you want to spectate. You’ll just have to stand off to the side of the trail to do so, not a lot of open viewing areas.

How’s the Swag?

Fine. Nothing wild, but you get “brewed especially for the event” beer from Flying Lion Brewery included in the deal, which is a nice plus.

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

A great local race. I might not travel far just to do it, but for those in the area, I would certainly recommend it as a solid pre-winter option.

cougar mountain 20 mile

Cougar Mountain 20 Miler Race Report – Jeff K

cougar mountain 20 mile
Photo: Linda Kercher

Race: Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series 20 mile

Runner: Jeff K

Race Date: 10/28/2018

Location: Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

Results: 2:54, 1st overall*

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Local race that is close to home
  2. Challenging course with a lot of vert
  3. The race is flexible on the start date If you are feeling strong, you can do the 50K, likewise if you signed up for the 50K and not feeling it, you can drop down to the 20 miler, or the 8.

Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you

  1. It was raining all the night before and when I got there at 7AM in the dark and started raining hard again. When conditions are like that, there is part of me that wants to just bail out and go back to bed.
  2. It had course marking issues that affected the outcome of the race. This also happened in 2016 on the same 20-mile course.
  3. The smaller field gets spaced out which leads to running solo for most of the way in both the 50K and 20 miler. I personally like to have some friendly competition nearby to keep focus on pace in the later miles.

Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?

It’s a smaller sized local race. Nothing really weird about it

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

  • It was a comeback race for me. I was out of running completely from May to August due to injury. I had a simple goal for this race which was to run strong and stay even on pacing. Completing it validated that the rehab process is working, and I’m progressing towards being able to run longer distances.
  • I didn’t go off course. On the last climb on Quarry Trail, the streamers were beyond the turn, and the arrow sign wasn’t oriented right. It threw me off for a minute. Luckily, I had been training out there and knew the right way to go.

*The elites who were in the lead weren’t so lucky. They took a different wrong turn where the markers weren’t clear and ended up back at the finish line early. Some doubled back a couple miles and completed the race anyway. Some just took a DNF. My finish place should have been 4th or 5th instead of 1st.

  • My wife Linda brought our boys out to the finish. They like jump around a lot and scream when I get to the finish which gets me pumped up.

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

  • Course specific training… It works. There is a reason behind why your running coach may be pushing this.
  • Print a course map and take it with you on training runs. The more you know the course, the less likely you are to go off track.
  • Strong quads, hamstrings, and glutes will help you with the climbing and the running downhill that is in this race.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

If I do it again, I would practice downhill and uphill specific interval training on actual course segments in addition to the long runs.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

  • There are long sections where you can go fast to make up for the lost time on the climbs. Training on the course will help you find them. Remember the landmarks where they are and key off them to know when to amp it up.
  • In both the 20 mile and 50K, there are two big hills towards the end, De Leo Wall, and Quarry. If you are still feeling fresh, you can make it through. If not, the biggest slowdowns can happen in this area. Keep this challenge in the back of your mind as you are in the early sections
  • Bring warm clothes for post race. It doesn’t feel that cold during the race. In fact, a lot of runners end up shedding jackets and gloves. As soon as you finish the chill sets in. I bring a dry jacket, hoodie and warm up pants to keep from freezing.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Basic northwest woods on the outskirts of Seattle; nothing special. No views.

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Significant hillclimbs spaced evenly apart for both versions of the race. The ones on the Squak side for the 50K are particularly brutal. There is 3800 feet of climbing in the 20 miler, and over 7000 in the 50K.

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

  • Well oiled. This race has changed race directors, but it has been going on for many years now as part of a larger series of races put on by Seattle Running Club. They have a nice setup with Pizza and beer post race.
  • That said, the course markings issues that have happened out there are concerning but I trust the RDs will do their best to ensure it won’t happen again. I think they need to put some volunteers in the problem areas to ensure runners stay in the right direction.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

Kind of. There will always be some local elites from SRC that show up because the race is part of a competition series. This year, Olin Berger ran the 50K and smashed the course record and brought some faster runners with him.

