BEAST OF BIG CREEK

Racers, this is your pre-race email!

This Saturday, August 3rd will be our 15th anniversary of the Beast of Big Creek trail races. Can you believe it? Well, we’re super excited to have a record number of runners out here this weekend and with over 100 signed up to race the skyrace y’all in for a treat. But, let dive in, shall we.

Please, read all this, all of it, so you know what’s going on and what you can expect this weekend.

Mathias Eichler & Trixy Eichler
(he/him) | (she/her)
race directors
Rock Candy Running

PS: We will be offline starting Friday AM. There's terrible cell coverage at the campground and Race HQ. If you have any questions find us in person at the campground.

First off, We want to respectfully acknowledge that all our trail races here in the South Sound of Western Washington are in the traditional territories of the Coast Salish people, specifically the Skokomish, Nisqually, Cowlitz, Chehalis and Squaxin Island tribes.

The Beast of Big Creek at Mount Ellinor is in the traditional territory of the Twana/Skokomish.

Olympia, Hood Canal and the South Puget Sound region are covered by the Treaty of Medicine Creek, signed under duress in 1854, and the Treaty of Point No Point, signed in 1855. Rock Candy Running is acknowledging the Tribal governments and their roles today in taking care of these lands and resources.

We also want to emphasize that our events are for everyone, and we are 100% intolerant to intolerance. Rock Candy Running recognizes a lack of inclusion and equity in the trail running community and while we are not perfect we are constantly working to improve.

We want to thank the Olympic National Forest for granting us a special use permit for this event.

HOW TO GET HERE
For driving directions to Hoodsport and the Big Creek Campground please visit the website. We’re in loop A & B – follow the signs in the campground. We will try to fit everyone’s car along the side of the road. If the loops are full, we’ll have folks direct people to park along the street. Bring your NW Forest pass or National Park Pass. Website has the map with more details.

CAMPING
Campers who pre-registered for a camping spot in Loop A and B can come to our race headquarters at the big shelter of loop A and we’ll get you your spot. The Campground will be completely full but if you have a spot and are willing to double up, let me know, so we can find you a buddy. Also: your prepaid camping is for Friday - Saturday, if you’d like to stay an extra night please pay directly do the Forest Service at the campground.

PACKAGE PICKUP
Bibs can be picked up on Friday between 6pm - 9pm. For folks arriving on the day off, bib pickup will be starting at 6:30am.Campers who pre-registered for a camping spot in Loop A and B can come to our race headquarters at the big shelter of loop A and we’ll get you your spot. The Campground will be completely full but if you have a spot and are willing to double up, let me know, so we can find you a buddy. Also: your prepaid camping is for Friday - Saturday, if you’d like to stay an extra night please pay directly do the Forest Service at the campground.

THE ROUTES
Both routes will be marked with bright signage and ribbons. There’s one important turn where the forest loop splits from the skyrace. It’ll be well-marked, but if you don’t want to find yourself on the wrong loop, look out for this junction!

AID STATION
(Only for the summit loop racers.)
Be sure to check the location for the aid station! It’s at the trailhead of the upper parking lot. Same as last year. The trail to and from will be well-marked. You will have to visit this aid station on the uphill and downhill and have your bib number checked in.At the aid station we’ll have water, Tailwind and the usual fair. This is a cupless race, so prepare accordingly and bring your flasks and or the collapsible cup from your swag bag - thank you Hydrapak.

THE SUMMIT
That’s what you’re here for!
The summit turnaround is at the real summit of Mount Ellinor at 5,944ft. There’s no aid at the summit but friendly volunteers will check your bib number, high five you, and send you on your merry way. You must have your number checked before heading back down. Failure to do so could results in a DNF and potential suspension from future races. Don’t cheat!

WEATHER
The forecast for Saturday in Hoodsport will be toasty (84F) and partly sunny, but there’s no rain in the forecast. Bring sunscreen, makes sure you’re taking enough water to the summit and prepare for mountain weather. 

CRITTERS
No goats left on Mount Ellinor, But bugs and maybe some bees. And perhaps a couple dogs. Be aware and prepare accordingly.

SUMMIT SURPRISE
Bring your cup up with you... that’s all I’m going to say.

POST RACE PARTY
You're all welcome to hang out after your race and cheer on the racers as they arrive at the finish. Due to the campfire ban, we won’t be grilling, but have a special spread planned for y’all. There will be drinks!

SPECTATE, CHEER AND VOLUNTEER
If you're planning to have a friend/partner with you, they are all welcome. Let's make some noise. Send these runners with a smile up to the summit and back.

AWARDS
We will hand out medals and awards as runners arrive at the finish line. And we’re excited to celebrate ever finisher.

CUTOFF AND DNF
If you think you can’t finish your race you must tell a race official or volunteer. Please do not just wander off - we will come searching for you. 

VOLUNTEERS
We have incredible volunteers helping us at camp, the aid station and of course at the summit. Let them know if you need help with anything and thank them for volunteering their time to make sure you have an incredible day racing Beast of Big Creek.

OLYMPIC MOUNTAIN RESCUE
Will be on site at the upper trailhead and will help out with communication. If you need any medical help please let folks a the summit or aid station now. We will also have medical assistance at the finish line.

PUBLIC TRAILS
The trails of Mount Ellinor will be open to other trail users during the race. Please be respectful and kind and be a good ambassador for our trail running community!

BEAST, AN OFFICIAL SKYRACE
For the second year, the summit race of the Beast of Big Creek is an International Skyrunning Federation certified Skyrace. And  yes, still the only official Skyrace in the USA. How freakin' cool is that?

BEAST, A UTMB INDEX RACE
Need an index, sorry no stones, but running our skyrace will get you a UTMB index for the 20K category. You’re welcome.

YOUR BIB PLANTS A TREE
For every bib we plant a tree! Well, not us directly, but we give to ONE TREE PLANTED. Last year we planted over 300 trees! Thank you for racing with Rock Candy Running.