RACE GUIDE

Half Marathon • 10K • 5K Hill Climb • July 17-18, 2026

SCHEDULE EXPO COURSE INFO RACE MORNING SPECTATORS POST-RACE EXPERIENCES FAQS

SCHEDULE

Friday

JULY 17, 2026

5:15 PM

RUNNERS PARKED

5:30 PM

RUNNERS GATHER AT EXPO AREA

5:45 PM

RUNNERS ARE WALKED TO START LINE AREA ON IRIS ST.

6:00 PM

5k RACE START

6:45 PM

AWARDS CEREMONY

12:00 PM - 5:00PM

RACE EXPO & BIB PICK-UP

1:00 PM - 4:30 PM

5K HILL CLIMB START LINE OPEN

4:30 PM

5K HILL CLIMB START LINE CLOSES

5:30 PM

5K HILL CLIMB COURSE CLOSES

6:00 PM

10K DOWNHILL RACE STARTS

7:45 PM

10K DOWNHILL AWARDS CEREMONY

8:30 PM

10K DOWNHILL COURSE CLOSES

Saturday

JULY 18, 2026

5:15 PM

RUNNERS PARKED

5:30 PM

RUNNERS GATHER AT EXPO AREA

5:45 PM

RUNNERS ARE WALKED TO START LINE AREA ON IRIS ST.

6:00 PM

5k RACE START

6:45 PM

AWARDS CEREMONY

4:00 AM

PARKING LOT OPENS

4:15 AM

MORNING BIB PICKUP AT START LINE OPENS

6:00 AM

GONDOLA OPENS FOR RUNNERS

6:30 AM

Spectator parking & finish shuttles begin

6:30 AM

HALF MARATHON RACE STARTS

8:00 AM

MERCH TENT OPENS (ENDS SHORTLY AFTER FINISH LINE CLOSES)

9:00 AM

AWARDS CEREMONY

9:00 AM

GONDOLA OPENS FOR PUBLIC

Pre-race

EXPO

FRIDAY, JULY, 17 2026

Race Expo Hours 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Merch Tent Hours 12:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Bib Pick Up Hours 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

*We cannot accommodate runners before 12:00 PM.
BYOB: Our expo is bag-free, so don't forget to Bring Your Own Bag!

EXPO PARKING

All event parking will be located at Crystal Mountain Resort in Lot B. Supplemental Lots C, D, and E will be used as needed. Volunteers will direct parking on race morning and signage will direct expo self-serve parking on Friday.

REMINDER: All Vacation Races events are cup-free and runners must either opt-in for a reusable cup at registration or bring their own handheld, cup or hydration bladder. A limited number of reusable cups will be available for purchase at the Merchandise booth at the race expo. For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, please DO NOT drink directly from the water jugs.

VOLUNTEER

We’re looking for fantastic volunteers to join the fun during race weekend! It’s the perfect way for your friends and family to get in on the action without running. Volunteer shifts are open for the expo and race days and come with some pretty sweet perks: up to $100 off a future Vacation Races event!

Race credits vary by role, are transferable (yep, you can use theirs!), and can even be combined. So rally your crew, whether they love the energy of race day or want to hang out in a beautiful place with a purpose. It’s a great way to give back to the community, support you, be part of the adventures, and maybe even earn your next race for free. Sign up to volunteer below.

VR CAMPGROUND

The most convenient (and most fun) place to stay during race weekend is our Vacation Races Campground at Crystal Mountain. Runners can bring their own tent or rent one from us for an additional charge. Crystal Mountain also offers RV camping in the same area (with hook-up options available). All campers must reserve a spot in advance.

Campsites do not include cots, sleeping bags, pillows, headlamps, cooking stoves, supplies, or firewood. There will be no showers on site at the campground.

CHECK-IN

THURSDAY 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm

FRIDAY 12:00 pM - 7:00 pm at lot b

*Arriving later? Check in with the camp manager the following morning. If you’ve rented a tent from VR, please arrive within check-in hours to pick up your tent for the weekend.

CHECKOUT

SUNDAY BY 9:00 AM

(All rented tents must be returned by this time)

Challenge

EVENTS

SASQUATCH DOUBLE

Races:

Hill Climb 5K
Half Marathon

Step it up a notch by tackling a both an uphill 5K and a challenging half marathon in one weekend.

Check in before the 5K and use this bib for both races.

