Cascade Crest 100

Getting Ready

2011-08-20T14:16:00.001-07:00

Veteran Cascade Crest runner and volunteer Mark Greenberg loads his big truck with aid station supplies.

2011 Trail Work for Entrants

2011-04-14T21:08:00.000-07:00

Answers to a few questions about the trail work requirement for Cascade Crest:

-Where can I complete my trail work?
Wherever it is convenient based on your schedule and location.

-Can I do it on my own?
We expect you to do trail work through an organization like the Forest Service, Washington Trails Association or a similar state or local government or non-profit organization in your area. If you want clarification from us just ask.

-Does the trail I work on have to be part of a race?
No.

-Can I volunteer at a race instead?
No. While we strongly encourage runners to volunteer at races, we expect all entrants to complete 8 hours of trail work.

-Why the focus on trail work?
Trail work makes a difference for non-running trail users. By improving trails in your area you make a contribution towards all sorts of trail recreation.

-How do I report my trail work?
You'll do that via the website. We'll have you tell us the location, the date and the name and email of a contact at the organization you helped out.

-Will there be organized work parties around Seattle and Easton?
There are plenty of great opportunities around Seattle to help maintain and restore trails. We encourage you to consider events organized by EarthCorps and WA Trails Association. Work party details are updated frequently on their websites.

Other questions? Leave a comment and send us an email and we'll get them answered.

Photos and Race Reports

2010-09-03T10:38:00.000-07:00

We will use this post to add links to photos and race reports as you send them our way. You can leave links in the comments and we will add them to the body of the post.

Photos by Glenn Tachiyama from Tacoma Pass and Thorp Mtn. Glenn has become one of the most accomplished chroniclers of trail running in the country. We are lucky to have him at Cascade Crest each year. Rainier was hidden from view on Sunday morning from the climb to Thorp Mtn but Glenn got some fantastic shots of the foggy sunrise.

Photos from John Morelock who volunteered at Cole Butte (10m) and at French Cabin (88m). If you have not been on the course before John's photos and captions will give you a good sense for the terrain in the early miles.

Race report from Michael Chastain who finished in 25:00:37. Mike ran with his Garmin the whole way and has a great map of the course as a result.

Race report from BJ Haeck may make you want to wear a helmet next year for the trip over Kecheelus Ridge.

Race report from winner and new course record-holder Jeff Browning. Attack owls and playground accidents could not deter Jeff scorching the Central Cascades.

Photos by Andrew Peet from the Lake Kachess aid station. Yes Phil, that is a flowing chocolate fountain.

Peaceful Coexistence

2010-09-02T09:44:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all runners and volunteers for keeping the trails wild and scenic. Our sweeps said they saw little to no trash along the course and Google alerts sent this blog post from a PCT thru-hiker:

On Saturday morning a group of 5 people out trail running informed us that we were going to be in the middle of a 100 mile trail race, the Cascade Crest. We would have 200 runners passing us by. This also meant… aide stations! These runners were running a station at Tacoma Pass. They offered us food. We got there just after lunch and snacked on some turkey sandwiches and watermelon. Only 5 runners had passed us at that point and they were running fast! We got cheered on by the people at the station waiting for family members or friends running. Crow Dog was embarassed, I was taking it in. Why not get cheered on for walking 2350 miles? The next aide station was 7 miles on, we hiked to that, while cheering on more runners and eating huckleberries while they passed. The next station was put on by a local high school cross country team. They were great and more food. We heard that the big aide station was a mere 4 miles on, so we hiked to that. Tomato soup! Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! Candy! String cheese! What an inspirational day! The runners provided so much positive energy for our hike, it made it one of the best days of hiking yet.

All Done for 2010

2010-08-30T13:57:00.000-07:00

The 2010 Cascade Crest 100-mile Endurance Run is history. Congrats to all of our runners who made the trip out to Easton -- and back -- and many thanks to our amazing volunteers for hosting another memorable race.

Overall winner Jeff Browning of Bend, Ore., ran without crew or pacers and never backed off his blistering pace, becoming the first runner to finish this race in the pitch dark. His time of 18 hours, 31 minutes, and 9 seconds takes a healthy chunk off Phil Shaw's previous course record. First female finisher Betsy Nye of Truckee, Cal., notched another win for her stellar ultrarunning resume, crossing the line in 22:32:40, the second fastest women's time ever.

Final results for all 78 finishers are up. Splits should be available later this week. Stay tuned for more pictures and links in the days to come. Thanks again to everybody who turned out to participate in this year's event!

Pacer Central

2010-08-10T12:20:00.001-07:00

Please use the comments section of this blog post to communicate interest in pacing or being paced to other runners. Leave your request to pace or to find a pacer and leave your email or phone number so you can be contacted. If anyone wants to set up a more efficient online tool to share pacing requests go ahead and we'll link to it from the blog and website.

White River 50

2010-08-01T10:32:00.001-07:00

Yesterday's White River 50 miler down near Mt. Rainier was a fun preview for Cascade Crest. A number of this year's CCC entrants were out fine-tuning things on the White River trails, and we're looking forward to seeing how all that hard work will pay off.

It was great to catch up with many of the folks who've been involved with Cascade Crest in previous years as runners and volunteers, including Scott Railton, Dan Probst, Wendy Wheeler-Jacobs, Jeff Wright, Janet Rosenfeld, and Kent Holder. There isn't a bright line between who's a runner and who's a volunteer at Cascade Crest lately. So many folks have done both, and we're proud of that.

Below is Pat Ackley, an '07 finisher who volunteered in '08 and '09, assisting Jenny Uehisa, an '07 finisher and '08 volunteer, at Buck Creek aid station. Photo of start above thanks to Glenn Tachiyama.

Runner Update - July 6

2010-07-06T15:21:00.000-07:00

Runners --

A few updates as the race approaches...

