| 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 | |
| H (°F) | 88 | 82 | 81 | 84 | 72 |
| L (°F) | 53 | 52 | 50 | 53 | 52 |
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.
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The temperature was perfect for the run, I did not have any difficulties with that. Gorgeous scenery, and the course is challenging but not to difficult. Overall, it's a great … MORE
The temperature was perfect for the run, I did not have any difficulties with that. Gorgeous scenery, and the course is challenging but not to difficult. Overall, it’s a great experience.
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A beautiful and challenging course on a mostly dirt path shaded by trees and with the scent of trees in the air. Vacation Races did not disappoint with this well-organized … MORE
A beautiful and challenging course on a mostly dirt path shaded by trees and with the scent of trees in the air. Vacation Races did not disappoint with this well-organized yet low-key event. Medals for the 5K and the half marathon looked great, and because I ran both races, I also received the very cool Sasquatch Double medal. A beautiful course with chocolate milk and snack boxes at the finish, I couldn’t ask for more. I will be back for this one again.
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Beautiful landscape to run through. Though mount rainier isn't visible enough on route. Lot of gravel. Be prepared for them. Sharp uphill and downhill for roughly a mile. Support staff … MORE
Beautiful landscape to run through. Though mount rainier isn’t visible enough on route.
Lot of gravel. Be prepared for them.
Sharp uphill and downhill for roughly a mile.
Support staff and aid were amazing. Love the cheerleader
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I ran this last year at its inauguration. Frankly, it was more fun last year. Part of that was a nagging hip flexor pull this year that wasn't helped by … MORE
I ran this last year at its inauguration. Frankly, it was more fun last year. Part of that was a nagging hip flexor pull this year that wasn’t helped by the elevation gains and terrain of this challenging course, part of it was the walking took so long from parking to the race start that even though we arrived 30 minutes before the start (5:30 AM, which is pretty darn early in my world) I barely got to the start before my (later) wave went and my support person didn’t make it before I had to start so I had to run the half carrying my warming layer.
Pros: The course was still fun, the views were still amazing, the on-course congestion was better this year (maybe because I ran a different wave?), medals were ready to go (even for Sasquatch, which had to get mailed last year), communication was awesome, water stations were plentiful and not terribly crowded.
Cons: Parking was easily an extra mile of walking in addition to your racing to get from the back camping field where they were parking folks up to the race area, 5k didn’t have any kind of facilities within 50 yards of the start (last year the bathrooms were open and there were portajohns nearby), “beach hoodie” was really just a long sleeved t-shirt with a hood.
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The Mount Rainier Half Marathon seems undersold in terms of course difficulty. There are a couple of tough climbs. But that’s not what makes the course difficult. Essentially miles 2-7 … MORE
The Mount Rainier Half Marathon seems undersold in terms of course difficulty. There are a couple of tough climbs. But that’s not what makes the course difficult.
Essentially miles 2-7 represent a difficult trail run with large rocks dispersed along the route. These are toe-biting, ankle turning rocks the width and height of medium-sized gnomes waiting to knock you off course. Saw a couple of experienced runners take a fall as the rock-lined trail narrowed in spots.
Following Mile 7, a hard-packed, tree-lined dirt logging road carries you downhill and through beautiful countryside. Miles 9-13 are on paved roads, with miles 10-12 through a beautiful tree-lined country road.
Kudos to Vacation Races as they consistently offer a well-organized event. This was my fifth VR event. Love the finisher medals!
It bears repeating that they undersold the difficulty of this course given the granite land mines along the route. My only other constructive criticism would be to offer more Race merchandise shirts in 100% cotton.
After five VR events, the quality of finisher shirts still seems cheap. They run a good show and it’s worth checking a VR race out, but order your shirt one or two sizes larger.
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The scenery was beautiful and the race was challenging but fun. The logistics went off without issue and the race shirt is super cute and good quality. MORE
The scenery was beautiful and the race was challenging but fun. The logistics went off without issue and the race shirt is super cute and good quality.
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Moderate race course, peaceful run in the woods. This was my first half marathon, vacation races puts on a good event. Only a couple climbs, mainly dirty loving roads and … MORE
Moderate race course, peaceful run in the woods. This was my first half marathon, vacation races puts on a good event. Only a couple climbs, mainly dirty loving roads and pavement.
