Cutthroat Classic

Events /

11-mile trail run through the North Cascades

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.

The 2027 Cutthroat Classic, including waitlists, is SOLD OUT.

Registered participants can find a link to their RunReg registration HERE. You can also use the link to verify that you are registered by clicking "Who's Registered" on the home page.

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 Run Download 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).

NEW START TIMES FOR 2027:

8:00-8:06 Waves 1-3

9:30-9:36 Waves 4-6

Wave 1 - 8:00 a.m.
Finish time is under 1:40 hours; elite of very fast runners only
Wave 2 - 8:03 a.m.
Finish time is 1:40-1:59 hours; no walking
Wave 3 - 8:06 a.m.
Finish time is 2:00-2:30 hours
Wave 4 - 9:00 a.m.
Finish time is 2:00-2:30 hours
Wave 5 - 9:03 a.m.
Finish time is 2:30-3:00 hours
Wave 6 - 9:06 a.m.
Finish time is 3:00-3:30 hours/minutes; slower runners that plan to speed hike some of the course. Must be able to run some sections.

Registration

The 2027 Cutthroat is SOLD OUT

$120 per person

Kids 17 and under are FREE, but must register by the deadline to participate.

If you have served or are an active member in the military, we offer a 10% discount; contact us for more information.

There is a $50 refund fee and a $20 transfer fee prior to August 1st.

Results and Photos

Thanks to our timing and photography partners!

2026 Results can be found at Negative Split Timing
Results from 2021-2025 can be found HERE.
Photos can be found at Early Winters Studios

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 1st 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. Please note, that the refund fee has increased. There is a $50 refund fee and a $20 transfer fee prior to August 1st. Registration Insurance is highly recommended and can be purchased through RunReg when you register.

Bib pick-up

4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Friday, September 10 - Cascades Outdoor Store (Winthrop)

6:15- 8:15 a.m. Saturday, September 11 - Mazama Community Club (Mazama)

Transportation and parking

The race departs from Mazama to Rainy Pass at 7:00 a.m. for waves 1-3 and 8:30 a.m. for waves 4-6. Return shuttles will leave the finish line for the after party in Mazama every 20 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 2:30 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 can be purchased online with through the Recreation.gov app. Passes must be printed and displayed on your vehicle/

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.

Cupless Event

Unncessary waste and trash is something we are working to eliminate at our events. This year’s Cutthroat Classic will be a cupless event. This means we are eliminating the use of disposable cups at all of our running races. Runners will instead be asked to carry a bottle, collapsible cup, or hydration pack along the course. Our amazing volunteers will be ready with pitchers of water and Skratch drink mix to refill your container and get you back on the trail!

We are proud to have HydraPak as our Sustainable Racing Partner. If you need a collapsible, lightweight, & easy to carry cup for the race, HydraPak SpeedCups will be available at bib pick.

Lunch

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

Divisions

17 and under
18-29
30-39
40-49
50-59
60-69
70+