The Mount Rainier Half Marathon features a seriously scenic course with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier as you pass over rivers and through meadows on a mix of pavement, gravel, and trails. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of a friendly Sasquatch on your way to the finish line! Course …
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The Mount Rainier Half Marathon features a seriously scenic course with gorgeous views of Mt. Rainier as you pass over rivers and through meadows on a mix of pavement, gravel, and trails. Plus, you might catch a glimpse of a friendly Sasquatch on your way to the finish line!
Course Description
This race includes a 900 ft elevation gain and we consider it to be a moderate overall course. There are two good climbs around Mile 4 and Mile 6. By Mile 7 you head downhill and complete the second half on level ground.
Time limit
All runners will have 4 hours to finish the race (chip time). That is an 18 minute mile – plenty of time for walkers! If at anytime we deem it unsafe and need to pull a runner off the course, we would hope for understanding and immediate cooperation. Failure to comply will result in being banned from future events.
Aid Stations
Expect about 6 aid stations on the course at around mile 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, and 12. A medic will be stationed typically at the aid station at or near mile 7. Keep in mind, the exact location of each aid station may vary from race to race. Aid stations include toilets, water, Gnarly Hydrate, Honey Stinger gels, basic first aid supplies, and sometimes more.
All stations are cup-free so plan to bring your own hydration solution or request a free HydraPouch when you register.
Flying
Mount Rainier is a beautiful, but remote location. We highly recommend booking your travel and lodging at least 6 months in advance to make sure you find a good option for the race.
Flying in? Look for flights into:
- Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
- Portland Airport (PDX) (2hr drive)
- Spokane International Airport (GEG) (5.5hr drive)
Lodging
Lodging is limited in Ashford, but Eatonville and Morton have some good options. These increase as you move closer to Tacoma.
LESS
Beautiful and well-organized!
A lovely course. Hills, bridges, waterfalls, wild flowers, pavement and trail running. Perfect temperature. The last part is paved downhill which is a treat. A fun friendly vibe throughout. I … MORE
A lovely course. Hills, bridges, waterfalls, wild flowers, pavement and trail running. Perfect temperature. The last part is paved downhill which is a treat. A fun friendly vibe throughout. I loved this race. And in particular I Loved the foldable cup that was provided. Truly brilliant. I kept it and use it all the time.
Great Scenery and Event
This was a great half marathon. The uphill section at mile 6 was difficult. The downhill that followed was fast. They did a great job on awards and photos. I'm … MORE
This was a great half marathon. The uphill section at mile 6 was difficult. The downhill that followed was fast. They did a great job on awards and photos. I’m always impressed by the quality that Vacation Races puts into their races.
Great 5K
The finish was all uphill, otherwise is was a great 5K race. This was mostly on pavement with a small uphill section on a dirt/gravel road. This was a nice … MORE
The finish was all uphill, otherwise is was a great 5K race. This was mostly on pavement with a small uphill section on a dirt/gravel road. This was a nice mix of gradual uphill except the steeper finish.
Great 1st Vacation Race
This course was a good blend of road and trail, incline and challenge for a first timer. The staff and set up was great. I really loved the energy of … MORE
This course was a good blend of road and trail, incline and challenge for a first timer. The staff and set up was great. I really loved the energy of everyone and am looking forward to our next race!
I’l run this til the lady shows her face
The course is slightly rugged, good amount of sun and shade (or rain cover if needed). If you come expecting to see the mountain on the course, please don’t be … MORE
The course is slightly rugged, good amount of sun and shade (or rain cover if needed). If you come expecting to see the mountain on the course, please don’t be disappointed if she doesn’t show up, she can be bashful at times. Vacation Races put on an amazing race this year as they did last year, and I’ll keep going until I get to see the beauty of Rainier on the course.
Best Half Marathon I've Ever Done🏔☀️
This was my first Vacation Races half marathon and first half marathon out of Iowa. The race staff/volunteers were lively and helpful, and made the event so fun. The course … MORE
This was my first Vacation Races half marathon and first half marathon out of Iowa. The race staff/volunteers were lively and helpful, and made the event so fun. The course was so beautiful and weather was perfect! I really enjoyed that they had water/food along the course and provided food and drink at the finish line. Also very impressed that the race announcer read off everyone’s name when they crossed the finish line! 10/10 experience. I can’t wait to complete another half marathon with Vacation Races and beat my PR. 😊
Beautiful course, a great run
While this was not my personal best race, time-wise, I really enjoyed it. All the production aspects were smooth and I really appreciated the frequent aid stations, as I ended … MORE
While this was not my personal best race, time-wise, I really enjoyed it. All the production aspects were smooth and I really appreciated the frequent aid stations, as I ended up needing the Porta-potties a couple of times and they were right there when I needed them. The weather was just right, the scenery was gorgeous!
It would’ve been fun to see Mt Rainier during the race but the early morning cloud cover prevented that. It was clear and sunny later in the day, though, and we had great views when we drove through the park.
I don’t know that I actually will do this race again, since it was kind of a major trip for my family, but I’m really glad I did and would highly recommend it.
Also, I love the medal with the scene of Mt Rainier and wildflowers.
Glad to be back
Second time running this course. Better overall race even though I was slower (by a smidge)smidgen. New hip was great. Hill at 3 and 6 didn't kill me this year!! MORE
Second time running this course. Better overall race even though I was slower (by a smidge)smidgen. New hip was great. Hill at 3 and 6 didn’t kill me this year!!
What a lush! Greenery that is.
