VERT is calling your name! Let’s chase it.
This Saturday, September 17th will be the very first Rock Candy Mountain Run. And we’re so excited to have you all come out to the Capitol Forest!
First off:
We want to respectfully acknowledge that all our trail races here in the South Sound are on the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Nisqually, Cowliz, Chehalis and Squaxin Island peoples
The Washington State Department of Natural Resources granted us a special use permit for the event. Thank you!
DIRECTION AND PARKING:
Our website has all the info on how to get to Rock Candy. 10517 Rock Candy Mountain Rd SW – Olympia, WA is the address. Use the main parking lot to park, there will be plenty of space.
DISCOVER PASS:
To park at the trailhead starting line you need a WA State Discover Pass.
PACKAGE PICKUP:
Day of racing registration and bib pickup will be available starting at 5:00am at race headquarters at the main parking lot at Rock Candy trailhead – orange tent!
PRE-RACING BRIEFING and RACE START:
We’ll have a brief pre-race briefing at 5:45. Race starts: 6am.
That means, headlamp start, folks! 6am is still dark out.
THE ROUTE:
The race route will be marked with bright signage and ribbons. You climb the to the summit at Rock Candy and bomb back down with a couple variation along the trail. Be aware of the runners coming toward you on the trail as you heading uphill and be mindful as you’re bombing down. Hey, give them a high five and cheer them on!
HOW WE’LL TRACK RUNNERS:
This is your race. Run one loop, we’ll cheer. Run all the loops we’ll cheer for you. Yes, there will be a stop watch running, counting down the 12 hours. We’ll have a board tracking each runner’s progress and how many loops they completed. Be sure to check in each loop to get your progress counted and tracked.
At the summit you must mark your bib with the tool provided. We will check you in upon return to the finish line. Only completed loops will count and the male and female runners with the most loops completed will be crowned Legends of Rock Candy.
AID STATION:
We will have an aid station next to the race headquarters by the start/finish of each loop. At the aid station we’ll have water, Tailwind and the usual fair of fruit, salty snacks and ramen, etc. This is a cupless race, so prepare accordingly and bring a cup or flask. Bring a camping chair!
There will be a simple self-serve aid station at the summit with some Tailwind and water, please be mindful of other runners and only use what you need to get back down the mountain.
WEATHER:
The forecast for Saturday calls for perfect racing weather. A high of 64F and no precipitation, for now. Cool, overcast, amazing!
RESTROOMS AND RECYCLING:
Restrooms are available in the parking lot area. We ask that you do your best to keep it clean and to throw all trash in the garbage cans. Please help to keep them as clean as you can.
Bins for recycling & food waste will be available as well. Volunteers on race day can point you in the direction to the proper receptacles.
OPEN TRAILS:
The trails of Rock Candy mountain will be open to other trail users during the race. This can include moto users on some sections of the trail. Be extra careful and please be respectful and kind and be a good ambassador for our trail running community!
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
Lots of useful info on our race Info page here.
Anything else? Please reach out!