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This was such a beautiful scenery. Very well organized, picking up bibs, finding the location, and overall great when it was race time. However, it's called Mt. Rainier half marathon, … MORE
This was such a beautiful scenery. Very well organized, picking up bibs, finding the location, and overall great when it was race time. However, it’s called Mt. Rainier half marathon, but the title is a bit deciving there is no sight of the mountain along the trail. I don’t live far from Mt. Rainier so I’ve seen it before. But it’s too unfortunate for those who were hoping to have closer views of it along their run. It is also more pavement than trail terrain. Overall still a great race, and experience.
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This is a big race in a cute, small town. The terrain is tricky on parts of it, so watch your footing! It’s well organized and lovely scenery. MORE
This is a big race in a cute, small town. The terrain is tricky on parts of it, so watch your footing! It’s well organized and lovely scenery.
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Had a lot of fun for this as my first half marathon. I live an 1 hour and 40 minutes away, so I had my friend pick up my bib. … MORE
Had a lot of fun for this as my first half marathon. I live an 1 hour and 40 minutes away, so I had my friend pick up my bib. I didn’t realize how far Ashford was from my house, so I would’ve opted to mail the bib instead to save the hassle. Cell data service was a bit spotty in the area at first, so I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t have music on my run. The views were great, mile 6 was killer, but it was well worth waking up at 3 AM to endure this half marathon.
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Beautiful course through some of the most gorgeous forests I've ever seen. Mile 6 is by far the most difficult. Only a couple of places that you actually see Mt. … MORE
Beautiful course through some of the most gorgeous forests I’ve ever seen. Mile 6 is by far the most difficult. Only a couple of places that you actually see Mt. Rainier. Always pleased with Vacation Races.
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This was my 1st Vacation Race. From a preparation perspective I wish they would have been more proactive sharing specifics on the race in advance. I didn’t realize the high … MORE
This was my 1st Vacation Race.
From a preparation perspective I wish they would have been more proactive sharing specifics on the race in advance. I didn’t realize the high rate of rough trail running associated with the course.
EXPO:
The expo announcer was the best I’ve heard. Very engaging and provided helpful information. Overall the bib pickup was smooth. Shirt pickup was ok… but beware they ran out of certain sizes and have a strict post-race pickup requirement if you register for the race after the shirt order date. Vendors at the expo were the least I ever saw… primarily VR pushing their own products. The shop area seemed very unorganized.
SWAG:
Best medal around! Some runners complained about the shirt. VR said the shirt was designed by a local artist… but a lady came to the expo wearing her Glacier shirt… which was identical to Rainier except for the location name on the front (same shirt color and base design).
BEST IN CLASS:
I love the fact that each runner got a free Nathan reusable cup for the race. I wasn’t sure how it would work, but it was great. It was a little inconvenient to stop and fill my own cup but I’m sure it conserved water while minimizing waste.
The aid stations rocked! Each had water and electrolyte drinks and honey stinger gel packs. All self serve! 2 aid stations had fresh fruit… which was a nice treat.
PRE RACE:
Good experience with raffle prizes. An abundance of Honey Buckets. You could even register to win your own port-a-John or $1,000!
POST RACE:
This was my least favorite post-race experience. You get a banana and a small box will snacks. Massive line for photos.
For the entry premium, I really need to consider if VR is on my plan moving forward. So much potential… with basic improvements I’m sure they will work their way on my schedule.
PLEASE BRING BACK MOUNT RUSHMORE AND I’M iN!!!
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The weather is chill and sunny! the terrain is under shades mostly so perfect when the sun comes out. The only downside is part of the race is very narrow … MORE
The weather is chill and sunny!
the terrain is under shades mostly so perfect when the sun comes out. The only downside is part of the race is very narrow and only one person can pass at a time.
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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 snacks! 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 snacks!
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What a great run to do just for fun. Well supported, which was an amazing feat. So, many Honeybuckets the line was continuing moving. The one thing that I would … MORE
What a great run to do just for fun. Well supported, which was an amazing feat. So, many Honeybuckets the line was continuing moving. The one thing that I would have liked to see was a better wash area. Be prepared for this. I had plenty of wipes, but that mainly made mud. The several hour ride home was a bit crusty. https://www.relive.cc/view/vDqgKzWxAVq
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I went with a group who had all done vacation race half marathons before, but I was only signed up for the 5k - I've never done a longer race. … MORE
I went with a group who had all done vacation race half marathons before, but I was only signed up for the 5k – I’ve never done a longer race. I really wish now that I had joined my friends in running both the 5k and the half marathon the next day. Naively, I had no idea there would be so many walkers. For the 5k as well as for the half. I was encouraged by how many walkers there were for the half and I really wish I had joined them, very doable ( I heard all about “the hill” however, so I know that it was a challenging course!).