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.

You can sign up day of if you want to wait until the last minute.

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

Evenly spaced and they have the basics

Weather and typical race conditions

Usually rainy and on the chilly side.

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

One bottle should suffice. I carried my own food so only needed to stop for water refills. Even if it is raining, the trail conditions are good. It is hard packed and no mud. You could run this race in road or trail shoes, but probably not racing flats.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

A couple spots… Red Town Trailhead for one. But the weather will make it unlikely they want to hang around

How’s the Swag?

I won a growler filled with a great beer and an SRC coffee mug. The race shirts are basic long sleeve running shirts and have a cool logo on them.

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

I’d give it a 3 and 1/2.

cougar mountain 50k

Cougar Mountain 50k Race Info

 

Date

10/27/19

 Avg Temps f.

53/46

 Gain/Loss in ft

7200/7200

 Furthest Aid

5.8 miles

 Highest Elev.

~1900ft
Start

8:00am

 Surface

Trail

 Time Limit

8 hours

 Sunrise/set

7:46am/6:00pm

 Longest Climb

1500ft/3 miles

Summary: Part of a race series on Cougar Mountain, put on by the Seattle Running Club; throughout the summer both a short and long race are offered on the same day. Popular trails just outside of Seattle, with lots of rollers as well as some harder climbs, and sections of smooth trail combined with technical, rocky, rooty and oftentimes muddy sections. A fun race series to be a part of throughout the year, as it’s popular among Seattle locals looking to race trails across all distances, and very well-organized with lots of support and volunteers who are all part of the local running community.

Race Details

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • The registration and start will be at the Sky Country Trailhead off of 166th Way SE (NOT at the Red Town trailhead).
  • Some steeper sections of trail you may have to walk
  • Rain is very likely, or at least a light drizzle, so be prepared for wet conditions and wet trails, especially slick rocks. Likely you will get cold if it’s wet and rainy, so be prepared with layers if you end up walking a lot
  • Easy to get caught up in a faster pace early on because there are people doing a 7.6 and 20 miler
  • Once you leave Cougar and AS #2, the Squak mountain portion is quite a bit harder and steeper than Cougar
  • Watch out for slick bridges
  • With it being Fall, lots of leaves on the ground, so harder to see stuff to trip on, like rocks and roots
  • Squak is more overgrown than Cougar, with narrower trails
  • Cupless aid stations, so bring your own vessel!

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 7200/7200

Total climbs:

1x 1500ft ~miles 15-18

2x 1000ft ~miles 9.5-11 and 20.5-22.5

2x 500ft ~miles 3.5-4.5 and 28.5-30

5 x ~250 ft

Longest climb: 1500ft ~miles 15-18

Steepest climb: Several (~6) climbs of 300-500 feet in .7-1 miles throughout

Course Map

Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 5

Furthest distance apart: ~5.8 miles

Locations: Approximately miles 5.8, 9.6, 15.4, 21.0, and 26.4

What’s available: Typical aid station fare such as water, electrolyte drink, coke, chips…minimal and basic

Crew access

Crew can walk to AS #1 on Clay Pit Road, or drive to AS 2, 3, and 4, then the finish. Parking at AS #2 is limited along 900, off I-90.

Pacers

None

Race qualifiers

None

Race reports

Olin Berger’s 2018 50k report

Jeff K’s 2018 20 miler report

http://www.longformrunning.com/blog/2016/1/26/in-the-long-run-1

http://one–step–at–a–time.blogspot.com/2012/11/cougar-mountain-50k.html

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/761138345/overview

https://www.strava.com/activities/420420954

Race Website

http://www.seattlerunningclub.org/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

cougar mountain 50k

Cougar Mountain Marathon Race Info

Date

8/12/17

 Avg Temps f.

78/57

 Gain/Loss in ft

4650/4650

 Furthest Aid

5.9 miles

 Highest Elev.