Entrants List (Refunds)
I updated the entrants list earlier today. If you've contacted me to withdraw from the run I will be processing refund checks later this week. Please note that the deadline to receive a partial refund has passed.

Trail Work
Please remember that all entrants are expected to complete 8 hrs of trail work as a condition of entry. We are quite flexible about where you do your trail work but it must be via an organized work party. Any sort of restoration work is acceptable; it does not have to specifically be work on a trail. If you have questions contact Charlie. You can submit your trail work details here.

Course Conditions
If you are out on the course and find anything interesting (i.e unexpected) let me know. There is still a decent amount of snow up high but since Seattle just went from March to July overnight the snow will be melting quickly in the days to come.

Tunnel (Still Closed)
Unfortunately there is no sign that the Snoqualmie Pass tunnel is going to reopen anytime soon. If anyone has information on the status of the tunnel and the Iron Horse Trail please let me know. We plan to route you up and over Snoqualmie Pass on a similar but slightly more humane route than the one we used last year.

Training Runs
The best way to share information on training runs is via the Cascade Crest Google group.

That is all for now. Send me your questions and I'll answer via the blog if topics apply to all runners.

Cheers,

Charlie

Lost Lake 50k

2010-05-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

My wife graciously covered the home front today so I could slip up to Bellingham for the Lost Lake 50k. For those of you who have not run it (and that's most of you since there were around 35-40 runners this morning) you missed something really special. I feel like I discovered an unknown bar band that will be selling out Madison Square Garden in a couple of years.

The clear blue sky and high 60s temps made any outdoor activity more appealing but great weather aside, Lost Lake delivered everything that makes Northwest ultrarunning rewarding. Race Director Alvin Crain gave us miles of gorgeous single track, impeccable course marking, friendly competent volunteers and a semi-sadistic scenic detour for a close up view of the Lost Lake waterfall. The course and the logistics were stellar.

Lost Lake is challenging (34 miles and > 8k of climb), very pretty, and very well organized. Put it on your calendar for next year. You won't regret it.

Preliminary Entrants List is Up

2010-02-21T08:11:00.000-08:00

The preliminary entrants list for the 2010 race has been posted.

2010 Race is Full

2010-02-20T21:58:00.000-08:00

Entry to this year's race is now closed. If you mailed your check but haven't entered your details at Ultra Signup, please do so. We'll post an entrants list ASAP.

A Rave from Down Under

2010-02-11T13:03:00.000-08:00

Runner's World Australia / New Zealand chose Cascade Crest 100 as this month's Rave Run, thanks to Kiwi runner Lisa Nicholl, who submitted this spectacular photograph by Glenn Tachiyama. Pictured here are Lisa, who placed 5th woman in 2009, and her homegrown pacer, Kathleen Egan, cruising down Thorpe Mountain.

Entry Details

2010-01-31T15:03:00.001-08:00

This post contains details on how to submit an entry to the 2010 edition of Cascade Crest. Entering the run is a two step process!

Step One:
- Print and mail this simple entry form along with your check. (Mailing address is on the simple entry form.)

Step Two:
- Visit UltraSignUp and provide your entry details (contact info, shirt size etc.)

Entries will be accepted in the order they are sent based on postmark. You must mail in a check in order to be considered for entry. We are using Ultra Signup to ensure that your contact details are accurate and to avoid the need to manually enter details from paper entry forms.

We are requiring payment by check to avoid having to increase the cost of the race to cover credit processing fees. We are big fans of online entry to races but the cost imposed by Visa and MasterCard is material and either needs to be absorbed by the race or passed along via increased fees. We'd rather require a bit more work from you (tracking down a stamp, an envelope and your checkbook) and from us (processing the mail) and avoid the extra cost.

If you were a volunteer in 2009, you can mail your entry form and payment beginning on February 1. Otherwise, you can mail your entry form and payment no earlier than February 12.

Please let me know if you have questions or need clarification on the process and I will update these instructions accordingly. Thanks!

Want to Run the Cascade Crest 100 in 2010?

2010-01-08T22:11:00.000-08:00

Here are some things you'll need to know. The race takes place August 28 & 29, and the entry process is the same as we've used in the past. The application will become available on the Cascade Crest 100 website on February 1. We'll accept runner entries by regular U.S. mail starting with a Friday, February 13 postmark. Please don't send by FedEx, UPS, or Express Mail, all of which risk waking a sleeping baby. Qualified runners will be accepted according to postmark date on a first-come, first-serve basis.

We plan to start 140 runners this year and will close the field at 170 entries. We expect the race to fill quickly, and as before, there won't be a wait list. The entry fee is $195, same as it's been since 2008. Runners who cancel prior to July 1 will be refunded $100.

Additionally, you must complete a 50-mile race sometime prior to the race start date, and we'll have a trail work requirement again this year. As before, volunteers from the 2009 race will be able to enter early, starting with a Monday, February 1 postmark.

A Runner's Resolve

2010-01-06T13:20:00.001-08:00

We're delighted to see that the Cascade Crest 100-Mile Endurance Run made a number of ultrarunners' 'Best Of 2009' lists, and it's fun hearing everyone's resolutions for the new year. Among the most inspiring comes from Cheri Redwine, who paced her husband Gary to a 28th place finish at the Cascade Crest 100 this past year.

The backstory: just three years ago, this mother of five was spending most of the day in her recliner, out of shape and on pain killers. Her doctors said she had fibromyalgia. Then she picked up Dean Karnazes' book and came to believe she could do better for herself. She hadn't run since childhood -- and she started with a twenty-minute mile.

Last year she finished the Where's Waldo 100K.

This year she goes for her first 100-mile finish.

