Beast of Big Creek
05 August 2023
Summit Race (14M)
Start time: 8:30am
(until 30 Apr): $40
Regular: $50
Forest Loop (5M)
Start time: 9:00am
(until 30 Apr): $30
Regular: $40
Register now
2022 Results
Registration Includes
- Access to fully-stocked and fun aid stations staffed by our incredible volunteers.
- Hand-crafted finisher keepsake by Olympia artist Trixy Eichler of Trixwithay.
- The KOM and QOM (first to the summit!) will receive a unique award.
- Awards for all finishers and top 3 men and women of each race.
- We plant a tree for each finisher. Learn more.
- Limited edition race sticker.
- Access to sponsor swag raffle.
- Finish line high fives and/or hugs from race director.
- Safety and medical support.
- An unforgettable and fun mountain adventure at Mount Ellinor in the Olympic Mountains.
Download PDF of course map and vert profile.
THE COURSE
Both races begins and end at Big Creek Campground.
The summit race is about 14 miles and leads on the Mt Ellinor trail from Big Creek campground to the actual summit of Mt Ellinor with a total elevation gain of over 5,000ft. There you turn around and head back to where you came from. The upper section of this trail is gnarly!
The Forest Race loops along the Big Creek trail with a much more manageable elevation gain of about 1,200ft in 5 miles.
Thanks to the efforts of the Mt. Rose Trail Crew, the track is in wonderful condition. Potential hazards include yellow jackets and horseflies the size of helicopters. Despite the danger, we ask that everybody remain on the trail (as long as it is safe to do so) to avoid any resource damage. The only exception to racing off the trail is for the summit racers on the summit block only. Once the summit block is reached, feel free to scramble it directly or follow the trail to the top if you wish. Once you leave the summit block for the descent, do your best to not stray too far off the trail on the way down.
There may be some mountain goats roaming about the upper slopes of Mt. Ellinor. The Forest Service is asking us to pass on some tips on spending time amongst them:
- Give them plenty of space.
- Don't feed them.
- Absolutely don't be aggressive toward them. You will lose.
The trails are open to all other forest users on race day. Most everybody will be stoked to see you out there.
CUTOFF
We are asking you to be back at the finish in ~6hrs. The spirit of our event is that you get to the summit and back as fast as you possibly can; this is an athletic endeavor and a test of fitness rather than a hike. No cut-off is enforced for the short course.
PREVIEW THE COURSE WITH US
Join our Strava group to stay up to date with upcoming opportunities to explore the coursessss...
RACE DAY PACKAGE PICKUP
Race packets can be picked up on race day starting at 7:00am at Big Creek Campground Loop A+B.
PARKING
We will be using loops A and B for the majority of our parking. Use the shoulders in those camp loops and display a pass. Day passes are 5 bucks and purchased in the main parking lot if you don’t have a federal lands pass already. If we fill the camp loop roads, we can park in the main lot or out on the main road outside the campground. Don’t block any roads or camp sites. Vehicles need to be able to use all roads we park on.
CAMPING
Loops A and B are reserved for our event. There are currently 11 vacant sites in those loops (First come, first served). 3 are already in use by myself and friends. There are gates on Loops A and B with signs that say closed for a recreation event this weekend. You all are that recreation event. Fee is $20 per night. The remainder of Big Creek Campground will be mostly full. Things are busy in Hoodsport so established camping will be scarce.
PUBLIC LANDS USE
The Beast of Big Creek Trail Race is operating under a special use permit from the USDA - Forest Service on the Olympic National Forest.
Our experience working with the Forest Service these past 11 years has been nothing but positive. Big ups to these dedicated professionals who truly want everybody to enjoy and protect our public lands.
And a honorable mention to the amazing Mt. Rose Trail crew for keeping up these amazing trail.
DIRECTIONS TO Big Creek
Address: Big Creek Campground, Hoodsport, WA 98548
FROM HOODSPORT
In Hoodsport turn left onto SR-119. The Big Creek campground is at the T-intersection where the Staircase and Mt. Ellinor roads meet.