Great raffle prizes, high energy and coffee at the start. Released in waves to help thin everyone out. Begins and ends on the highway with lots of trail and gravel … MORE
Great raffle prizes, high energy and coffee at the start. Released in waves to help thin everyone out. Begins and ends on the highway with lots of trail and gravel in between crossing the Nisqually River. It seems that you are running with your back towards Mount Rainier when not surrounded by trees, not sure why the route isn’t reversed. Plenty of aid stations and porta-potties. If you love nature, lush green ferns, and wildflowers, this race is for you. Love VR race guides, swag, and atmosphere. Weather was perfect!! I would recommend this “race-cation,” come up on Wednesday to visit the park and surrounding areas. Getting into the park after the race is a nightmare. Do the double, get extra swag.
Beautiful Race
The camping and bib pick up we organized well. The course was clearly marked. The scenery was beautiful the entire race. The course description did inform runners of hills at … MORE
The camping and bib pick up we organized well. The course was clearly marked.
The scenery was beautiful the entire race. The course description did inform runners of hills at a couple spot throughout the race, but there was quite a bit more than was communicated. Myself and several runners had conflicting race distances with our various gps devices. T”Of the people I spoke to the closest to the actual race distance was 13.87. It appears the actual race distance was at least .5-.75 miles longer than 13.1.
Tough course with a great adventure!
This was a well organized, beautiful part trail and part road race! While we couldn't see Rainier due to some cloud cover (I mean, it is Washington...), the views were … MORE
This was a well organized, beautiful part trail and part road race! While we couldn’t see Rainier due to some cloud cover (I mean, it is Washington…), the views were beautiful through the forest. The course has some technical spots but nothing too crazy that would require trail shoes.
There’s a tough mile long hill right at mile 6 up a gravel/grass path but then opens up to a downhill road for a mile break on your lungs. Find Sasquatch along the way and schedule the day at Mt. Rainier right after! There’s not much service in the area though, so make sure to download that playlist beforehand! You’ll thank yourself later.
Running in the pacific northwest!
The Mt. Rainier half was a great race! The course was a great mix of flat and some rolling hills, the views were amazing and the weather in that region … MORE
The Mt. Rainier half was a great race! The course was a great mix of flat and some rolling hills, the views were amazing and the weather in that region can’t be beat! Low humidity and blue skies! If you’re looking for a race where you can tie in some sightseeing in a national park this is the race to do!
Great race!
The views were amazing. There was quite a bit of uphill, but if you train well then it’s not too bad. Very beautiful and fun! I would run it again … MORE
The views were amazing. There was quite a bit of uphill, but if you train well then it’s not too bad. Very beautiful and fun! I would run it again if I lived closer.
VR does it right
Great medal, amazing recovery box, great people, well planned course. What more could you ask for??? The aid stations are well placed and well stocked, there were ample porta potties, … MORE
Great medal, amazing recovery box, great people, well planned course. What more could you ask for??? The aid stations are well placed and well stocked, there were ample porta potties, beautiful place to race. I truly love their no waste policy. And Vacation Races does such a good job with all the little details.
Absolutely incredible!
Awesome aid stations, very well organized, beautiful scenery, helpful volunteers, cool race swag, and the cleanest port-a-potty’s I’ve ever seen. I definitely recommend the Mount Rainier course to anyone and … MORE
Awesome aid stations, very well organized, beautiful scenery, helpful volunteers, cool race swag, and the cleanest port-a-potty’s I’ve ever seen. I definitely recommend the Mount Rainier course to anyone and everyone at all skill levels. This was my first half marathon and I was pleasantly surprised by how well I did. I am by no means a runner but, this was so much fun and I can’t wait to run another one. I would like to see them offer oranges at the finish line as well, instead of only throughout the course. All in all Vacation Races did an outstanding job with the Mount Rainier races.
Solid event. Nice bling from VR as usual
Nice race event, well run and pretty area. Mix of different terrain. Dirt, grass, path, shoulder of the road. Some hills. More shoulder of the road running than I prefer, … MORE
Nice race event, well run and pretty area. Mix of different terrain. Dirt, grass, path, shoulder of the road. Some hills. More shoulder of the road running than I prefer, esp with traffic so close and exhaust fumes, but still a decent course.
Good Experience
Wow, the race production was on point and very professional and well organized. I participated in the 5k, and I think the scenery would have been more beautiful if I … MORE
Wow, the race production was on point and very professional and well organized. I participated in the 5k, and I think the scenery would have been more beautiful if I signed up for the half marathon. I would recommend this particular race as an overnighter, rent an A frame cabin in Ashford, WA and do the half marathon and 5k over the weekend. The finisher medal and t-shirt are super top notch, great quality and design. This company, Vacation Races, has racing events across the US, and the Globe. I would sign up for the Yellowstone Race because I heard nothing but good things from close friends.
Great race!
This race was beautiful! Gorgeous scenery running through the trees and over streams. Very well organized and details were communicated well. MORE
This race was beautiful! Gorgeous scenery running through the trees and over streams. Very well organized and details were communicated well.
Great to break the new hip in on!
Just enough hills to not be totally winded. A bit of running on the shoulder of the highway, then breaks out for more space. Great course. Perfect for my first … MORE
Just enough hills to not be totally winded. A bit of running on the shoulder of the highway, then breaks out for more space. Great course. Perfect for my first post hip replacement race!
Great Gateway Into Trail Racing
I was excited to participate in the Mount Rainier when I first learned about it and this was an incredible race in terms of the scenery and the course layout. … MORE
I was excited to participate in the Mount Rainier when I first learned about it and this was an incredible race in terms of the scenery and the course layout. It does have a nice mixture of both trails and paved surfaces. This was the first race I have done that had non-paved trails and sparked a deeper interest in doing more trail running in the future. Not only were the views and natural beauty of the course awe inspiring, the organization, aid stations, staff and volunteers made this event top notch and highly recommend to other runners. I am already hoping they do it again next year!