Lord Hill Park has been a favorite early season trail run for many runners and is located in a regional country park nestled in Snohomish, Washington. With over 1,300 acres of wilderness, you could spend all day getting lost on miles of trails, but don’t worry, for this race we …
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Lord Hill Park has been a favorite early season trail run for many runners and is located in a regional country park nestled in Snohomish, Washington. With over 1,300 acres of wilderness, you could spend all day getting lost on miles of trails, but don’t worry, for this race we will keep you on the right course.
Lord Hill has got some of it all! Hills, neon greenery, buttery trails, creek crossings, excitement, and definitely some mud!
The 10M course will start off from the parking lot and immediately head up a steep hill. It’ll level off, and you’ll think you’re in the clear, until you round a corner and see Lord Hill, and that’s when you go, “Oh Lord!”. But after the initial climbs, the course levels off and you’ll be treated to some great, but wet trails (it is February after all!). You’ll have a fun quick creek crossing, get some views of the lake, and descend some easier trails towards the north end of the park.
A quick out and back climb takes you up to the Boardwalk Aid Station for refreshments. Back on the course, you’ll do another steep climb up a mountain bike trail (we’ll have it closed to bikers, don’t worry!) to Devils Butte, the high point of the Park. Then a long descent on mountain bike trails (Second Spring and Meet Cutter) will take you down to a canyon, which you’ll next get to climb out of. Eventually, the final descent comes down the Liquid Bread mountain bike trail to the finish/lap area. The overall lap is about 10.3 miles, so will be about 30.9 for the 50K.
For those of you doing the 5K, don’t worry that you’re missing out! You still get to run/hike/crawl up Lord Hill too. Soon after the climb, the course will veer off the 10M, and re-link back up with it at the top of Liquid Bread. From there, it is a muddy but fun descent back to the Snohomish River and the finish!
Finishers will also be awarded a unique, handcrafted race award by our very own Porter Bratten with Blackfish Crafts. You’ll want to race just for this!
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First timer - I'll be back!
I made a short video of the race - it was my first one so I wanted to commemorate it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTLHfmgpOBs The race was really fun. My friend and I … MORE
I made a short video of the race – it was my first one so I wanted to commemorate it! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fTLHfmgpOBs
The race was really fun. My friend and I did a practice run a few weeks prior, so I know that the last two miles would be mostly downhill and I could really push it. I’d love to run it next year!
Nice race, variety of distances, pretty
- Ten mile loops, aid station about halfway - Starts at the same time as the 20 mile race = good companionship out on the course - A bit of … MORE
– Ten mile loops, aid station about halfway
– Starts at the same time as the 20 mile race = good companionship out on the course
– A bit of overlap with slower 5k runners, not a huge issue, but was in a section that was difficult to pass
– Wide first 1/2 mile, with a big climb = great to get situated before the trail narrows
– Nice variety of terrain and scenery along the loop – did not feel repetitive
– Good aid station supplies and volunteers
– Didn’t know there was a finisher medal, didn’t get anything when I finished.
– Tough time of year weather-wise, but you know that going into it — we lucked out in 2023 with no rain and freezing weather — so the mud was frozen!
We can do hard things
We lucked out with the weather. The trails had dried up and there was just a little ice as we started. My race was a single ten mile loop through … MORE
We lucked out with the weather. The trails had dried up and there was just a little ice as we started. My race was a single ten mile loop through beautiful moss covered forest, up steep trails and with rocks and roots that require attention and either light feet or a slower pace. I chose the slower pace to avoid falling and loved exchanging accolades with the speedy runners who were lapping me as they flew by on their second rounds. With other runners doing two or three laps I felt comfortable at my pace being able to hike or run without any pressure to make cutoff times.
Loved the hot soup at the finish. Glad I had a big mug of coffee from home as there was none at the start.
