Yakima Skyline

yakima skyline 25k race report

Yakima Skyline 25k Race Info

On the eastern side of the Cascade mountains, the Yakima Skyline 25k out and back course is usually a warm reprieve from chilly, rainy weather in Seattle, Bellingham and Portland, with amazing views and warm temps. But, you’ll work for it with nearly 5,000 feet of gain over the course of two main climbs and descents, including exposed, hot and dry, conditions, and rocky, dusty, and steep trails. Also offered is a 50k the day prior, which is the same 25k course, just out and back twice instead of once.

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

  • Important race rule: All runners are required to carry at least 32 ounces of water during the race.  You will be required to show your water before you are allowed to pick up your bib. This course is hot, dry, and very exposed. This does not mean that you need to have 32 ounces of water on your person at all times, it means you need to start the race with that much water and must have the ability to carry 32 ounces for the duration of the race.
  • Be ready for a challenging race, despite the “shorter” distance. Rocky single-track trail, a lot of elevation gain, steep descents in parts, dry and dusty, and you carry a lot of water from the start.
  • While it can be hot because it’s exposed and sunny, it stays a little cooler on the ridge up top
  • First descent has steep, sandy trail, which is hard to navigate and stay upright, and which you’ll do twice since it’s out and back
  • The majority of the single track is really, really rocky, very twisty-turny and pretty steep.
  • The downhills take a lot of concentration to stay upright because of the steep, technical trails with lots of loose rocks and dirt. Be ready for that mentally tiring aspect, as much as physical.
  • Make sure you’ve got good trails shoes that you’re comfortable in for technical, dusty, rocky, loose, steep terrain
  • Be ready for a slow start as people make their way up the first hill – takes a lot of patience to be behind people, or you have to start out fast to get ahead of the majority
  • Good race description: steep up, cruise along the rim for a bit, steep down, repeat with nothing but sky, mountains, canyon and/or river in full view at all times.
  • Expect to be walking, especially on the steep parts, and expect it to take a lot longer than a typical 25k trail race

Elevation

Total gain/loss: ~5,000/5,000

Ft/mile gain: 323

Total climbs: 2 main climbs and descents of ~2200 ft each

Course Map/Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 3 total, including 2 water and 1 full aid

Furthest distance apart: 5.5 miles (twice)

Locations: Miles 5.5 (water only), 8, 10 (water only)

What’s available: Water, Nuun electrolyte drink, soda, fresh fruit, potato chips, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and wraps, candy, pickles, and an assortment of gels.

Crew access

Access Locations: None

Pacers

None

Race qualifiers

1 UTMB Point

Race reports

https://teamrunrun.com/yakima-skyline-25k-race-report-rohit-e/

https://teamrunrun.com/yakima-skyline-25k-stephanie-g/

http://www.notgaryrobbins.com/2014/04/yakima-skyline-rim-25k-race-review.html

http://www.girlsgonewildwood.com/2012/04/yakima-skyline-rim-25k.html

http://mariadalzot.blogspot.com/2018/04/yakima-skyline-rim-take-three.html

 

Strava activities and GPX files

https://www.strava.com/activities/1525962845

 

Race Website

http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/yakima-skyline-25k.html

yakima skyline 25k race report

Yakima Skyline 25k Race Report – Rohit E

yakima skyline 25k race reportRace: Yakima Skyline 25K

Runner: Rohit E

Date: 4/22/2018

Location: Umtanum Creek / Yakima Ridge

Results: 5:16:25

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/1525962845

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

  • After the brutal climb, running on the ridge was pretty fun. Fantastic views of (I think) Baker and Rainier, visibility for miles, great weather.
  • Well organized, instructions on website were very clear regarding parking, aid stations, weather, rattlesnakes, trail conditions, etc.

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

  • The prospect of rattlesnakes.
  • The elevation: very steep climbs and descents.
  • Single track trail: I just don’t enjoy this as much at my current level of fitness / ability.

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

In spite of the warnings in the email and on the website, I didn’t anticipate just how rocky the trail would be.