With a Sasquatch Double registration, you'll earn:

One standard race shirt for the Mount Rainier events
ONE special Sasquatch Double swag item - during registration, you’ll choose between a hat, challenge t-shirt, or beach hoodie and you’ll pick it up at the race expo. Additional items can be purchased at the end of the second race.
Two finisher medals - one for each race
One Sasquatch Double medal

Mountain Goat Triple

Races

Hill Climb 5K
Downhill 10K
Half Marathon

Check in before the 5K and use this bib for all three races.

With a Mountain Goat Triple registration, you'll earn:

One standard race shirt for the Mount Rainier events
ONE special Mountain Goat Triple swag item - during registration, you’ll choose between a hat, challenge t-shirt, Nalgene bottle, or beach hoodie and you’ll pick it up at the race expo. Additional items can be purchased at the end of the second race.
Three finisher medals - one for each race
One Mountain Goat Triple medal

Runners competing the Mountain Goat Triple need to be aware of their timing between the 5K Hill Climb and the 10K Downhill events. The 5K Hill Climb start line is open between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM, and the start of the 10K Downhill is at 6:00 PM.

RACE MORNING

Race Morning

Getting to the

START LINE

PARKING

All event parking will be located at Crystal Mountain Resort. Primary designated event parking will be hosted in Lot B. Supplemental Lots C, D, and E will also be used for parking. VR crew and volunteers will help to direct parking on Saturday morning. There is more than enough parking for runners and spectators.

RUNNER DROP-OFF

If you’re dropping a runner off, please enter the parking area and drop your runner off just past the parking lot exit. This will allow more cars to enter the parking area and avoid traffic jams

DOWNLOAD MAP

ON THE COURSE

On The Course

START LINE

The race will kick off at 6:00 am about 1.3 miles east of Kiowa, MT, on Highway 89. Before we begin with a wave start, you can enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, and early raffle prizes available at the start line in the morning. Please remember that there is absolutely no parking or drop-off at the start line; all runners must arrive via the provided shuttles.

Race morning bib pick-up will be available at the shuttle parking lot prior to boarding. We recommend arriving early to allow enough time to pick up your bib, board the shuttle, and get settled before the start of the race.

DOWNLOAD MAP

Course

INFORMATION

👉 HALF MARATHON COURSE MAP

TBD
Dogs are not allowed on the course, as our insurance does not cover them. But they’re welcome to cheer you on from the finish line with the rest of your crew. Due to the technicality of the trails, this course is not stroller-friendly. Strollers will not be allowed on course.
You’ll have all-day access to the gondolas at Crystal Mountain Resort, so you can take in the scenery or grab food and drinks at Crystal Mountain’s on-site restaurants.
All runners competing for overall or masters awards (Male, Female, Non-Binary, and Masters categories) must start in the BLUE wave within 15 minutes of the 6:30 AM gun time. Only runners with a blue wristband may enter this wave. Runners competing in this wave should plan to arrive early and pick up a blue wristband to board the first round of gondolas heading to the summit start line. While these awards are based on chip time, starting later will disqualify you from overall placement. You will, however, still be eligible for age group awards.

Age group and team awards will be based on chip time, regardless of start wave. If you’re not racing for overall awards or plan to walk, start toward the back and be courteous to those around you.

The first 4+ miles of the course are narrow and not designed for passing, so please prioritize safety over positioning early in the race.
There will be pacers pacing the race in 10-minute intervals starting at a 1:40 pace up to 2:30. We will also have a 2:45, 3:00, and 3:30 pacer. Please seed yourself near the time you expect to finish.
Aid stations on course will be limited, so we strongly encourage all runners to carry their own water and fuel using a hydration pack or handheld bottle. There will be four aid stations on the course: mile 4.3, mile 6.5, mile 8.7, and mile 11. Aid stations will offer water, electrolytes, Honey Stinger gels, and basic first aid supplies. Some stations may also have fruit.
All runners will have 5.5 hours to finish the race. We would like understanding and immediate cooperation if we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.
At the finish line, we will have food bags (full of recovery snacks), bananas, chocolate milk, water, and electrolytes. Please help yourself to one food bag, a chocolate milk, and a banana per runner
You will be able to pick up a Gear Check bag at the starting line if you wish to use one. It will be a white plastic bag that you can fill with anything you want transported to the finish line. Permanent markers will be available for you to write your name and bib number. Avoid putting valuables or car keys in your bag.
We will have a clothing bin to dump items in at the first aid station at mile 4.3. Clothing dropped off at this aid station will be picked up when the last runner has passed it, so you may have to wait for your clothing at the finish until the race ends. Anything else found along the course will not be brought to the finish.

PLEASE NO LITTERING
TBD

This 6.2-mile course drops 2,500 feet from the top of Crystal Mountain, making it perfect for speed, views, and nonstop fun. It’s a shorter distance with just as much adventure as the half marathon and scenery you’ll be talking about forever.