We venerate our elite runners in ultrarunning, and deservedly so. Their accomplishments are so mind-bending, they sometimes seem to be of a different species altogether. But Cheri's story reminds us that every runner has their own deep history, their own personal demons and battles. Turning your life around like Cheri has done is truly something remarkable. Remember her when your new year's resolutions start to grow stale, and we'll see you out there on the trails.

Unique Gifts

2009-12-20T20:38:00.000-08:00

If you're still on the hunt for a unique gift -- and who isn't -- check out the beautiful rings and necklaces created by our good friend Leah Kangas Jurek.

Leah, of course, is the artist responsible for those gorgeous hand-carved block prints that all Cascade Crest finishers received in recent years.

Leah's jewelry is handmade from a variety of natural materials, including metal, leather, and wool, silk, bamboo and cotton fibers, the latter of which are massaged together in a process known as felting, aka the oldest-known form of fabric-making. You can now find Leah's jewelry at the Seattle boutiques KOBO on Capitol Hill, Bitters Co. in Fremont, and Juniper in Madrona. Out-of-towners can also contact her via her website.

For the Ultrarunner on Your List

2009-11-27T20:16:00.000-08:00

The Tribute to the Trails 2010 Calendar makes a perfect holiday gift for the active or aspiring ultrarunner on your list. The calendar features twelve months of Glenn Tachiyama's beautiful trail photography and a handy ultramarathon schedule for the Pacific Northwest and Western U.S. -- very helpful for making next year's training and racing plans. Plus, all profits go to the Washington Trails Association, a group that protects and enhances trails statewide, including some of the Cascade Crest 100 course.

Purchase calendars for $20 in person or online at the Seattle Running Company; Rogue Valley Runners in Ashland, Ore.; and Zombie Runner in Palo Alto, Cal.; and in person at the Balanced Athlete in Kent, Wash.; Everyday Athlete in Kirkland, Wash.; Fairhaven Runners in Bellingham, Wash.; Fit Right Northwest Walking and Running in Vancouver, Wash. and Portland, Ore.; and Fleet Feet in Bend, Ore. And become a fan on Facebook, if you're so inclined.

UPDATE: Glenn tells me that the calendar raised an amazing $15,000 for WTA last year and more than $35,000 since 2006. Thanks for supporting those who support us.

Ultrarunning Magazine Race Report

2009-11-07T20:53:00.000-08:00

Charlie's Cascade Crest 100 race report is the spotlight article in November's Ultrarunning Magazine. It's a great summary of this year's event and includes such gems as this one about fourth place finisher Wouter Hamelinck, of Belgium:

"Wouter Hamelinck impressed everyone he met with his adventurous spirit and cheerful, helpful nature. He flew from Belgium to Seattle with his bike and pedaled to the start on Thursday. Friday he volunteered a full day on his feet helping race staff sort and pack gear for the aid stations. After scorching through the Cascades to a fourth place finish and grabbing a nap and shower, he loaded up his panniers and took off bicycling to the East, heading for Minnesota and the Superior 100 two weeks away. Keep that in mind the next time you plan what Wouter described as "a quick vacation from work".

New Assistant RD for Cascade Crest

2009-09-25T16:32:00.000-07:00

Lucy Crissman finally arrived on the scene Tuesday morning. Her parents are so grateful to have a healthy little girl back at home. Thanks so much to all of you who have shared your good wishes and offered support. We've put our ultra skills to use and found a new use for duct tape!

2009 Splits

2009-09-16T11:27:00.000-07:00

Apologies for the delay stats lovers but I've finally got the splits entered. If you see any obvious errors send me a note (charliecrissman at gmail). Splits are in an excel file. They are entered by aid station arrival using time of day and the excel entries are text strings.

2009 Race Reports

2009-09-12T07:40:00.000-07:00

Check out race reports from runners, pacers, and others involved in this year's Cascade Crest 100. Among our favorites are runner reports from Jen, Christian, Scotty, Franz, Dan, Miles, Scott, Van, and a newspaper writeup about Matt. Also of interest: narration from pacers Cheri and Heidi, runner crew Jessica, sweepers Becky and dogs, and volunteer Jon. And check out a fun race summary from local endurance athlete and coach Matt Hart.

Late additions: More runner reports, from Linda and Rod, and a pacer report from Bruce.

Randy Returns

2009-09-07T21:29:00.000-07:00

Among the many great stories from this year's race was that Cascade Crest 100 founder Randy Gehrke returned as an entrant for the first time. Randy, a retired King County Sheriff's deputy, used to mark the entire course in one push, unsupported, under the 32 hr time limit (check the old results) and accompanied only by his dogs and a couple of friends. This year almost a dozen runners shared that same course-marking job.

To Randy's right in the photo above are Tim Stroh who helped with course marking and Ron Behrmann, who co-directed the run and handled logistics in the race's early days. Tim finished an impressive 7th overall in this year's race, in 21 hours and 44 minutes.

Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos

2009-09-02T13:17:00.000-07:00

Seattle-based photographer Glenn Tachiyama has posted his photographs of this year's race as seen from Goat Peak, Stampede Pass, and Thorpe Mountain. As usual, Glenn delivers amazing images of the course and the runners. Check them out!

Quick recap

2009-08-31T09:04:00.000-07:00

Results for this year's race are up. The highlights: Phil Shaw notched his second win and set a new course record of 19 hours and 47 minutes. Samantha Sigle from Boulder, CO, led her first 100-miler wire to wire to win the women's race.

Jamie Gifford became the first ten-time finisher and received a 1000-mile jacket and a one-of-a-kind buckle that would make Liberace jealous. Jerry Bloom smiled his way to a silver buckle for his fifth finish.

We had a record 75% finisher rate despite a replacement trail section from miles 47 to 53 that proved to be more challenging than intended. Cool and overcast weather on Saturday led to fast times in a very competitive field, with a record 20 runners breaking the 24-hour barrier. In total, 96 of the 128 starters finished the race. Temps on Sunday were significantly warmer and runners were treated to excellent views of Mount Rainier and the central Cascades on the back section of the course.