If, like me, you’re nervous about doing a half marathon, you’ve got this. However, if you’re planning on walking it (and go you for taking the plunge!) please be considerate of the runners. It was not a closed course, we ran part of the course on the shoulder and I was amazed how many walkers were inconsiderate of runners. If you were running, you had to run into the road to pass (into oncoming traffic) or off the shoulder where it was loose gravel and two runners ahead of me wiped out trying to pass walkers. So walkers, please be kind; runners, please be careful!
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Not the easiest of courses but not the hardest either. The one mile climb was a bit rough but I prefer a race with a little challenge to it. Who … MORE
Not the easiest of courses but not the hardest either. The one mile climb was a bit rough but I prefer a race with a little challenge to it. Who wants to sail through everything? It is mixed course with road, dirt road and trail. Mostly shaded. A couple water crossings but you are on bridges so no wet feet. Just like all VR races it’s an overall awesome experience. Good swag although I wish the race shirt wasn’t technical or a lighter weight technical. I like a good old fashioned cotton tee for my race shirt so that I will wear it on a day to day and not just to run.
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This race was totally worth it. The area is a bit out of the way but absolutely worth the scenery. The only downside is they ran out of larger men's … MORE
This race was totally worth it. The area is a bit out of the way but absolutely worth the scenery. The only downside is they ran out of larger men’s shirt sizes which I requested in advance but I was lucky enough to get a L instead of the XL I wanted. Motivation to run more and lose weight!
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Best part is lush greenery and amazing trail run. Overall the race was really well organized with good communication and some amazing routes. The energy was amazing. MORE
Best part is lush greenery and amazing trail run. Overall the race was really well organized with good communication and some amazing routes. The energy was amazing.
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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.
First official Half-marathon
The temperature was perfect for the run, I did not have any difficulties with that. Gorgeous scenery, and the course is challenging but not to difficult. Overall, it's a great … MORE
The temperature was perfect for the run, I did not have any difficulties with that. Gorgeous scenery, and the course is challenging but not to difficult. Overall, it’s a great experience.
Beautiful Course!
A beautiful and challenging course on a mostly dirt path shaded by trees and with the scent of trees in the air. Vacation Races did not disappoint with this well-organized … MORE
A beautiful and challenging course on a mostly dirt path shaded by trees and with the scent of trees in the air. Vacation Races did not disappoint with this well-organized yet low-key event. Medals for the 5K and the half marathon looked great, and because I ran both races, I also received the very cool Sasquatch Double medal. A beautiful course with chocolate milk and snack boxes at the finish, I couldn’t ask for more. I will be back for this one again.
Serenity and Energy unparalleled
Beautiful landscape to run through. Though mount rainier isn't visible enough on route. Lot of gravel. Be prepared for them. Sharp uphill and downhill for roughly a mile. Support staff … MORE
Beautiful landscape to run through. Though mount rainier isn’t visible enough on route.
Lot of gravel. Be prepared for them.
Sharp uphill and downhill for roughly a mile.
Support staff and aid were amazing. Love the cheerleader
Be Prepared
I ran this last year at its inauguration. Frankly, it was more fun last year. Part of that was a nagging hip flexor pull this year that wasn't helped by … MORE
I ran this last year at its inauguration. Frankly, it was more fun last year. Part of that was a nagging hip flexor pull this year that wasn’t helped by the elevation gains and terrain of this challenging course, part of it was the walking took so long from parking to the race start that even though we arrived 30 minutes before the start (5:30 AM, which is pretty darn early in my world) I barely got to the start before my (later) wave went and my support person didn’t make it before I had to start so I had to run the half carrying my warming layer.
Pros: The course was still fun, the views were still amazing, the on-course congestion was better this year (maybe because I ran a different wave?), medals were ready to go (even for Sasquatch, which had to get mailed last year), communication was awesome, water stations were plentiful and not terribly crowded.
