Conquer the peaks and valleys of Crystal Mountain, where every step brings you closer to the breathtaking 360° views of Mount Rainier. This is more than just a race; it’s a journey through Washington’s most awe-inspiring wilderness. Register now and claim your place in one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier …
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Conquer the peaks and valleys of Crystal Mountain, where every step brings you closer to the breathtaking 360° views of Mount Rainier. This is more than just a race; it’s a journey through Washington’s most awe-inspiring wilderness. Register now and claim your place in one of the Pacific Northwest’s premier running events!
Crystal Mountain, located near Enumclaw, WA, offers a captivating and rugged landscape, perfect for a half marathon adventure. Set in the heart of the Cascade Range, the course will take runners through a dynamic blend of towering evergreen forests, vibrant alpine meadows, and sweeping ridgelines with awe-inspiring views of Mount Rainier. Expect a mix of gentle and challenging inclines, each leading to stunning panoramas and, potentially, the serene beauty of alpine lakes reflecting the towering peaks around them.
As the trail winds through moss-draped conifer forests, runners will be shaded by ancient Douglas firs and cedars. These shaded sections will give way to breathtaking ridgelines and open expanses, where expansive views of nearby valleys and distant mountain ranges await. Underfoot, the terrain will vary—ranging from soft, well-worn dirt paths to rocky outcrops that will demand focus and agility.
Along the course, participants will be immersed in the refreshing mountain air, the scent of pine, and the sounds of trickling streams. The diversity of the terrain ensures that every mile offers something new—whether it’s an unexpected glimpse of wildflowers in bloom or the sparkling waters of a hidden alpine lake.
This race promises not only to challenge your endurance but to immerse you in the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Every mile will reveal something new, from dramatic alpine vistas to peaceful mountain lakes. Get ready for a truly unique running experience through one of Washington’s most iconic wilderness areas. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible journey—sign up today!
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Awesome race but hill kicked my behind
This was my second 5K with Vacation Races and loved every minute of this event. 1st in my age group and 30th out of over 900 runners, not too bad … MORE
This was my second 5K with Vacation Races and loved every minute of this event. 1st in my age group and 30th out of over 900 runners, not too bad for a 15 year old.
Beautiful scenery through the entire run
This was a gorgeous run! I never actually saw Mount Rainier during the race, but there were other mountains, as well as multiple wooded areas and a river all along … MORE
This was a gorgeous run! I never actually saw Mount Rainier during the race, but there were other mountains, as well as multiple wooded areas and a river all along the race route. The starting line and finish line are very close together at this race, which meant no shuttle was required. This made race morning go much smoother than other races I have done.
The first mile is on a very narrow shoulder along the highway so there is limited room to pass, but after that the course turns off the highway and widens out. From that point the course takes you through fields, forests, loose gravel, and packed gravel for about 7 miles. Some of the terrain was uneven and you have to use your hips and ankle muscles for stability more than a flatter course. There are 2 pretty significant hills, one about mile 3 and the next around mile 6-7. The hill at mile 3 is very obvious and feels pretty steep, but the hill at mile 6 did not feel quite as steep as it was because it was in a wooded area where the path curves so you can’t see how steep it is. After that hill, the course declines, which feels wonderful after the 2 previous climbs. Around mile 8 the course transitions to a paved road and continues for the remainder of the course.
This was a more difficult race due to the elevation increase as well as the uneven terrain, but it was definitely worth it. I train on very flat surfaces so for others who train on hills or trails it might not feel as hard.
You will not be disappointed!
This was my first race where half of the course was on trails (rocks, grass, unpaved roads, etc.) and naturally I was intimidated since I am inexperienced in trail running … MORE
This was my first race where half of the course was on trails (rocks, grass, unpaved roads, etc.) and naturally I was intimidated since I am inexperienced in trail running and do not have trail running shoes. However the race turned out to be better than expected.
I think that it’s definitely a good idea to practice on uphill terrains as there is a 1000+ elevation in the course and try to practice on some trails if you are able to. The 1st 6 to 7 miles is in the woods with mostly unpaved road but the rest of the marathon is on paved roads with some elevation.
The race is very organized and the volunteers are wonderful. I am excited to check out other races by this org.
Tough and Beautiful Race
Vacation Races knows how to do it Right - Mt Rainier is a Beautiful National Park - We arrived on Wed and Hiked on Thursday and Friday. Ran the 5K … MORE
Vacation Races knows how to do it Right – Mt Rainier is a Beautiful National Park – We arrived on Wed and Hiked on Thursday and Friday. Ran the 5K on Friday Night and the Half Marathon on Saturday – Sasquatch Double came home with 3 very nice medals. Stayed at Whittaker Inn Motel and walked to the start for both the 5K and Half. Weather was gorgeous, it is a tough race with some steep hills but WE Did It!!