Runners need to take the Gondola to the start line. The Gondola ride takes 12–15 minutes to the top, so please account for this when preparing to arrive at the start line on time.
You’ll have all-day access to the gondolas at Crystal Mountain Resort, so you can take in the scenery or grab food and drinks at Crystal Mountain’s on-site restaurants.
The 10K race starts at 6:00 PM sharp on Friday. All 10K and Mountain Goat Triple runners will have until 5:00 PM to pick up their bibs at the expo.
All event parking will be located at Crystal Mountain Resort. Primary designated event parking will be available in Lot B. Supplemental parking will also be available in Lots C, D, and E. Event signage will direct self-serve parking on Friday.
No spectators allowed at the start of the 10K Downhill. Spectators can cheer on runners at the finish line.
One aid station will be on the course at mile 4.3. The aid station will have water, electrolytes, and bathrooms. Like the half marathon, this race will be cupless!
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race. Stick around for the 10K awards ceremony Friday night at 7:45 PM. Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall, as well as the top 5 male and female Masters 40+ runners. Additionally, the top 5 in each age group (11 and younger through 75 and older) will receive a place medal. We do not yet offer age-specific awards in a non-binary category.
A wave start will help prevent overcrowding on the course. Runners will line up with the wave according to the color on their bib. These assignments are made based on your projected pace time when you enrolled. You may seed yourself in a different wave if you choose. Please note that masters and overall awards are based on gun time. If you intend to compete for these awards, you should be in the first wave. All other age groups are based on chip time.

New and unique to Vacation Races, this is the steepest 5K you’ll ever run — 3.1 miles and over 2,300 feet of elevation gain. Climb the mountain, earn the views, and ride the gondola back down like a champ. Brutal, beautiful, and totally worth it. The course closes at 5:30 PM.
To accommodate athletes participating in double and triple challenge events, this race will use a rolling start between 1:00 PM and 4:30 PM. You may start anytime within that window. This flexible format helps prevent overcrowding and allows challenge athletes to complete multiple events. Overall awards will be based on chip time.
After completing your race, you’ll have all-day access to the scenic gondolas at Crystal Mountain Resort. Return to take in the scenery or grab food and drinks at Crystal Mountain’s on-site restaurants.
Race expo & bib pickup runs 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM on Friday. The start line for the 5K Hill Climb opens at 1:00 PM and remains open until 4:30 PM.
All event parking will be located at Crystal Mountain Resort. Primary designated event parking will be hosted in Lot B. Supplemental Lots C, D, and E will also be used for parking. Event signage will direct expo self-serve parking on Friday.
Spectators are welcome to cheer on runners at both the start and finish lines. The race begins at the base of the mountain, just south of the resort, and finishes at the top. If you’d like to support participants at the summit finish, you can purchase a gondola ticket to ride up. Please note: the finish line is a small setup on a remote singletrack trail, not a large corral like traditional events.

Runners will be finishing sporadically, and there is no designated runner area at the top. Vehicles are not permitted and cannot access the trail.
There’s no aid station on this course, so plan to be self-sufficient. We’ll have water, food boxes, electrolytes, bananas, and chocolate milk waiting for you at the finish line, where you’ll be rewarded with an amazing, well-earned view!
For the 5K Hill Climb, awards will be given to the top 3 overall male, female, and non-binary finishers, as well as top 3 male and female Masters 40+ runners. There will be no age group awards for this event. Due to the open start line and staggered finish times, we will not hold an awards ceremony. Results will be verified approximately 30 minutes after the finish line closes, and awards will be available for pick-up on-site during the remainder of the event. If needed, awards can also be mailed after the race for an additional cost.
A wave start will help prevent overcrowding on the course. Runners will line up with the wave according to the color on their bib. These assignments are made based on your projected pace time when you enrolled. You may seed yourself in a different wave if you choose. Please note that masters and overall awards are based on gun time. If you intend to compete for these awards, you should be in the first wave. All other age groups are based on chip time.

SPECTATOR INFORMATION

Spectator Information

SPECTATORS

No spectators at the start of the Half Marathon. The gondola will open at 6:00 AM for runners. Spectators can wait for runners at the finish line. The runner area is for runners only — please do not enter the runner area or partake of runners’ food. No vehicles are allowed on the course apart from aid station crew and emergency vehicles.

All event parking will be located at Crystal Mountain Resort. Primary designated event parking will be hosted in Lot B. Supplemental Lots C, D, and E will also be used for parking. Event signage will direct expo self-serve parking on Friday.

