Cutthroat Classic

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.

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).

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 5 - Cascades Outdoor Store (Winthrop)

6:15- 6:45 a.m. Saturday, September 6 - Mazama Community Club (Mazama)

Transportation and parking 

The race departs from Mazama to Rainy Pass at 7:00 a.m. Return shuttles will leave the finish line for the after party in Mazama every 20 minutes between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 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 the Rainy Pass and Cutthroat Trailheads (you can now “scan and pay” with your phone via the Recreation.gov app; download the app before you go).

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 for purchase 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+

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.