Thanks to an absolutely stellar cast of 200-plus volunteers. It is humbling to have such a fantastic crew. Please visit this blog and our website for more post-race news and photos in the days and weeks ahead.

NW Forest Pass - crew vehicles

2009-08-27T20:36:00.000-07:00

If you are crewing this weekend, you should get a Northwest Forest Pass, which is required for trailhead parking at several areas where we have aid stations. The Forest Service does ticket. The passes are $5 per day.

You can purchase a Northwest Forest Pass in North Bend or in Cle Elum on your way to the run, or can buy them at any local REI store.

Please bring cardboard (yes, cardboard) to the start

2009-08-26T18:19:00.000-07:00

Local runners -- we would appreciate if you can bring flattened cardboard to the start that is kicking around your garage, basement or recycle bin.

We'll use it to help out of town runners package up some of their race mementos. Thanks!

Driving directions to aid stations

2009-08-26T18:16:00.000-07:00

Runners and Crew People -- aid station driving directions have been updated and include a map (of sorts).

Race numbers posted

2009-08-21T23:56:00.000-07:00

Race numbers were just added to the entrants list.

Re-route of section from Olallie to Hyak

2009-08-20T14:27:00.000-07:00

For those who must know where they are headed... The map above shows the old and the new routes from Olallie to Hyak. If you buy the new Green Trails map of Snoqualmie Pass (available at Seattle Running Co. or at REI) you'll be able to reference this picture and see the contour lines more clearly. The course change was necessitated by the closure of the Snoqualmie Pass tunnel which we've used for the past 10 years. The new route has approx. 650' of bonus climb (and descent). To satisfy James Varner there is a section with some less then ideal footing. The new route takes you over the top of Snoqualmie Pass and offers spectacular views of Guye Peak and the Gold Creek Valley although most of you will have to take my word for since you'll be on the top of the Pass in the dark.

I hope you enjoy the new terrain. I enjoyed piecing it together. Thanks to James and William Worrell for pre-running the first version of this route to help me realize it needed to be harder.

Complaints about additional difficulty and ruined PRs should be addressed to James Varner and mailed to the Easton Fire Department.

Reporter interested in interviewing runners

2009-08-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Jim Fossett, a reporter from Cle Elum, is interested in interviewing a few runners before the race. If you'd like to provide Jim with some newsprint fodder feel free to contact him at jim@nkctribune.com, or at 509.674.2511 ext 208.

Bill Thompson looking for ride to Easton this weekend

2009-08-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

Bill Thompson who is over from Australia for the run is looking to hitch a ride out to the course from Portland or Seattle sometime in the next couple of days. You can reach Bill by email at dimboola@netaccess.com.au or at 503.296.6271.

Bill is staying with Gail and Sid Snyder in Portland and is planning to get out to take a look at the course this week. If anyone is going near the course from either Portland or Seattle in the next few days (or from anywhere Bill can get to by bus) please contact Bill if you can give him a ride.

Runner's Manual posted

2009-08-14T17:45:00.000-07:00

The 2009 Runner's Manual is available here.

2009 Runner's Manual coming soon

2009-08-06T16:40:00.001-07:00

A few of you have asked about revisions to the Runner's Manual. It is undergoing some revision and I plan to post a refreshed copy to the website by Sunday.

Trail work opportunity - Seattle area

2009-08-06T16:33:00.000-07:00

For any runners who are still looking for trail work see the details below for a cool opportunity to hike out some gear from a backcountry trail restoration project on Saturday, Aug 15 near Skykomish, WA.

Volunteers needed to assist in carrying gear OUT on Saturday, August 15^th. The crew will have finished and hiked out on the 13^th, so we will need volunteers to hike in with an empty pack and hike out with a heavy pack (possibly up to 50lbs, but more likely less (30-40lb) with more volunteers!).

The location is Snoqualmie Lake. It is a 14 mile roundtrip hike, with 2,200 feet of elevation gain. Drive time is about 2 hours one way (trailhead is off Hwy 2, 3 miles before the town of Skykomish). Randi Shaw, an EarthCorps project manager, will be going out with the group that day. If you are interested (or know of people who may be interested), or have questions regarding this fabulous opportunity to volunteer for EarthCorps, please contact me by email or phone. See my contact info below. Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you!

Malia Caracoglia
Field Logistics Specialist
EarthCorps

206.255.4152
malia@earthcorps.org

Training Run Report

2009-08-03T18:18:00.001-07:00

Devon Crosby-Helms blogs about her training run with local runners on the last 32 miles of the Cascade Crest 100 course -- on the hottest weekend of the year.

White River 50

2009-07-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

Good luck to all running at White River this weekend. Go slow and stay cool out there. At least the race is going to be over before the real heat wave hits with temps forecast in the mid to high 90s on Monday and Tuesday in Seattle.

I will be at Buck Creek aid station with Pat Ackley and a stellar crew of volunteers. If you're running, we look forward to seeing you. If you are looking for something to do on Saturday we can put you to work. Buck Creek aid station is right next to the start / finish area. See the White River site for directions.

Charlie

snow is melting

2009-07-19T08:12:00.000-07:00

Earlier in the month, Cascade Crest 100 veteran Jamie Gifford was reporting minimal snow over the first 33 miles of the course. Now we hear from shutterbug Glenn Tachiyama that trails are clear between French Cabin and No Name Ridge -- click the link to see pictures from his run yesterday. So we've got a snow-free course weeks ahead of usual, great training conditions if you live in the area. Photo by Glenn Tachiyama.

Refund deadline is today

2009-07-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

Just a quick reminder...

If any runners are considering dropping off of the entrants list, today is the deadline to receive a partial refund on the entry fee. Send an email to info@cascadecrest100.com if you decide not to run.