REP THE MERCH

We will have various options to commemorate your race day accomplishment! Beach hoodies, t-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, water bottles, stickers, hats, and bags will all be available to browse and buy! In addition to the expo, the merchandise tent will be set up after the race near the finish line.

Leftover merchandise can be purchased online here after the event.

BROWSE STORE

Runners can also take home exclusive 2026 Rainer artwork from RowdyLegends by visiting the expo, finish line, or by ordering online through RowdyLegends.

ORDER NOW

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POST RACE

Post Race

Post-Race

INFORMATION

Our on-course and finish-line moments will be captured by our official photography partner, FinisherPix. You’ll spot signs or flags along the course letting you know a camera zone is coming up. That’s your cue to straighten up, wipe your face, surge past someone, or serve your best race-day look. Your personalized race photos will be available for purchase and are typically uploaded within a week after the event. Once they’re live, we’ll send all runners an email with the link.

PRO TIP Wear your bib on the front of your body and keep it visible throughout the race. Bibs worn on legs, backs, or under layers often don’t get picked up by the cameras.
PRE-ORDER PHOTOS
There will be finisher medals for everyone who finishes the race. Place medals will be given to the top 5 male, female, and non-binary runners overall, as well as the top 5 male and female Masters 40+ runners. Additionally, the top 5 in each of the following age groups will also receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12–14, 15–19, 20–24, 25–29, 30–34, 35–39, 40–44, 45–49, 50–54, 55–59, 60–64, 65–69, 70–74, 75 and older. We do not currently give age group awards for the non-binary category.

PLEASE NOTE that we cannot give place medals before the awards ceremony. If you need to leave before the awards ceremony, we can mail you your award after the event for a shipping fee.
We have teamed up with Laurel innovative tracking system to ensure that your friends and family can follow your race in real time—no phone or watch needed! Timing readers are placed along the course (at least one per mile), updating your location every 8 to 10 minutes or more frequently. Brooksee estimates your position between checkpoints based on pacing data, providing accurate, real-time updates and predicted finish times.

TRACKING IS SIMPLE Spectators can follow your progress here.

Want text updates? Supporters can opt-in for free text notifications when you reach key points along the course.
TRACKING LINK
Race results can be found here after the event. Please note that the results are not official until all runners have crossed the finish line. Since our age group winners are determined by chip time, it’s possible to finish before someone else in your age group while still having a slower overall time than they do. Masters and overall awards are based on gun time—top competitors should start at the front. Age division and team awards are based on chip time; your time will not start until you cross the start line. If you start toward the back, expect a delay before crossing the start line; please be courteous as the race begins.
RACE RESULTS
Never forget how hard you trained for this.

You worked hard for your seconds. You trained on cold Tuesday mornings, endured the inconvenience of consistency, and traded your comfort for the finish line.

Make It Personal exists for these seconds that shaped you. Your time, precision engraved on 100% anodised aluminium. 100% compatible with every race medal.

You can pre-order before race day and get your iTAB sent to you automatically after you finish. If you missed out, you can still order online later.
PRE-ORDER iTAB
Don’t Just Finish - Recover Like a Pro

Crossing the finish line is only half the battle; the real work starts with the recovery. We are thrilled to have Mobile IV onsite as an official recovery partner at this year’s half marathon. Whether prepping for the race with an IV at the Expo or meeting them at the Finish Line to refuel, theyll’ be there to get you back on your feet faster.

Book here and lock in your recovery now for just $95 and skip the $109 race-day rate. Compression boot treatments for $15 for 20 minute sessions. All IV clients will also receive a FREE compression boot treatment! Your muscles will thank you.

Please also include a mention about Mobile IV in the Pre-Race Expo section with a link to Book an IV early!
BOOK HERE
There is no official lost and found. If we find lost items, we will hold onto them for 14 days. Unclaimed items will be donated. Submit the online form to check if we have found your item.
LOST & FOUND FORM
The medical area at the finish line is for athletes only; family members are not allowed. Overcrowding prevents medical staff from doing their jobs. If you need information on an athlete receiving medical attention, please wait outside the area for updates.
Your timing chip is on the back of your bib.

The chip looks like a sticker — do not fold your bib.

No chip = no recorded time.

The timing chip is disposable; after the race you can throw it away or keep it. If participating in more than one event this weekend, plan to keep your bib for each race.

