Cutthroat Classic

Cutthroat Classic

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11-mile trail run through the North Cascades


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Topping the charts in inspiration and popularity, the Cutthroat Classic provides incredible mountain views along a spectacular section of high alpine trail. The Cutthroat course is an 11-mile singletrack trail run through the North Cascades, following the iconic Pacific Crest Trail up and over Cutthroat Pass. This year's race will be September 9, 2023 and is limited to 400 participants. It sells out early every year.

The Course

The mountain course begins at Rainy Pass on the North Cascades Scenic Highway, elevation 4,870 feet. The route follows the Pacific Crest Trail north on a steady, gradual five mile climb to Cutthroat Pass, elevation 6,835 feet. Runners then descend four miles to Cutthroat Lake (many switchbacks on a five to ten percent grade). The course continues gradually downhill for two more miles to the Cutthroat Creek Trailhead, elevation 4,480 feet. Total course length is 10.5 miles.

Cutthroat Classic Trail RunDownload map

Waves

Runners self-seed in one of six waves. If you wish to run with a friend, please be sure to communicate with each other and register for the same start wave. The start times below are from Rainy Pass (PCT North Trailhead).

  1. Wave 1 - 8:00 a.m.
    Finish time is under 1:40 hours; elite of very fast runners only

  2. Wave 2 - 8:03 a.m.
    Finish time is 1:40-1:59 hours; no walking

  3. Wave 3 - 8:06 a.m.
    Finish time is 2:00-2:30 hours; run in the first three waves if you are trying to place in the top three in your age category

  4. Break for shuttles to return

  5. Wave 4 - 9:15 a.m.
    Finish time is 2:00-2:30 hours

  6. Wave 5 - 9:18 a.m.
    Finish time is 2:30-3:00 hours

  7. Wave 6
    Finish time is 3:00-3:30 hours/minutes; slower runners that plan to speed hike some of the course

Registration details

Methow Trails is a non-profit organization. Income from this event supports year-round trail operations in the Methow Valley. There are no entry refunds, exchanges, transfers or rollovers after August 15th and the event may be cancelled due to severe weather conditions, fire, unhealthy air quality, road closures, natural disasters, or threats to local and national security. In the case of a cancellation, Methow Trails will make every effort to reschedule the event. There's a $15 refund/transfer fee prior to August 15th. Race Insurance can be purchased through RunReg.

Bib pick-up 

4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 8: Winthrop Mountain Sports; we highly recommend this option. 

6:00 - 8:30 a.m. Saturday, September 9: Mazama Community Club (red building in Mazama)

Transportation and parking 

Waves 1-3 depart from Mazama to Rainy Pass at 7:00 a.m. Waves 4-6 depart from Mazama to Rainy Pass at 8:45 a.m. Return shuttles will leave the finish line for the after party in Mazama every 15 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

Self-supported shuttles are allowed, but please note that parking is very limited at the start and finish and a Northwest Forest Pass is required. A one-day pass is $5.00 and may be purchased at fee tubes at the Rainy Pass and Cutthroat Trailheads (exact cash or check required).

2023 Cutthroat Classic sponsors

Title sponsor

Methow Trails event sponsors

Racer bags

Runners may leave bags with extra clothing at the start line. Bags will be transported to the race finish

Aid stations

There will be one aid station at mile seven with energy chews, water and sport drinks. Aid station supplies are packed in by horseback. Mile seven is up and over Cutthroat Pass so runners are encouraged to carry their own fuel supplies.

Lunch

Lunches will be provided by Willow Brook Farm. All participants over 21 will get 1 FREE pint from Old Schoolhouse Brewery.

Awards & Divisions

  • 17 and under

  • 18-29

  • 30-39

  • 40-49

  • 50-59

  • 60-69

  • 70+

Directions

MAZAMA COMMUNITY CENTER: From Winthrop, proceed approx. 14 miles west on Hwy 20 to mile marker 179. Take a right on Lost River Road. At intersection proceed straight and then right to park in the Mazama Corral Trailhead lot. Packet pick-up is in the Mazama Community Center-the red building on the eastern end of the parking lot.


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