My Local Every Year Race
I live about 10 minutes from the park so this is my regular training terrain. It is a great early-season race due to the altitude. The race is held in … MORE
I live about 10 minutes from the park so this is my regular training terrain. It is a great early-season race due to the altitude. The race is held in February so the race terrain can vary considerably from year to year. But it is a fun course because you run mainly on single-track trails. It isn’t a fast course because the trails are rough, with many roots, rocks, mud, and streams to run through. The elevation gain, for the most part, is in small chunks. You start off the race climbing the biggest chunk of gain on Lord Hill, then you run rolling hill trails among bogs, small ponds, and streams. There is only minimal road running, mainly for just a few hundred meters to connect the next trail. Evergreen Trails does a nice job of running the event and it seems well-organized and supported. The park has a maze of trails so it would be VERY easy to get lost without well-marked trails. They mark the course well and I’ve never had a problem following the course. Overall I may be biased because this is in my back yard but I love this race.
Now that's a Hill!
After that big hill at the start the course is very run-able with rolling hills through the woods. Trail is mainly single track with a few areas on service roads. … MORE
After that big hill at the start the course is very run-able with rolling hills through the woods. Trail is mainly single track with a few areas on service roads. A few stream to jump over, but weather was freezing and dry the week prior so the trail was not muddy as it had been in prior years. Very organized race and unique wooden “medal” at the finish line.
Oh Lord is right.
Lord Hill did not disappoint. Straight up out of the gate, then up some more and then up yet again. What goes up must come down, do you could really … MORE
Lord Hill did not disappoint. Straight up out of the gate, then up some more and then up yet again. What goes up must come down, do you could really pick up time floating down the back half. It was muddy and slippery and so much fun. I mean who doesn’t love playing in the mud?
My first trail run!
Lord Hill was my first trail run (and my second race). I was really impressed with the considerations with COVID precautions. The trail was very clearly marked, which was very … MORE
Lord Hill was my first trail run (and my second race). I was really impressed with the considerations with COVID precautions. The trail was very clearly marked, which was very helpful! And the finisher awards were stunning! I’m looking forward to running more races with Evergreen Trails!!
Rollcoaster fun run!
The hills were no joke, but it was a thrill when I realized I surivived it! I appreciated how well the course was marked. Snacks at the finish line were … MORE
The hills were no joke, but it was a thrill when I realized I surivived it! I appreciated how well the course was marked. Snacks at the finish line were were delicious & there was a wide variety to meet everyone’s taste. Love the medallion I got at the finish line, looks great on my medal shelf.
Fun race!
Super great experience for my first trail race. The course was very well marked and had no issues with navigating. Pretty muddy in parts but the weather held out for … MORE
Super great experience for my first trail race. The course was very well marked and had no issues with navigating. Pretty muddy in parts but the weather held out for a very pleasant morning. Race crews did a great job orchestrating a safe and fun race
Yes, there's a really big hill
This was my first in-person race since Covid and I think it was great, all things considered. The wave starts gave plenty of space between runners. The course is pretty … MORE
This was my first in-person race since Covid and I think it was great, all things considered. The wave starts gave plenty of space between runners. The course is pretty challenging with a giant hill right at the start which you get the pleasure of repeating twice in the 20 mile or 3 times in the 50k! There are pretty areas of mossy trees but you are mostly just in the woods/on bike trails. I did get boxed in by some mountain bikers for one stretch which was kind of annoying. But overall it was a great race and I’m glad I did it.
Beat my expectations!
This is a great trail with plenty of hills and thrills, especially for a beginner like me. The mud puddles increased the challenge and made me very glad I wore … MORE
This is a great trail with plenty of hills and thrills, especially for a beginner like me. The mud puddles increased the challenge and made me very glad I wore my best trail runners. I may have weeble and wobbled at times, but I did not fall down! The support crew was awesome! So encouraging and great on explaining the basics to this beginner. Already looking forward to attacking this trail again next year.
Great Race
Great race organizers with great swag and treats at the finish line. Run starts on the hill, its a little challenging but one you finish that its all downhill and … MORE
Great race organizers with great swag and treats at the finish line. Run starts on the hill, its a little challenging but one you finish that its all downhill and goes quick. Wonderful race.