Overall awards are based on gun time — top competitors should start at the front.
Finisher medals will be awarded to all the top five runners in each of the following age groups will receive a place medal: 11 and younger, 12-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, and 75 and older. At this time, we do not offer awards for non-binary age groups. We will have an Awards Ceremony at 9:00 am. If you are not around for the ceremony, your top finisher award can be mailed to you with a shipping fee of $15.
Additionally, the top 3 female, male and non-binary overall finishers and top 3 masters female and male finishers overall will be given a custom award from our partners at RowdyLegends. Runners can take home their own custom 2026 Glacier artwork from RowdyLegends by visiting their booth at the expo, finish line, or by ordering online.
Food bags (full of recovery snacks), bananas, and chocolate milk available.

Please help yourself to one food bag, chocolate milk, and banana per runner.

Gear Check pickup near the finish line area.

Designated photo spots and props at our beautiful finish line.

Merchandise tent will be set up after the race near the finish line.

Shirt exchange available at the finish line if your race shirt doesn’t fit. Note: sizes and quantities may be limited and exchanges can only be done after the Half Marathon.

Half Marathon awards ceremony at 9:00 AM near the finish line.
You are the backbone of every event we host, and your feedback is the best way to enhance them. We would love to hear from you in our post-race survey, which will be emailed after the event.

Mount Rainier Half Marathon

COURSE RECORDS

Course record holders are rewarded with a complimentary race entry every year if their record time is unbeaten. We currently do not have non-binary course record for this race.

EXPERIENCES

Experiences

BOOK YOUR RAINER WEEKEND STAY WITH HOTELPLANNER

You’re officially in for RAINER Half Marathon/10K/5K— now lock in your race weekend home base. HotelPlanner is our official lodging partner, offering exclusive rates for runners, friends, and family, plus 24/7 support if plans change. The page is set up with race weekend dates and lodging near the Expo, Start Line, and Finish Line.

BOOK YOUR STAY

Top Hikes

AND ADVENTURES

Naches Peak Loop Trail

3.5 Miles

669 ft

Moderate

LEARN MORE

Crystal Lakes Trail

8 Miles

2883 ft

Hard

LEARN MORE

Skyline Trail at Paradise

5.7 Miles

1781 ft

Hard

LEARN MORE

RESTAURANTS

Snorting Elk Cellar

Cozy pub-style restaurant inside the Alpine Inn, hearty post-race comfort food.

VISIT WEBSITE

Naches Tavern

A Pacific Northwest staple known for burgers, beer, and PNW charm.

VISIT WEBSITE

Summit House at Crystal Mountain

Washington’s highest-elevation restaurant, accessible by gondola, with unmatched views of Mount Rainier.

VISIT WEBSITE

FAQS

Yes for the Half Marathon. There will be a bib pickup tent near the start line. It will open at 4:15 AM race morning. 5K Hill Climb, and 10K Downhill runners must pick up their bib at the expo.
Yes. Someone else may pick up your race packet for you as long as they have a photo of your ID. We also recommend forwarding your confirmation email to the person picking up your bib to help make the process as smooth as possible.
We love dogs but they are not allowed on course. The Half Marathon, 10K Downhill, and 5K Hill Climb courses are on trail and are not stroller- or wheelchair-friendly.
Yes. We want you to be able to run together. The only exception is the Blue Wave for overall award competitors. Please leave the room at the front for those competing based on gun time.
Yes. All event parking will be at Crystal Mountain Resort — primary parking in Lot B with overflow in Lots C, D, and E. We recommend arriving early to avoid any congestion, especially on race morning.
Yes. The Half Marathon starts at the summit of Crystal Mountain and is only accessible by gondola. Be sure to arrive in time for your assigned gondola loading window based on your wave.
Yes, but not until after the race. We have pre-order race shirts based on the sizing requests during registration. In order to make sure that all participants can get the size that they originally requested, we don’t offer exchanges until post-race at the finish line area.
Runners may defer their 2026 registration up to 2 weeks prior to the event. The deferral deadline for this event is July 3, 2026. No exceptions will be made after this deadline.

Upon registration for the 2027 event, you will be required to pay 50% of the current 2027 registration price.
You can transfer your race entry to another person online until the Wednesday before the event or in person at the expo. The original runner pays a $30 transfer fee. Only the race entry transfers; add-ons, such as merchandise or photos, do not, and these are non-refundable. The new runner will pay the current race price. No refunds are given for shipped items. If the new runner doesn’t complete their registration, no refund will be issued.
Registration fees are non-refundable unless you purchased Refund Protect during registration and your reason for canceling qualifies under their coverage.

If an event must be canceled due to emergency circumstances, including but not limited to severe weather, public health concerns, natural disasters, or safety threats, refunds cannot be provided unless covered through Refund Protect.