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

  • I was glad to finish; after failing to finish a 50K last year, this was my longest trail finish.
  • Fueling and hydration went well.
  • I ran with a hiking pole, and that was a huge help to manage fatigue in my back and hip. It probably slowed me down a little bit, but at least it helped me finish.

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

  • This is a very hard race. Rocky single-track trail, a lot of elevation, steep descents in parts, dry and dusty, and you have to pretty much carry all of your water.
  • Rainshadow doesn’t provide cups at the aid stations, which I understand, but also find very annoying. It’s pretty annoying to have to open up a hydration pack to fill it at the aid stations. It would be nice if they at least provide jugs of water.

Lessons you learned that will help you next time around

I’ll probably look into more sturdy trail shoes (eg: they recommended something with a rock plate) when the trail is very rocky like this one.

Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race

Very rocky, very steep, dry and dusty, single-track on the ascent and descent, wider on the ridge but still so rocky as to be effectively narrower.

Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?

Yes. Great views on a clear day when you’re up on the ridge.

yakima skyline 25k race report

Difficulty – Is it a tough course?

Hell yes.

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.

Competition – Is there a strong field?

I believe so. I was pretty far back so irrelevant to me!

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 about 6 months in advance. It does sell out, but I think it takes longer for this one to sell out because it’s one of the harder races this group puts on.

Aid Stations

1 full station at the 8 mile turn-around. One other (water only) that you hit about 6 miles in or 2 miles from the turn-around.

Weather and typical race conditions

I would guess typically dry given the location, but not quite as warm / perfect as it was for this instance.

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

I’d recommend sturdy shoes, a hiking pole if you need it, and enough water to get you through the race without refueling.

Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?

Not really. The trail is remote and steep, so I can’t imagine how or why spectators would be able to / want to get to parts of the course. The turn-around aid station is accessible only by boat or a long drive.

How’s the Swag?

There weren’t any finisher medals, which was a bit disappointing. The t-shirts and hoodies were extra, so I skipped those. There were some stickers at the bib pick-up.

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

I’d give this 4 stars for what it is. I’m not sure I would do it again until I was much fitter. I would recommend it if you’re looking for a very significant challenge, but it’s a terrible choice for a first 25K.

Yakima Skyline 25k – Stephanie G

Race: Yakima Skyline 25k – http://www.rainshadowrunning.com/yakima-skyline-25k.html

Runner: Stephanie G

Date: 4/17/2016

Location: I’d call it more Ellensburg than Yakima

Results: 3:05:37, 5th place Female

3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most

 

  • One of the prettiest races I’ve ever done. The views went on forever (when you could look up from the ground)
  • The start/finish location on the river was a great place to hang out
  • Weather! It did get hot at the end, but stayed nice and cool on the ridge due to the breeze.

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

I really can’t complain about anything. You do have to carry 40oz of water, which seemed like a lot to me for a 25K, but it was fine and meant I never had to stop to refill.

Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race

There’s a section of really steep sandy trail that I’m sure many people fell on. It was really hard to find footing and stay out of people’s way, and since the race is out and back there were people everywhere trying to navigate it going both directions.

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

I felt really good after getting up the first hill and felt like I ran the rolling trail and downhills pretty well.

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

The majority of the single track is really, really rocky, very twisty-turny and pretty steep. I had to concentrate really hard on footing for most of the downhill parts of the race.

Aesthetics – is it a pretty course

YES!

Difficulty – is it a tough course

I thought so. Times seem to be slower all around compared to other 25Ks.

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?

Women’s winner was very strong – not sure about the men’s side.

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.

Sells out like all other Rainshadow Runs. Very close to Ellensburg and easy to get to the start.

Aid Stations

One full aid station at the turnaround, one other one with mostly beverages and some candy.

Weather and typical race conditions – Seems to be mostly sunny and warm.

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

Good trail shoes (lots of loose rock and dirt), something to carry 40oz of water.

Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends

Not really, the only way to watch would be for them to hike up the first hill.

Awards –

Top 3 per gender… I think.

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

5!