A worthy challenge
This course offered such a great challenge form the immediate hill climb to the winding trails through the mature PNW forest. The set up and marking of the course were … MORE
This course offered such a great challenge form the immediate hill climb to the winding trails through the mature PNW forest. The set up and marking of the course were perfect as there were no confusion on which way to turn. There was some mud, but it’s February in the PNW so it is to be expected. Plus, the mud added some fun technical movements to the run! I’ll definitely attempt to improve my time next year!
Oh LORDY! You're a roller coaster!
Don't let the first LORD of a hill deter you. This course is a rolling beauty of single track, serenity, and joy. Aid stations were well-placed for a 50K especially … MORE
Don’t let the first LORD of a hill deter you. This course is a rolling beauty of single track, serenity, and joy. Aid stations were well-placed for a 50K especially – hitting at just the right time for refuel/hydration. Course was so well marked – and I’ve gotten lost out here before, very easily. Minimal out-and-back sections, and interior enough to the park that we weren’t fighting other humans/dogs/bikes/horses for space. Snacks at aid stations and the finish were on POINT – shout out to cup o’noodles and pop tarts – and the swag (beautiful hand-made wooden coasters) were just perfect to show off to friends and family. Definitely a do-again!
Not an easy race!
Very well organized in these covid times. I never fell unsecure that I can get sick. Indeed it's a rocky, muddy race, cannot get a smooth pace going on for … MORE
Very well organized in these covid times. I never fell unsecure that I can get sick. Indeed it’s a rocky, muddy race, cannot get a smooth pace going on for more than a minute or two which makes it harder and more challenging.
Maybe, in the future, the electrolytes drink could be provided as a drink/fluid instead of tablet. Being cold and having cold water, nuun tablets dont dissolve fast enough to be fluid.
Overall, I totally enjoyed the race and recommend to others. It was worth to drive from Oregon.
The Perfect Combination
This was such a fun race from start to finish! Everything leading up to the event was very clear - loved having the option to purchase (or not purchase) event … MORE
This was such a fun race from start to finish! Everything leading up to the event was very clear – loved having the option to purchase (or not purchase) event merchandise, great pre-race communication, and the COVID-friendly starting setup was flawless. The course (although slick in a lot of places with thick mud) perfectly suited our trail running tastes. Hills, super fast sections, nothing crazy technical, and all very runnable. Running up Lord Hill at the beginning was an exciting challenge! All of the staff and volunteers were friendly and encouraging, making for a great atmosphere and a very low-stress event. Honestly, I don’t have anything negative to say about this event – it was fantastic and I had a blast!
Oh Lord, DO IT!
Although the course is not “easy” and the major hill is within the first .5 miles... it gets you nice and warm for an epic adventure! It is muddy this … MORE
Although the course is not “easy” and the major hill is within the first .5 miles… it gets you nice and warm for an epic adventure! It is muddy this time of year, but the trails are simply gorgeous. A PNW must do! The dad jokes aren’t bad either, evergreen trail is a fun group! Highly recommend.
Challenging course and beautiful scenery
Great race close to Seattle. The course is challenging but not so much that it is not enjoyable and is in a very pretty location. A good option for a … MORE
Great race close to Seattle. The course is challenging but not so much that it is not enjoyable and is in a very pretty location. A good option for a training race.
Always Fun!
Evergreen Trail Runs are always well organized, well marked and well stocked! Roger the RD and all the volunteers are always supportive and encouraging! Great winter race every year! MORE
Evergreen Trail Runs are always well organized, well marked and well stocked! Roger the RD and all the volunteers are always supportive and encouraging! Great winter race every year!
Low key, affordable event. Nice trails.
Three loops to make it 50K. If you don't mind that, this is a good course. Lord Hill is steep, but not too long. Mostly runnable after that. Good single … MORE
Three loops to make it 50K. If you don’t mind that, this is a good course. Lord Hill is steep, but not too long. Mostly runnable after that. Good single track most of the time. February: Can be wet, cold, and sloppy. Well organized and affordable. Nice shirts for an extra charge (but fairly priced). Well stocked aid stations.