Cutthroat Classic
A runner begins the descent from Cutthroat Pass by Steve Mitchell
A runner begins the descent from Cutthroat Pass by Steve Mitchell
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.
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).
-
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; run in the first three waves if you are trying to place in the top three in your age category -
Break for shuttles to return
-
Wave 4 - 9:15 a.m.
Finish time is 2:00-2:30 hours -
Wave 5 - 9:18 a.m.
Finish time is 2:30-3:00 hours -
Wave 6
Finish time is 3:00-3:30 hours/minutes; slower runners that plan to speed hike some of the course