Bighorn 100 article

2009-07-01T14:48:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday there was an article in the New York Times sports section about the Bighorn 100. The writer, Kirk Johnson really captured the essence of my favorite ultra event. I also highly recommend Kirk's 2002 book To The Edge about his experience training for and finishing Badwater.

I was sorry to miss seeing friends out at Bighorn. A sore achilles and busy schedule kept me away this year but I hope to be back again in '10. If you have not made it to Wyoming for this great event make a point to get out there sometime. You can run anywhere from 100 miles to 30k and the scenery and atmosphere are first rate.

Congratulations to everyone who had a chance to run around in the Bighorns. Also a big congratulations to everyone who battled the heat down in the Sierras last weekend.

Training Runs

2009-05-28T17:57:00.000-07:00

Now that the snow is starting to melt up by Snoqualmie Pass you can begin to think about getting out on the CCC course. For those looking for a pre-race training binge, check the link below. Jeff Wright is organizing a multi-day tour of the course the first weekend in August. If you want to check out the trails before race day this is a great opportunity.

http://grandcanyontreks.org/wac/2005/Pacific%20Crest%20Trail%20Fat%20Ass.html

Need some inspiration?

2009-05-13T20:18:00.000-07:00

If you are stuck in a training rut and need a little nudge to get out the door, this video by Seattleite Matt Hart will have you calling in sick to work tomorrow and digging your water bottles out of the closet.

I hope everyone getting ready for Cascade Crest -- and other ultras -- is having an enjoyable spring.

2009 Entrants List

2009-02-17T19:39:00.000-08:00

The list is posted here. Contact Charlie at charliecrissman@gmail with questions or spelling, age or gender corrections. Thanks everyone for being patient.

Registration Update #2

2009-02-14T23:38:00.000-08:00

If you mailed your entry on Feb 9 you can count on running this year. We will be able to admit some runners with later postmarks but we are going to wait for another mail delivery on Tuesday before posting an entrants list. Thanks for your patience.

Registration Update

2009-02-13T01:35:00.000-08:00

We've removed the entry form from the race website and are waiting for the remaining entries to arrive from further-flung locales before determining the entrants list. If needed, we'll draw names according to postmark date. Thanks for your patience! Our hope is to have an entrants list posted this weekend.

Cascade Crest Registration is Open

2009-02-09T06:00:00.000-08:00

We're taking all qualified entries that are postmarked starting today until the field is closed at 150 runners. Expect not to hear about the entrants list until the week is out, as we want to make sure all entries are accounted for first. Hope to see you at the starting line!

Ain't Easy Being Green

2009-02-08T17:02:00.000-08:00

We wouldn't have missed James Varner and Alison Hanks' Orcas Island 50K for anything this weekend. It's a terrific race on a beautiful course, and it proved just how green these two are.

By green, of course, I'm talking about the recycled t-shirts screened with the race logo. How they asked all runners to carry a water bottle, eliminating the need for single-use paper cups. Even the black bean stew at the finish was served in reusable containers. In all, the garbage generated by a race with this many runners was impressively small, and the trails they left behind were pristine.

We've tried greening up Cascade Crest before, and it's not as easy as it seems. Last year we attempted to separate garbage from recycling and compost, for example, but we still generated a jumbo Dumpster of cardboard boxes and banana peels. What's the message when an event to purportedly celebrate the outdoors is actually populating a landfill somewhere?

A 100-mile race faces somewhat different constraints than your basic fat ass, but even so we know there's plenty of room for improvement. So look for further efforts coming this year to keep the trails looking good during and after the race. And if you're running or crewing, thanks in advance for your help in minimizing the waste we generate.

Tunnel Closure

2009-02-04T14:23:00.000-08:00

The Seattle paper carried a story this week on the closure of several tunnels on the John Wayne trail. The longest of the tunnels closed for repairs is the one we use to get runners over to the Hyak aid station.

It is possible the tunnels will be reopened by August but that seems unlikely. We'll probably have a new route between Olallie Meadows (47m) and Hyak (53m) and it won't include a dripping, 2+ mile tunnel journey.

Postmark Your Entry on Feb. 9 or After

2009-01-20T16:13:00.000-08:00

OK. Just a friendly reminder to NOT send in your entry form until February 9, 2009. Any that we receive prior to February 9 are being recycled and checks will be shredded.

If you messed up, just re-send your entry like the directions tell you to do, by US mail and postmarked no earlier than February 9, 2009.

We are accepting entries on a first come, first serve basis starting with the February 9 postmark. Thanks for your help in making this process as fair as possible.

Some details on the trail work requirement

2009-01-15T15:38:00.000-08:00

Profile

2009-01-07T11:59:00.000-08:00

Get all the facts on your favorite race director in this month's Ultrarunning -- like that he's missing most of his right lung and also fears alligators (two apparently unrelated items), that his favorite race food is cheeseburgers, and he can claim 70-plus ultra finishes. And the thing about him swearing off crew after my sandals melted on the dash at Western States, well, I can confirm that one's true.

Snow in the Mountains

2008-12-31T11:46:00.001-08:00

Recent conditions at the top of Tiger Mountain 3, as brought to you by the good Glenn Tachiyama. Looks more like a ski area than the setting for your weekend trail run. In any case, Happy New Year from us here at Cascade Crest 100, and all of our best wishes for good running in 2009!

Rain Shadow Running

2008-12-26T13:23:00.001-08:00

Check out James Varner and Alison Hanks' snazzy new blog, Rain Shadow Running, a resource for Methow Valley trail runners and a great way to stay up to date on the half-dozen Washington state ultras that James and Alison will direct in 2009. The year's first races are the Orcas Island 25K and 50K on Saturday February 7, 2009, two great races on an absolutely beautiful course with lots of uphill and downhill. And bonus, they're perfect timing if you're looking to gauge how training is going right before registration for the Cascade Crest 100 opens on Monday, February 9, 2009.