FROM I-5 and Olympia
Take Exit 104 and merge onto US-101 N toward Port Angeles, Aberdeen. Keep right onto US Hwy 101 NW toward Shelton, Port Angeles and head to Hoodsport. In Hoodsport turn left onto SR-119. The Big Creek campground is at the T-intersection where the Staircase and Mt. Ellinor roads meet.
From the Northern Peninsula
Head south on US Hwy 101 NW toward Shelton and Hoodsport. In Hoodsport turn right onto SR-119. The Big Creek campground is at the T-intersection where the Staircase and Mt. Ellinor roads meet.
ETIQUETTE AND RESPECT
On race day, racers must respect the direction and authority of the race director, race organization and volunteers.
- We are all sharing these trails, so be kind to all you encounter and help show why the trail running community is so awesome!
- No short-cutting of any kind. We have eyes out on the course and if you cut a section, you will be disqualified and banned from future races.
- Do not litter. At all. Ever. While we can only monitor the course and not your entire life, if we catch you littering, you will be disqualified and receive a lifetime ban. Bonus high fives/hugs for all who pick up trash.
- Please use the bathrooms at the campground. Keep them as clean as you can, as we are guests in the city park and hope to return year after year.
- There are no dogs, baby joggers, or other “accessories” allowed on the course.
- For this race we will allow the use of poles, but please be mindful of your fellow runners.
- Stay on the trail when you can. We ask that you stay to the trails to limit our impact on the vegetation.
- If you come across an injured runner, you must stay with that person until medical attention arrives. Failure to do so may result in a disqualification.
- Slow runners must yield the trail to others wishing to pass. Be alert and conscientious of other runners.
- Please, no headphones. For big sections of the course the trail is too narrow and you need to be aware of other runners.
- Non-participants may NOT accompany registered runners along the course for any reason.
- Dropping Out: If you find it necessary to drop from the race, you must do so at the aid station. Notify the aid station captain and make sure they get your bib number. Please do not leave the course without notifying an aid station captain. If we can’t account for your whereabouts, we will assume you are missing and launch a search party.
- Race Staff has permission to pull any runner from the event due to injury or another reason that the runner should not continue. We are looking out for your safety, trust us.
RULE VIOLATIONS
Participants are expected to behave in a sportsmanlike manner. The Rock Candy Running Race Management team reserves the right to impose infractions for any reason, even ones not mentioned here. This could be in the form of a DNF issued, or a lifetime ban.
Official protests of infractions and rule violations must be made directly to the Race Directors on race day. If a case of unclear or contested infractions occur, a jury of available racers, volunteers and race marshals will be gathered to discuss what the appropriate action may be. All decisions may be vetoed by the Race Directors.
RULE VIOLATIONS INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
- Short-cuts taken on any section of the course. The route is well-marked, so follow along and enjoy the path we created. We like and know you will too.
- Disobeying the directions of Race Management and/or race volunteers.
- Littering. Leave the trail cleaner than you found it. Carry trash with you until you get to the aid station garbage can. The loops aren’t that far apart.
- Having a pet on the course.
- Failing to remain at a checkpoint or the aid station for a medical evaluation.
- Blocking another runner in any section of the course.
A LIFETIME BAN WILL HAPPEN IF
- Failing to respect private property or the other users of the park. Be a trail running ambassador. Not a trail run ass.
- Running without a number or using someone else's number.
- Littering. Yes, this is a huge deal.
- Abuse, either verbal or physical, against anyone in, on or around the course. Be kind. Enjoy the run. Be an upstanding citizen of the trail running community.
The Fine Print
- Registration is non-transferable, and no credits will be issued for any reason.
- Race entry cannot be deferred to a future year, except if you become pregnant. Please contact us for details.
- There will be no waitlists or refunds available.
Beast of Big Creek
05 August 2023
Summit Race (14M)
Start time: 8:30am
(until 30 Apr): $40
Regular: $50
Forest Loop (5M)
Start time: 9:00am
(until 30 Apr): $30
Regular: $40
Register now
2022 Results