Cons: Parking was easily an extra mile of walking in addition to your racing to get from the back camping field where they were parking folks up to the race area, 5k didn’t have any kind of facilities within 50 yards of the start (last year the bathrooms were open and there were portajohns nearby), “beach hoodie” was really just a long sleeved t-shirt with a hood.
Tough Course - Great Effort
The Mount Rainier Half Marathon seems undersold in terms of course difficulty. There are a couple of tough climbs. But that’s not what makes the course difficult. Essentially miles 2-7 … MORE
The Mount Rainier Half Marathon seems undersold in terms of course difficulty. There are a couple of tough climbs. But that’s not what makes the course difficult.
Essentially miles 2-7 represent a difficult trail run with large rocks dispersed along the route. These are toe-biting, ankle turning rocks the width and height of medium-sized gnomes waiting to knock you off course. Saw a couple of experienced runners take a fall as the rock-lined trail narrowed in spots.
Following Mile 7, a hard-packed, tree-lined dirt logging road carries you downhill and through beautiful countryside. Miles 9-13 are on paved roads, with miles 10-12 through a beautiful tree-lined country road.
Kudos to Vacation Races as they consistently offer a well-organized event. This was my fifth VR event. Love the finisher medals!
It bears repeating that they undersold the difficulty of this course given the granite land mines along the route. My only other constructive criticism would be to offer more Race merchandise shirts in 100% cotton.
After five VR events, the quality of finisher shirts still seems cheap. They run a good show and it’s worth checking a VR race out, but order your shirt one or two sizes larger.
Great race would do again
The scenery was beautiful and the race was challenging but fun. The logistics went off without issue and the race shirt is super cute and good quality. MORE
The scenery was beautiful and the race was challenging but fun. The logistics went off without issue and the race shirt is super cute and good quality.
Great Event
Moderate race course, peaceful run in the woods. This was my first half marathon, vacation races puts on a good event. Only a couple climbs, mainly dirty loving roads and … MORE
Moderate race course, peaceful run in the woods. This was my first half marathon, vacation races puts on a good event. Only a couple climbs, mainly dirty loving roads and pavement.
Beautiful scenery
This was such a beautiful scenery. Very well organized, picking up bibs, finding the location, and overall great when it was race time. However, it's called Mt. Rainier half marathon, … MORE
This was such a beautiful scenery. Very well organized, picking up bibs, finding the location, and overall great when it was race time. However, it’s called Mt. Rainier half marathon, but the title is a bit deciving there is no sight of the mountain along the trail. I don’t live far from Mt. Rainier so I’ve seen it before. But it’s too unfortunate for those who were hoping to have closer views of it along their run. It is also more pavement than trail terrain. Overall still a great race, and experience.
Great race!
This is a big race in a cute, small town. The terrain is tricky on parts of it, so watch your footing! It’s well organized and lovely scenery. MORE
This is a big race in a cute, small town. The terrain is tricky on parts of it, so watch your footing! It’s well organized and lovely scenery.
First marathon. So tired but so worth it
Had a lot of fun for this as my first half marathon. I live an 1 hour and 40 minutes away, so I had my friend pick up my bib. … MORE
Had a lot of fun for this as my first half marathon. I live an 1 hour and 40 minutes away, so I had my friend pick up my bib. I didn’t realize how far Ashford was from my house, so I would’ve opted to mail the bib instead to save the hassle. Cell data service was a bit spotty in the area at first, so I was a bit worried that I wouldn’t have music on my run. The views were great, mile 6 was killer, but it was well worth waking up at 3 AM to endure this half marathon.
Beautiful Course
Beautiful course through some of the most gorgeous forests I've ever seen. Mile 6 is by far the most difficult. Only a couple of places that you actually see Mt. … MORE
Beautiful course through some of the most gorgeous forests I’ve ever seen. Mile 6 is by far the most difficult. Only a couple of places that you actually see Mt. Rainier. Always pleased with Vacation Races.
Great location with great potential.
This was my 1st Vacation Race. From a preparation perspective I wish they would have been more proactive sharing specifics on the race in advance. I didn’t realize the high … MORE
This was my 1st Vacation Race.
From a preparation perspective I wish they would have been more proactive sharing specifics on the race in advance. I didn’t realize the high rate of rough trail running associated with the course.
EXPO:
The expo announcer was the best I’ve heard. Very engaging and provided helpful information. Overall the bib pickup was smooth. Shirt pickup was ok… but beware they ran out of certain sizes and have a strict post-race pickup requirement if you register for the race after the shirt order date. Vendors at the expo were the least I ever saw… primarily VR pushing their own products. The shop area seemed very unorganized.