~1600ft
Start

8:30am

 Surface

Trail

 Time Limit

Unknown

 Sunrise/set

6:00am/8:26pm

 Longest Climb

3.8 miles/800 feet

Summary: Part of a race series on Cougar Mountain, put on by the Seattle Running Club; throughout the summer both a short and long race are offered on the same day, both series gaining in distance and culminating in a 50k race in October. Popular trails just outside of Seattle, with lots of rollers as well as some harder climbs, and sections of smooth trail combined with technical, rocky, rooty and oftentimes muddy sections. A fun race series to be a part of throughout the year, as it’s popular among Seattle locals looking to race trails across all distances, and very well-organized with lots of support and volunteers who are all part of the local running community.

Race Details

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • The registration and start will be at the Sky Country Trailhead off of 166th Way SE (NOT at the Red Town trailhead).
  • Some steeper sections of trail you may have to walk
  • Still a challenging distance being on trails with a fair amount of elevation change

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 4650/4650

Total climbs:

1×885 feet over 1.9 miles from miles 9.5-11.4

1×800 feet over 3.8 miles from 16.3-20.1 (with 3 false summits along the way)

7 climbs of 200-500 feet

Longest climb: 1×800 feet over 3.8 miles from 16.3-20.1 (with 3 false summits along the way)

Steepest climb: 1×885 feet over 1.9 miles from miles 9.5-11.4 (lots of shorter, steep climbs along the way)

Course Map

Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 5

Furthest distance apart: ~5.9 miles

Locations: Approximately miles 5.9, 11.2, 14.6, 18.8, and 24

What’s available: Information unavailable on race website, but likely typical aid station fare such as water, electrolyte drink, coke, chips…minimal and basic

Crew access

Nothing official, crew could go down Clay Pit Road and see runners at aid stations #1, 4, and 5, which are miles 5.9, 18.8, and 24, and possibly see runners at other points depending on how far they want to go and which trails give them the best access.

Pacers

None

Race qualifiers

None

Race reports

http://www.sherrardewing.com/2014/08/14/race-report-combo-cougar-mountain-trail-run-series/

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/364465042

Race Website

http://www.seattlerunningclub.org/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

Cougar Mountain 14.5 Miler – Stephen D

Runner: Stephen
Date: 6/10/17
Location: Cougar Mountain, WA
Results – 2:28:41, 23rd overall
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
1) It is largely run-able
2) Not very technical trails
3) Many distance options (5k, 8 mi and 14 mi) and Its close to home
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
1) In years past there were more tents at the start/Finish with sponsors and so on. This year the race direction had changed and there was far less of it. There used to be Hoka tents, North Face Tents, Altra tents, Gu tents. This year there was a beer tent and that was it.
2)  I hate the first little grass loop the 8 and 14 milers too, it is always wet (even if the trails are not) so you start out with wet feet many times.
 
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
There are opportunities for views if they changed little portions of the race, but they don’t so the views are only of nice trails and that’s all.
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I ran this race as a training run with a tough finish (run fast). I tried a new pre-race meal (Kodiak pancakes) – it worked well. I didn’t feel like I had the energy I normally do, BUT not having stomach issues is always a good day!
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
It’s easy to go out really fast on the cougar races. The first 3/4 of a mile is wide enough to support lots of runners. However after that it is almost all single track, so if you are a late bloomer, try to get out a little faster than normal to avoid the crowd on the single track.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Didn’t really learn anything new on this one. I have run this exact race twice and have run the cougar series twice. I am really familiar with the trails and use them as training runs.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
At about 3 miles in there is a really big descent and you end up climbing right back out of it. That is easily the hardest climb on the course. Not saying there aren’t other climbs, but that one is the longest and steepest.
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
From a woods perspective – yes – but there are no waterfalls or views to be had unfortunately.
Difficulty – is it a tough course
On a scale from 1 – 10 with 10 being hard, I would give this a 5 to 6. It really is not super technical nor is there so much climbing that you cant run it. So overall it makes for a great day in the woods.
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This is part of a series of races the Seattle Running Club puts on, so they definitely have their stuff together.
Competition – is there a strong field?
The first race of the series is the most competitive. As the series goes on, the competition seems to reduce because other races are being run at the same time.
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.
Day of registration is simple and easy. I have done it two years in a row.
Aid Stations
Pretty normal – nothing special.
Weather and typical race conditions –
It was clear – no rain. Trails were a little muddy but were not bad at all.
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Typical running gear (I like to wear a vest for even 10k’s) but this race can absolutely be run with a single hand held. Trail shoes are recommended only for the grip, but I have run with plenty of folks that run cougar mtn trails in regular street running shoes.
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
Not at all. You can really only see the runner at the start and finish unless the friends know cougar mountain. Even then, it is not easy at all.
Awards –
Pretty low key, mugs and shirts and stuff like that.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars for its convenience.
cougar mountain series

