Please read it. Lots of important stuff in it.
This Saturday, August 5th will be the 13th running of the Beast of Big Creek. It’s quite a history this race has and we’re honored and proud to carry on the tradition.
Let’s start off by acknowledging that the Beast of Big Creek race up to Mount Ellinor is on the traditional territories of the Twana/Skokomish, Coast Salish and S’Klallam people. Rock Candy Running is acknowledging the tribal governments and their roles today in taking care of these lands.
We also want to emphasize that our events are for everyone, but we are 100% intolerant to intolerance. Rock Candy Running recognizes a lack of inclusion and equity in the trail running community and while we are not perfect we are constantly working to improve.
We want to thank the Olympic National Forest for granting us a special use permit for this event.
HOW TO GET HERE
For driving directions to Hoodsport and the Big Creek Campground please visit the website. We’re in loop A & B – follow the signs in the campground. We will try to fit everyone’s car along the side of the road. If the loops are full, we’ll have folks direct people to park along the street. Bring your NW Forest pass or National Park Pass.
CAMPING
Campers who pre-registered for a camping spot in Loop A and B can come to the main shelter of loop A and we’ll get you your spot. We’ll be full, if you have a spot and are willing to double up, let me know, or find a spot in the rest of the open campground.
PACKAGE PICKUP
Campers can pickup bibs on Friday after 6pm. For folks arriving on the day off, big pickup will be open starting at 6:30am.
PRE-RACING BRIEFING
We’ll have a joint pre-race briefing for both races at 8:15am at the main shelter of loop A.
RACE STARTS
Summit Race: 8:30am
Forest Race: 9am
THE ROUTES
Both routes will be marked with bright signage and ribbons. There’s one important turn where the forest loop splits from the summit loop. It’ll be well-marked, but if you don’t want to find yourself on the wrong loop, look out for this junction!
AID STATION
(Only for the summit loop racers.)
Be sure to check the location for the aid station! It’s at the trailhead of the upper parking lot. Same as last year. Trail to and from will be well-marked. You will have to visit this aid station on the uphill and downhill and have your bib number checked in.
At the aid station we’ll have water, Tailwind and the usual fair. This is a cupless race, so prepare accordingly and bring a cup or flask.
SUMMIT
That’s what you’re here for!
The summit turnaround is at the real summit of Mount Ellinor at 5,944ft. There’s no aid at the summit, but friendly volunteers will check your bib number, high five you, and send you on your merry way. You must have your number checked before heading back down. Failure to do so will results in a DNF and potential suspension from future races. Don’t cheat!
WEATHER
The forest for Saturday is a bit of a mixed bag. Hoodsport will be warm (80F) but only partly sunny with clouds rolling in later in the day (early afternoon). The summit might! see some rain with the clouds accumulating and possibly dropping some… rain drops later in the afternoon.
Bring sunscreen, maybe bring a jacket in the car, just in case you roll up on Sat morning and it looks a bit more precarious than you thought. We will monitor this and if we feel like things change we will let y’all know. Remember, you’re climbing a mountain, be prepared for rapidly changing mountain weather. And if it does get wet up there, please, please slow down!
CRITTERS
No more goats. But bugs and maybe bees. And perhaps a couple dogs.
Be aware and prepare accordingly.
POST RACE PARTY
You’re all welcome to hang out after your race and cheer on the racers as they arrive at the finish. We will grill some hot and veggie dogs and there will be beverages!
AWARDS
We will hand out awards as runners arrive at the finish line. There are several awesome prizes we will raffle off – stay tuned!
VOLUNTEERS
We have incredible volunteers helping us in camp, at the aid station and of course at the summit. Let them know if you need help with anything and thank them for volunteering their time to make sure you have an incredible day racing Beast of Big Creek.
PUBLIC TRAILS
The trails of Mount Ellinor will be open to other trail users during the race. Please be respectful and kind and be a good ambassador for our trail running community!
BEAST, AN OFFICIAL SKYRACE
Yes, Beast of Big Creek is an International Skyrunning Federation certified Skyrace. And currently the only one in the United States. How freakin’ cool is that?
YOUR BIB PLANTS A TREE
For every bib we plant a tree! Well, not us directly, but we give to ONE TREE PLANTED. Last year we planted over 200 trees! Thank you for racing with Rock Candy Running.
SHIRTS
We’ll have these awesome shirts for sale on race day. $25. Bring cash!
OUR SUPPORTERS
Our amazing events wouldn’t be possible without the support of these incredible partners. Thank you!
Mathias Eichler
Race Director
Rock Candy Running
& Einmaleins
PS: We will be offline starting Friday AM. There’s terrible cell coverage at the campground and race HQ. If you need one of us, find us in person.