SWAG:
Best medal around! Some runners complained about the shirt. VR said the shirt was designed by a local artist… but a lady came to the expo wearing her Glacier shirt… which was identical to Rainier except for the location name on the front (same shirt color and base design).
BEST IN CLASS:
I love the fact that each runner got a free Nathan reusable cup for the race. I wasn’t sure how it would work, but it was great. It was a little inconvenient to stop and fill my own cup but I’m sure it conserved water while minimizing waste.
The aid stations rocked! Each had water and electrolyte drinks and honey stinger gel packs. All self serve! 2 aid stations had fresh fruit… which was a nice treat.
PRE RACE:
Good experience with raffle prizes. An abundance of Honey Buckets. You could even register to win your own port-a-John or $1,000!
POST RACE:
This was my least favorite post-race experience. You get a banana and a small box will snacks. Massive line for photos.
For the entry premium, I really need to consider if VR is on my plan moving forward. So much potential… with basic improvements I’m sure they will work their way on my schedule.
PLEASE BRING BACK MOUNT RUSHMORE AND I’M iN!!!
Close to rainier National park
The weather is chill and sunny! the terrain is under shades mostly so perfect when the sun comes out. The only downside is part of the race is very narrow … MORE
The weather is chill and sunny!
the terrain is under shades mostly so perfect when the sun comes out. The only downside is part of the race is very narrow and only one person can pass at a time.
Best Race Production Around
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 snacks! 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 snacks!
Just for fun
What a great run to do just for fun. Well supported, which was an amazing feat. So, many Honeybuckets the line was continuing moving. The one thing that I would … MORE
What a great run to do just for fun. Well supported, which was an amazing feat. So, many Honeybuckets the line was continuing moving. The one thing that I would have liked to see was a better wash area. Be prepared for this. I had plenty of wipes, but that mainly made mud. The several hour ride home was a bit crusty. https://www.relive.cc/view/vDqgKzWxAVq
If you're on the fence, you should do it
I went with a group who had all done vacation race half marathons before, but I was only signed up for the 5k - I've never done a longer race. … MORE
I went with a group who had all done vacation race half marathons before, but I was only signed up for the 5k – I’ve never done a longer race. I really wish now that I had joined my friends in running both the 5k and the half marathon the next day. Naively, I had no idea there would be so many walkers. For the 5k as well as for the half. I was encouraged by how many walkers there were for the half and I really wish I had joined them, very doable ( I heard all about “the hill” however, so I know that it was a challenging course!).
If, like me, you’re nervous about doing a half marathon, you’ve got this. However, if you’re planning on walking it (and go you for taking the plunge!) please be considerate of the runners. It was not a closed course, we ran part of the course on the shoulder and I was amazed how many walkers were inconsiderate of runners. If you were running, you had to run into the road to pass (into oncoming traffic) or off the shoulder where it was loose gravel and two runners ahead of me wiped out trying to pass walkers. So walkers, please be kind; runners, please be careful!
Great medals, fun race
Not the easiest of courses but not the hardest either. The one mile climb was a bit rough but I prefer a race with a little challenge to it. Who … MORE
Not the easiest of courses but not the hardest either. The one mile climb was a bit rough but I prefer a race with a little challenge to it. Who wants to sail through everything? It is mixed course with road, dirt road and trail. Mostly shaded. A couple water crossings but you are on bridges so no wet feet. Just like all VR races it’s an overall awesome experience. Good swag although I wish the race shirt wasn’t technical or a lighter weight technical. I like a good old fashioned cotton tee for my race shirt so that I will wear it on a day to day and not just to run.
Great race with amazing scenery
This race was totally worth it. The area is a bit out of the way but absolutely worth the scenery. The only downside is they ran out of larger men's … MORE
This race was totally worth it. The area is a bit out of the way but absolutely worth the scenery. The only downside is they ran out of larger men’s shirt sizes which I requested in advance but I was lucky enough to get a L instead of the XL I wanted. Motivation to run more and lose weight!
Loved It!!!
Best part is lush greenery and amazing trail run. Overall the race was really well organized with good communication and some amazing routes. The energy was amazing. MORE
Best part is lush greenery and amazing trail run. Overall the race was really well organized with good communication and some amazing routes. The energy was amazing.