Cougar Mountain 19.5 Miler Race Info

Date

7/8/17

 Avg Temps f.

76/56

 Gain/Loss in ft

3700/3700

 Furthest Aid

5.9 miles

 Highest Elev.

~1600ft
Start

9am

 Surface

Trail

 Time Limit

Unknown

 Sunrise/set

5:20am/9:06pm

 Longest Climb

1.9 miles/600 feet

Summary: Part of a race series on Cougar Mountain, put on by the Seattle Running Club; throughout the summer both a short and long race are offered on the same day, both series gaining in distance and culminating in a 50k race in October. Popular trails just outside of Seattle, with lots of rollers as well as some harder climbs, and sections of smooth trail combined with technical, rocky, rooty and oftentimes muddy sections. A fun race series to be a part of throughout the year, as it’s popular among Seattle locals looking to race trails across all distances, and very well-organized with lots of support and volunteers who are all part of the local running community.

Race Details

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • The registration and start will be at the Sky Country Trailhead off of 166th Way SE (NOT at the Red Town trailhead).
  • Some steeper sections of trail you may have to walk
  • Still a challenging distance being on trails with a fair amount of elevation change

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 3700/3700

Total climbs:

1×800 feet over 1.8 miles from miles 8.9 to 10.7

1×600 feet over 1.9 miles from 15 to 16.9

5 climbs of 200-500 feet

Longest climb: 600 feet over 1.9 miles from 15 to 16.9

Steepest climb: 350ft/.5 mile (several steep, short climbs like this)

Course Map, (See Strava links for Elevation Profile)

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 4

Furthest distance apart: ~5.9 miles

Locations: Approximately miles 5.4, 7.1, 10.4, and 13.6

What’s available: Information unavailable on race website, but likely typical aid station fare such as water, electrolyte drink, coke, chips…minimal and basic

Crew access

Nothing official, crew could go down Clay Pit Road and see runners at the first aid station, mile 5.4, and possibly see runners at other points depending on how far they want to go and which trails give them the best access.

Pacers

None

Race qualifiers

None

Race reports

http://www.sherrardewing.com/2014/08/14/race-report-combo-cougar-mountain-trail-run-series/

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/165061572/overview

Race Website

http://www.seattlerunningclub.org/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

Cougar Mountain 14.5 Miler Race Info

Date

6/10/17

 Avg Temps f.

68/50

 Gain/Loss in ft

2650/2650

 Furthest Aid

~4 miles

 Highest Elev.

~1600ft
Start

9am

 Surface

Trail

 Time Limit

Unknown

 Sunrise/set

5:12am/9:05pm

 Longest Climb

1.3 miles/500 ft

Summary: Part of a race series on Cougar Mountain, put on by the Seattle Running Club; throughout the summer both a short and long race are offered on the same day, both series gaining in distance and culminating in a 50k race in October. Popular trails just outside of Seattle, with lots of rollers as well as some harder climbs, and sections of smooth trail combined with technical, rocky, rooty and oftentimes muddy sections. A fun race series to be a part of throughout the year, as it’s popular among Seattle locals looking to race trails across all distances, and very well-organized with lots of support and volunteers who are all part of the local running community.

