Like many of you, I’m sitting here at the end of 2010 thinking about what races to run in the new year. It’s usually tough to decide what races to run. It seems like every year, there are more choices for trail runs. So, figuring out which ones to run and how, timing-wise, they all fit together is no easy task.
This year, however, it might be pretty easy. Eric Bone, director of NW Trail Runs, and James Varner, the mastermind behind the Rainshadow Running events, have made it quite easy. Check out their respective lineup of races.
NW Trail Runs — with Eric and the Meridian team taking over the Vasque Cougar Mountain & Bridle Trails races, this is undoubtedly the best lineup of short (less than ultra-distance) trail runs you can find in Western Washington. The race at Lord Hill is destined to be an instant classic. And, the prospect of a “Great Northwest 50K” certainly seem intriguing. Below is a list of the current NW Trail Runs (note: complete race info/details can be found here)
March 27 – Redmond Watershed Preserve Marathon, 5-mile, 10-mile
April 30 – Soaring Eagle Park 5-mile, 10-mile, Marathon, & 50k
May 14 – Vasque Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series 5-mile
May 22 – Lord Hill Park 10k and Half Marathon
June 11 – Vasque Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series 7.5-mile
July 9 – Vasque Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series 10-mile
July 16 – Redmond Watershed Preserve, Marathon, 5-mile, 10-mile
August 13 – Vasque Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series 13-mile
August 27 – Great Northwest 50k, venue TBA
September 18 – Soaring Eagle Park 5-mile, 10-mile, Marathon, & 50k
October 16 – Harvest Half Marathon and 10k, venue TBA
November 12 – Carkeek Park 5k and 10k
That’s a pretty great lineup of trail races…but, actually may pale in comparison to what James Varner over at Rainshadow Running has cooked up for this year (note: not all dates have been posted yet, but the list below are in order of what month they occur):
- Orcas Island 50k & 25k — February 5 (SOLD OUT!)
- Snow Fun 35m & 22m — February 26
- Gorge Waterfalls 50k — March 12
- Yakima Rim Skyline 50k & 25k — April 3
- Sun Mountain 50m/50k/25k/1k — May 22
- Beacon Rock 50k & 25k — ???
- Cle Elum Ridge 50k and 25k — June 25
- Angels Staircase 50m/50k/25k — ???
- North Cascades PCT 100k & 50k
- Winthrop Road Marathon — September 25
- Mt. Spokane 50k & 25k — ???
- Deception Pass 50k & 25k — ???
- Christmas at the End of the Road 5k and 1k — ???
It’s been a long, long time since I’ve raced a lot (like 15 years). But, my goal for 2011 is to get & stay healthy and to participate in as many of these as I possible can. I’m not going to worry about a peak race…or a PR…I”m going to try and run as many of these as hard as I can and see what happens.
What are your 2011 race plans? Will I see you at any of these races?
). 
e: I know Adam fairly well). I know this guy’s under the radar screen, but if you look at what he’s been able to accomplish over the last year and a half, it’s pretty impressive — 3rd at US 50K Champs, 3rd at US 100K Champs, 2nd at US 50K trail champs, etc. (
cas race is well known for it’s stunning views from up on Mt. Constitution, but I’m guessing the fog put somewhat of a damper on that…although the higher peaks were visible above the clouds. The temps were great for fast racing, and I heard that new race director James Varner did a stellar job. 