Branch to Branch to Branch

2008-12-19T10:43:00.001-08:00

Check out Sam Thompson's in town training run yesterday.

2009 Entry Information

2008-12-17T21:00:00.000-08:00

OK, a few basics for runners thinking about running the 2009 Cascade Crest 100, which takes place August 29-30, 2009.

Entry forms will be available on the race website as of January 20, 2009. Entries will be accepted by regular mail starting on Monday, February 9, 2009, until the field is closed at 150 runners. No online entry this year, and no waiting list. We won't open entries postmarked before February 9th or those sent by Fedex / express mail. Take note that we've added a trail work requirement this year, same routine as many other races.

Our 2008 race volunteers have already been offered early entry.

If come February you find you're undecided, consider volunteering in '09 for preferential entry in 2010. Or do it just because it's a fun way to spend the weekend. We'd love to have your help!

Feel free to send questions to charliecrissman 'at' gmail.com

Transparency

2008-11-29T21:13:00.000-08:00

After last year's Seattle Marathon, the Seattle Times reported that just 1% of marathon money was going to charity. This was big news for runners, who were let to believe that some portion their $120 entry fee was destined for charitable purposes. In fact, the Marathon was clearing $1 million each year, diverting $330,000 towards race employee compensation, and leaving little to plug into next year's race, let alone charity. The Marathon, a non-profit entity, even has a board of directors giving the thumbs up.

Today the Times reports that the Marathon has a new primary sponsor and no longer claims to benefit a specific charity. But otherwise it sounds like business as usual.

The Seattle Marathon's lack of transparency and misleading claims in '07 earned them a pile of criticism; justified in our opinion. Race directors can do whatever they like in setting entry fees and determining how to allocate the proceeds, but runners should be comfortable asking, and RDs comfortable answering, basic questions about where those fees go.

How Good is Your Italian?

2008-11-07T10:30:00.000-08:00

The online ultrarunning magazine Spirito Trail has an article this month on the 2008 Cascade Crest 100. It's a beautiful-looking piece that features some more of Glenn Tachiyama's lovely photographs -- and it's written entirely in Italian. Give us a holler if you can translate.

Oh, And One More Thing

2008-10-06T09:08:00.001-07:00

Chances are that your copy of the October Ultrarunning Magazine has arrived, and maybe you've checked out Charlie's '08 Cascade Crest race report. Well, one juicy little race tidbit that didn't quite make it into print was local runner Jeff Mikesell's engagement, to his girlfriend, at the Thorp Mountain lookout during the race. Nice work, Jeff! Seems to me most people hit the coffee or caffeine gels to keep going, but hey, whatever it takes to get you to the finish.

Seriously though, we extend our warmest congratulations to Jeff and his fiancee.

A Runner's Best Friend

2008-10-02T08:11:00.001-07:00

Check out this and other Cascade Crest 100 pics from the always cheerful Chi-Ping Fu.

Jurek Wins Spartathalon

2008-09-27T07:29:00.000-07:00

Our good friend Scott Jurek has won the 2008 Spartathalon for the third consecutive year, in a time of 22:20:01. Congratulations, Scott! We look forward to seeing pictures and hearing the stories.

Preview

2008-09-23T00:13:00.000-07:00

We threw a big party for the Cascade Crest volunteers this weekend and for the festivities I put together a slide show culled from thousands of pics taken all over the course. While we work on getting posted either here or on the race website, I thought I'd put up one of my favorite pictures, of Idahoans Jodi and Dennis Aslett as they crossed the finish line.

Unofficial Word on Baker Lake 50K

2008-09-20T17:23:00.000-07:00

We're hearing that James Varner won today's Baker Lake 50K in 4:07, which sounds like a new course record. James, who looks faster and stronger with every race that he runs, is also the guy who pulled an all-nighter to aid runners coming through No Name Ridge at Cascade Crest this year.

Big congratulations to James and to all of the Baker Lake runners including long time Cascade Crest runner and volunteer Marlis de Jongh, above, who ran like a champ and was waiting at the finish line with beer in hand for our good friend Sam Warren. Sam broke his neck in a climbing accident and was temporarily paralyzed a couple years ago, not very long after running his first ultra. That ultra was Baker Lake. He's been through much rehab and training since, and it's great to know that he's back on the trails again. Photo by John Pearch.

The Guy Behind the Lens

2008-09-18T13:42:00.000-07:00

Glenn Tachiyama is heading to Greece to shoot his speedy pals Lisa Bliss and Scott Jurek, the latter of whom is chasing three in a row at the Spartathalon. Could one of Glenn's photographs become the next cover of a glossy you know and love? The odds would seem strong. It's a good chance to mention just how much of a contribution Glenn makes to the sport of ultrarunning here in the Pacific Northwest. For starters, we wonder whether Cascade Crest would have gotten so popular so fast without his pics, which help keep the story alive long afterwards. Good old Glenn says that he just takes pictures to document and share the chapters in his life with his family and friends, and I don't think he's being falsely modest. But I also don't think it's overreaching to say that Glenn's pictures have become an important piece of the history and memory of the sport. We just can't recognize this guy enough.

Another Race Report

2008-09-17T00:35:00.000-07:00

Here's the '08 Cascade Crest race report from local runner Judy, who blogs with the H.U.R.T. team. It's an inspiring story that starts with her breaking a few ribs in a car accident.

First Plain 100 Finishers

2008-09-15T12:50:00.000-07:00

Our sources tell us that Allen Belshaw of Steamboat Springs, Colo., has unofficially won Plain in a new course record time of 25:22:30. Tim Stroh of Arlington, Wash., placed second, and Ian Mcllvenna of Quesnel, B.C. was third.