Didn't even see Mt Rainier
The course is nice, through trees with one VERY steep mile around mile 6 that everyone walked and it got very congested. Didn't see Mt Rainier at any point along … MORE
The course is nice, through trees with one VERY steep mile around mile 6 that everyone walked and it got very congested. Didn’t see Mt Rainier at any point along the course at all which was hugely disappointing. That will be my last VR race for this reason
Beautiful
There is something magical about this race with the tall green trees, running across Nisqually River, the expert event coordinators at Vacation Races, and being in the shadow of Mount … MORE
There is something magical about this race with the tall green trees, running across Nisqually River, the expert event coordinators at Vacation Races, and being in the shadow of Mount Rainier. I’m glad I ran it and I look forward to running more half-marathons with VR.
Finish line is the Win!
Great race with fabulous organization! Mix of road and trail really opens up the running possibilities- the last 5 miles on the road really helped for some tired legs:) For … MORE
Great race with fabulous organization! Mix of road and trail really opens up the running possibilities- the last 5 miles on the road really helped for some tired legs:) For Arizonan- the best part was that there has been plenty of shade due to the amazing trees! Loved that there had been aid stations every few miles with very encouraging crew/volunteers to cheer runners on. Fun girls weekend trip with lots of miles on the trail and in the National Park! Thank you VR for this memorable experience 🙂
PS the double swag top is now my favorite!
Over the River & Through the Woods
I've competed in many races, but this was the first Vacation Race my girlfriend got to do with me, and I can't think of a better event for that experience. … MORE
I’ve competed in many races, but this was the first Vacation Race my girlfriend got to do with me, and I can’t think of a better event for that experience. For both the Friday PM 5K and the Saturday AM Half Marathon, the courses were beautiful, especially once you get past the first mile or so of running on the side of the road and get to peel off onto trails through the woods (the perk of that road running, though, is going through the town and having so many people cheer you on)! There were very few backlogs along the course, only at the starting line and again on a few river crossings, but otherwise the trail opens up in front of you and, as the path unwinds, you’re regularly met with pockets of sunshine and surprise views of the mountains around you. With only one major hill around the midpoint of the race, this is a beautiful event for losing your thoughts and finding your soul, surrounded by the incredible sights, sounds and smells of nature around you!
No mountain, but still scenic
As others have said, there are no views of Mt. Rainier, but there were streams and sunlight streaming through the trees and a beautiful green forest to admire. Also, I … MORE
As others have said, there are no views of Mt. Rainier, but there were streams and sunlight streaming through the trees and a beautiful green forest to admire. Also, I could have worn regular running shoes, as the “trail” was mostly pavement and some nicely worn trail with a few rocks thrown in. There was a fair amount of running on the main road, but it had cones and very few cars passed us. As a trail run, it was not difficult, just a few ups and downs and a longer hill towards the middle of the race. Then pretty much easy going after that The parking was atrocious–getting in took almost 15 minutes and getting out was a cluster. There were people stopping traffic to let us in and out, but it was just too crowded. There were not enough porta pottys at the start (though there were a few up the hill a little bit). The start was super crowded and almost on top of the porta pottys, but it did start on time– and it is chip time–so no worries, just crowded. The packet pick-up venue only had few booths, but it did have lovely swag to purchase. Everyone was quite friendly and helpful. The setting was green and pretty and festive. The hikes in and around the park are definitely amazing and made for a great long weekend. I would do it again if there weren’t so many other National Parks I want to visit!
So Beautiful
I am from the area but running this event allowed me to see even more of the beautiful. Loved asking people where they were from and so many runners coming … MORE
I am from the area but running this event allowed me to see even more of the beautiful. Loved asking people where they were from and so many runners coming HERE to run and enjoy our state. Organizers did a great job! Signed up almost last minute and had a blast.
Fun and captivating
The course was beautiful and fun. I loved that there was a great mix of challenging uphills, speedy downhills, pavement, and trail. The race was well organized, and the snacks … MORE
The course was beautiful and fun. I loved that there was a great mix of challenging uphills, speedy downhills, pavement, and trail. The race was well organized, and the snacks at the end were a nice treat. I also placed, so overall, I was extremely happy!
Nice race - no rainier
Great course, variety of terrains but not super challenging; missed any views of Rainier but overall a pretty race with lots of wild flowers and several river (bridge) crossings. MORE
Great course, variety of terrains but not super challenging; missed any views of Rainier but overall a pretty race with lots of wild flowers and several river (bridge) crossings.