Race Details

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • The registration and start will be at the Sky Country Trailhead off of 166th Way SE (NOT at the Red Town trailhead).
  • Some steeper sections of trail you may have to walk
  • Still a challenging distance being on trails with a fair amount of elevation change

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 2650/2650

Total climbs:

2x 500 ft over ~1.3 miles

5x 200-500 ft about .5-1 mile long

Longest climb: 2x 500 ft over ~1.3 miles

Steepest climb: 350ft/.5 mile (several steep, short climbs like this)

Map (See Strava links below for Elevation profile)

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 3

Furthest distance apart: ~4 miles

Locations: Approximately miles 3.1, 7.1, and 10.4

What’s available: Information unavailable on race website, but likely typical aid station fare such as water, electrolyte drink, coke, chips…minimal and basic

Crew access

Nothing official, crew could go down Clay Pit Road and see runners at the first aid station, mile 3.1, and possibly see runners at other points depending on how far they want to go and which trails give them the best access.

Pacers

None

Race qualifiers

None

Race reports

Stephen D’s 2017 Race Report

http://www.sherrardewing.com/2014/08/14/race-report-combo-cougar-mountain-trail-run-series/

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/995478215

https://www.strava.com/activities/381105142

Race Website

http://www.seattlerunningclub.org/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

Cougar Mountain 20M – Dionne H

Race: Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series – 20 miler – http://www.seattlerunningclub.org/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

Runner: Dionne H

Date: 10/30/2016

Location: Cougar Mountain

Results – 4:13. 4th out of 7 in my age group ????

3 Bests – it is not crowded, well marked course and inexpensive.

Not so much – I didn’t know there’s no cups at aid station, so it was a bit hard for me to get water/drinks. I had to tilt-up the bottle which of course with my shaky hands most of it (or in my case it was coca cola) ended up spilling all over me. The course changes a lot with many ups and downs and turns that I never can get a good rhythm.

Weird factor – nothing that I could think of.

Highlights of your race – given the fact this is my longest trail race to date, the course is very technical for my skills: lots of roots, rock, wet in some parts, covered with leaves, small single track at some spots, but I enjoyed everything. The distance is also perfect as part of my training for 50 mile race in 5 weeks, it is short but long enough to get me comfortable with the trail.

Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner: do your tempo workout on hilly course. It will help you enjoying the race better ????

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around: I will train more up and down hills on trails. I slowed down more on downhills because I got nervous from falling down and simply being new to the trail running. I would really like to be able to run faster downhills to make up the time and have stronger legs to power-hike or even jog those uphills eventually.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race: I could not find the race profile anywhere on the website. If you need it, just go to my Strava and there you have it. I was blind going to this race only relying on what people say about where the next hill is. I think it is hilly EVERYWHERE.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course – it is but I wish I could enjoy it more, instead I was focusing 99% on my footing.

Difficulty – is it a tough course – Yes, it is for me.

Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants? Yes, it is well organized and the volunteers are very nice too.

Competition – is there a strong field? I don’t know but seems like some people have been doing this series all summer long.

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.

I registered very late and still can get in. It is not a sold-out race and my guess is it is because of the season.

Aid Stations: 3 stations with water, gu, bananas, PB&J and sodas. But they don’t have cups and expect you to fill out your bottles/vests.

Weather and typical race conditions – it was cold and damp. But we were lucky that it wasn’t raining on this day.

Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy? I am glad I had my vest on. I had tailwind, powergel and m&ms. Perfect.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends. It is at the starting line, the aid stations (especially 2nd station as it was right off the main road). Other that that the whole course is in the boonies.

Awards – I think there was but I am not sure.

The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it: 5 out of 5. A good training course for your next ultra. Like I said before this trail is pretty technical, it is short but long enough to get the workout done, inexpensive and it’s on our backyard.