Baker Lake 50K is This Weekend

2008-09-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

The spectacular Baker Lake 50K takes place this Saturday, Sept. 20. Race director Shawn Lawson says there's still space for runners who are thinking of signing up. She's also looking for extra folks to help haul drop bags and supplies two miles from the downed bridge to this year's new turnaround point. Email her at shawn@bakerlake50k.com if you want to run or can lend a hand.

We have no doubt that Shawn will be a star in her race directing debut. She's the ultrarunning goddess who at Cascade Crest not only checked in the starters and volunteered for the Cole Butte aid station, but also crewed and paced runner Arthur Martineau to another impressive PR. So get out there and support her race!

Cle Elum 50K

2008-09-15T09:01:00.001-07:00

Official results are posted at the race web site!

Plain 100 Update

2008-09-14T18:53:00.001-07:00

All we know about the '08 Plain 100 is that Tim Stroh, Cascade Crest veteran, finished in second place. Not to state the obvious, but that means at least two finishers, more than in some previous years. Actually, we're betting on double-digit finish numbers and we'll keep you posted as news comes in off the wire.

Angeles Crest 100

2008-09-14T16:51:00.000-07:00

AC100 has a very slick system to track runners on the web and this year there were a few familiar Cascade Crest names in the results. Seattleite Justin Angle, who paced past two CCC winners, came in third. Pat Ackley, who made bacon a food group while captaining the French Cabin aid station, put his Western States training to good use and finished. Coming in a bit after Pat was his friend Victor Zamudio who did not make it up to Cascade Crest this year but who was a huge help at the race in 2007. Congratulations to Justin, Pat, Victor and all of the other AC finishers!

By the way, the state of Oregon cleaned up once again in a high profile California ultra. Hal Koerner and Prudence L'Heureux took top honors and both ran the 2nd or 3rd fastest times ever.

Cle Elum 50K Winners

2008-09-14T06:51:00.000-07:00

What perfect conditions for yesterday's Cle Elum 50K, where we're told that Canadian runner Gary Robbins broke the course record, with James Varner just minutes behind him and Erik Brooks in third. We've confirmed that James, along with Alison Hanks, will be taking over race directing for Cle Elum next year. Nice job, guys!

First female at Cle Elum was Alaska native Lia Slemons, a first-time ultramarathoner who finished just 5 minutes shy of Krissy Moehl's course record. Looks like Krissy now has another reason to get herself back up to Seattle. Congratulations to all of the runners!

Rumor Has It

2008-09-10T13:15:00.001-07:00

Word on the street is that two of this year's Cascade Crest runners will be featured on the covers of Ultraunning and RaceCenter NW Magazines next month. Exciting stuff! Stay tuned for more.

Carpooling to Races

2008-09-09T06:38:00.000-07:00

One irony of ultrarunning is the sheer number of miles driven to support a single runner -- sometimes more miles than even get run. Which is a big reason that Charlie's company created a simple, free web tool, or "widget", that makes it easy for runners and crew to set up carpools to races. Scott McCoubrey premiered the service at the White River 50 miler, and it takes about ten minutes to set it up for your event. Just go to Goose Networks, click on the widget icon, and follow instructions to download. After all, the point isn't to spend your time driving. Thanks to endurance athlete and coach Matt Hart for helping to spread the word.

And ... More Race Reports

2008-09-07T00:10:00.000-07:00

Check out Cascade Crest race reports from Joe, who turned in a sub-24 hour performance, local guy Herb, and from this year's blueberry picker Hao -- click here for parts #1 and #3. Also, more race pics from Texans Robert and Diana Heynen, from Esther Holman and Amy Lynes, who crewed fast guy Stan Holman, and from Eric, who paced Rob Hester. Keep 'em coming.

Upcoming Ultras

2008-09-05T11:55:00.000-07:00

A week from tomorrow the local ultra scene yields up not one but two great local races. There's the Cle Elum Ridge 50K, co-directed by Cascade Crest finisher Marty Fagan and his wife and pacer Chris Fagan. The race is full but Marty and Chris are still looking for volunteers, so click on the link and give them a holler if you can help out. And by the way, that was their niece, Jessica Oliver, who sang the show stopping rendition of the Star Spangled Banner before Cascade Crest.

Also on tap is the famous Plain 100, a beautiful and remote race that isn't marked and provides no aid. The race, which starts in Blaine and features 21,000 feet of up and down, is the brainchild of Chris Ralph and Tom Ripley, who were running ultras when Kyle Skaggs was in diapers. In '07 the finisher numbers at Plain hit double digits for the first time ever; the defending champion and course record-holder is none other than the fabulous Tim England, who did a tremendous job marking long sections of Cascade Crest this year. Check out Tim's '07 Plain race report, featuring bears, stars, and voices in his head, plus a five-dog finish. Plain is also closed to entrants.

Cascade Crest in '09

2008-09-04T00:10:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not, we've already had a few inquiries about next year's Cascade Crest 100. If you're itching to update the calendar, mark the weekend of August 29 & 30, 2009 for the next edition of this ultra. Entry information will be posted here around the turn of the year. We expect the field to fill pretty quickly, and as promised, this year's volunteers get first dibs at running in '09.

More Race Reports

2008-09-01T21:29:00.000-07:00

More reports are up from this year's starters and finishers, including Pacific Northwesterner Mike, Rob from Hawaii, and Wasatch Speed Goat Monica, who finished her first 100-miler. We enjoyed Laura's report from the '80s Reprise at No Name Ridge, where James Varner was spotted in tight acid-wash jeans. And check out the hundreds of pics that Tom Riley took on the course before, during, and after pacing another first timer, Chris Askew. For more runner and volunteer crew links, scroll down to a post from last week.