Amazing race, great production, will do
Well oiled machine! This was a perfectly executed event! Great vibes, hydration stations, and post race event! Traveling across the country to this event not only have us an excuse … MORE
Well oiled machine! This was a perfectly executed event! Great vibes, hydration stations, and post race event! Traveling across the country to this event not only have us an excuse to visit but the opportunity to explore a part of the country we have never been too! I absolutely love the idea of centering a vacation around an event like this!
The views were amazing
This race was my second half marathon, I had so much fun. Definitely more difficult than my previous half but the views were incredible. Training on more trails would have … MORE
This race was my second half marathon, I had so much fun. Definitely more difficult than my previous half but the views were incredible. Training on more trails would have maybe helped my time but I had fun regardless
Vacation Races are Awesome!!
The Mount Rainier Half Marathon is one of the most scenic courses with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier as you pass over rivers and through meadows on a mix of … MORE
The Mount Rainier Half Marathon is one of the most scenic courses with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier as you pass over rivers and through meadows on a mix of pavement, gravel, and trails. Beware the 900 ft elevation gain on some technical trails. The hills are no joke!
I ran the 5k the night before so legs were a little tired going into the hills. Didn’t have much left at the end of this race. Definitely not a race to get a PR but I did place in both. One of the harder half marathons I have completed. I ended up wearing carbon road shoes for 5k and the Hoka Tectron hybrids for the half. Both of which Ended up working out well. There is enough trail I was pleased to have the extra traction on the half. Try to stay close to the start. The race logistics were excellent! Highly recommended!
Harder than expected but fun
A little less than half the race is on Trail. the last half is not trail so I preferred not to wear a trail shoe. The scenery was Beautiful. The … MORE
A little less than half the race is on Trail. the last half is not trail so I preferred not to wear a trail shoe. The scenery was Beautiful. The hill at mile 6 is brutal
Too Hot, Too Unprepared
I love vacation races. They put on an epic event, and I have done Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Yellow Stone, and Grand Tetons. Though I was supposed to complete the Sasquatch … MORE
I love vacation races. They put on an epic event, and I have done Joshua Tree, Yosemite, Yellow Stone, and Grand Tetons. Though I was supposed to complete the Sasquatch Double, I was only able to do the 5K. It was way too warm to be on the shoulder of the road. My shoes were black and practically cooked my toes. But they kept us safe by controlling vehicle traffic, and the expo was wonderful as always. Definitely missed the s’mores station. 😹 hopefully I can go back without torn ankle tendons and try again.
Not a "trail" half marathon
If you're looking for a road half marathon with some dirt roads and grassy areas thrown in this might be a good choice. If you're looking for mostly trails, look … MORE
If you’re looking for a road half marathon with some dirt roads and grassy areas thrown in this might be a good choice. If you’re looking for mostly trails, look elsewhere. Yes, the race guide indicates there is a mix of pavement and trails. However, 1) you only find that out after registering, and 2) about nine of the thirteen miles are on paved roads. It’s just not what I expected, but if you go into with different expectations your experience may vary. That’s the first quibble. The second quibble is the event page promises “a seriously scenic course with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier.” Nope. Not a single view of Rainier at any point on the course. While there were some scenic spots you spend a lot of time running single file on the shoulders of roads and highways. Not exactly “scenic.” The third quibble is they promise you a cool swag item if you do the Sasquatch Double. Well, they ran out of swag by the time I arrived at the expo and time will tell if they actually mail the item to me or not. All in all, for $235 I expected a lot more than this race experience offered.
Vacation Races does a First Class Race
Vacation Races knows how to do it Right - Mt Rainier is a Beautiful National Park - We arrived on Wed and Hiked on Thursday and Friday. Ran the 5K … MORE
Vacation Races knows how to do it Right – Mt Rainier is a Beautiful National Park – We arrived on Wed and Hiked on Thursday and Friday. Ran the 5K on Friday Night and the Half Marathon on Saturday – Sasquatch Double came home with 3 very nice medals. Stayed at Whittaker Inn Motel and walked to the start for both the 5K and Half. Weather was gorgeous, it is a tough race with some steep hills but WE Did It!!
Vacation Races Does It Right
I love all VR produced races. They are well run with great swag in great locations. Mt Rainier was no exception. Friendly people and great snack boxes. I also love … MORE
I love all VR produced races. They are well run with great swag in great locations. Mt Rainier was no exception. Friendly people and great snack boxes. I also love that VR always asks for feedback and they’re transparent on what they got wrong and need to improve.