Back on the Trail

2008-08-30T16:21:00.000-07:00

How sweet was it being back on the trails yesterday? For months we've been out there with a specific mission, like scouting the course or training for a race. Not that those runs don't have their own interest. But this time we were there just to be among the towering cedars, to breathe the cold fresh air. We hit Melakwa Lake first thing in the morning, pointed ourselves towards the Tuscohatchies, then climbed up and past Pratt Lake on an invigorating 14-mile point-to-point that's due east of the Cascade Crest course. With us were prior finishers Jenny Uehisa ('07), and Marlis DeJongh ('05), who helped out at this year's Snowshoe Butte aid station. Nothing like being in the mountains just to be in the mountains. Check out Cheri Gillis' Fifty Trail Runs in Washington for details on this run, plus a few good ones that get onto the Cascade Crest course.

Christmas in August

2008-08-29T07:52:00.000-07:00

This year's Hyak aid station drew rave reviews. Hyak was organized by runner Rob Hester and Paul Morrison from Bonney Lake Fleet Feet, and staffed by members of the Puyallup Y Run Club, including George Koski, Monica & Mike Bloom, Linda & Rich Walter, Lesa & Dave Overfield, Abi Brownell, Tom Gibson, Jenny Appel, and Melissa Martin. As runner Joseph Tompkins wrote, "I sure didn't expect Christmas in August! The atmosphere was uplifting. That, with a fresh wardrobe, a double-shot of espresso and some solid fuel, I was on my way for the second half." Another commented that Hyak was just like aid stations at Western States. Terrific job by these South Sound runners! Photos by Jenny Appel.

'70s Revival Night

2008-08-29T00:02:00.000-07:00

The photos and reports continue to come in. We especially enjoyed pics from the '70s Revival Party, a.k.a. Mineral Creek aid station. Above is Terry Sentinella, who pulled an all-nighter to staff Mineral and sweep the last 20 miles of the course, presumably in more suitable attire, along with Scotty Railton. And what's not to love about Rich White and Linda Barton, who served up potato soup in the fancy duds modeled below. Photos by Linda Barton.

Back in Easton

2008-08-28T13:24:00.001-07:00

This morning we headed back to Easton, where it's been raining ever since the last runner crossed the finish line on Sunday. We really lucked out with good weather for race weekend! Well, the firefighters had cleaned up the station, washed all of the pots and pans, broken down the boxes and donated our leftover food to the food bank in town. So all that was left for us was to pack up the last of our gear and give a big hug to Jenny, firefighter and medic extraordinaire who takes great care of our finishers. We also presented a donation on behalf of the race to Easton fire chief Craig McKee, as has been done every year. We're just so happy to have the connection we do with these fabulous folks; it would be impossible to pull off the race without them.

Split Times

2008-08-27T12:40:00.001-07:00

This year's split times are now posted. The splits were a collaborative effort on the part of many aid station volunteers plus Cheri Gillis, Lucy Iglesias, Baldwin Lee, Jenny Uehisa, and Jenny Smith, who did triple duty as Phil Shaw's Mom and crew. Thank you for all of your help in getting these done! Photo by Jenny Uehisa.

Race Reports

2008-08-27T09:02:00.000-07:00

The first race reports are up. There's one from first-time 100-miler Ben, who sprinted across the finish line in Easton. There's another from Rob, a second-time Cascade Crest finisher who recruited fellow Puyallup Y Run Club members for our fabulous Hyak aid station, and from Eric, Rob's pacer. On his blog, Arthur debriefs about another impressive PR that was -- no kidding -- seven hours off his original time. Pacer Olga describes her day and night on the trails with runner Gail Snyder at Run More. And check out pics from Lucy, who crews runner Giles Barbeau, plus a thought poem from celebrity sweeper Lisa and her dog Steely.

Glenn Tachiyama's Race Photos

2008-08-27T08:56:00.000-07:00

Photographer Glenn Tachiyama has done it yet again. Check out his fabulous runner pics from Goat Peak, Tacoma Pass, Stampede Pass, Ollalie Meadows, and Thorpe Mountain, the last of which are particularly stunning. Glenn's photos are one big reason Cascade Crest has gotten so popular. Let me just say that I knew this guy when he had a point and shoot. Photo of Glenn by Olga Varlamova.

Kevin MacDonald's Race Photos

2008-08-27T08:51:00.000-07:00

Bellingham performance photographer Kevin MacDonald has posted his runner pics from Blowout Mountain, Stampede Pass, and Silver Creek; there's a link if you'd like to purchase.

PCT Through-Hikers

2008-08-26T16:30:00.000-07:00

Check out this Cascade Crest race report from a couple of through- hikers on the Pacific Crest Trail. It's a tribute to our amazing volunteers and to the whole spirit of the event. Photo by Tom Riley.

Finisher Awards

2008-08-26T14:09:00.000-07:00

This year's finishers received a buckle as well as a numbered block print carved and rolled by our good friend Leah Jurek. All the more reason to get to that finish line! The print is the second in a series Leah's producing for the race. Leah is an artist, ultrarunner, and massage therapist from Seattle, and we're thrilled to feature her beautiful work.

Official Results

2008-08-25T08:11:00.000-07:00

Official results have been posted! Splits should be up later this week.

Runners Are In

2008-08-24T21:46:00.000-07:00

The 10th Cascade Crest 100 Mile Endurance Run is history! Seventy-seven runners went the distance. Overall winner Tom Ederer of Seattle, Wash., woke up the town of Easton early on Sunday morning when he crossed the finish line in a time of 20 hours, 49 minutes, 40 seconds. Suzanna Bon of Sonoma, Cal., was first female in at 23 hours, 6 minutes, 13 seconds. Congratulations to everyone who started yesterday morning. More soon. Photo of Suzanna by Paul Brunner.

Cascade Crest 100 in the Seattle Times

2008-06-02T18:25:00.000-07:00

Check out this great article by Benjamin Romano, who paced his cousin Kyle Amstadter in the 2007 Cascade Crest 100.