Sunflower

Marathon

The Marathon course is a marathon-plus length at 26.8 miles. Expect breathtaking scenery and some sustained climbs and descents. Elevation +2,520/-2,350. A marathon participant runs the entire course and are expected to run the majority, not walk or hike. Out of respect for our volunteers and private landowners, marathon runners must be able to complete the entire course in six hours, or by 3:00pm.

Start time: 8:00-8:10 a.m. at the Mazama Trailhead. If you are competing for any of the top three places in your age category, please start at 8:00 a.m.

Half marathon

Half marathon participants are expected to be able to finish their ~13.1 mile course in five hours or less. Start time: 8:00-8:30 a.m. at Chickadee Trailhead.

Relay

A relay team must have two to five people and finish by 3:00pm. Start times at the Mazama Trailhead: Wave 1: 8:00-8:10 a.m.; Wave 2: 9:00-9:10 a.m. A leg summary is below:

Registration information

Don't wait to register – this race sells out each year! No refunds, credits or registration transfers after March 24, 2023. There's a $15 refund/transfer fee prior to March 24. Race entries are valid for the registered racer only, no informal transfers please. Entry fee includes race bib, custom Sunflower T-shirt (for registrations before March 24), post-race lunch and raffle prizes.

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, and the event may be cancelled due to variables beyond our control: severe weather conditions, fire, unhealthy air quality, road closures, natural disasters, or other unforeseeable events.

Bib pick-up 

5:00-7:00 p.m. Friday, April 28: Mazama Store Courtyard

Relay teams must pick up their packets on Friday. Only one team member needs to be present. We highly encourage everyone to grab their packet on Friday, but will have the following Saturday locations:

Marathon: 7:00-8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29: Mazama Community Club (red building in Mazama)

Half marathon: 7:00-8:30 a.m. Saturday, April 29: Chickadee Trailhead

Map

We do not provide a detailed map to respect the privacy of the landowners who allow one-day access through their property and make this event possible. Please do not pre-run the course, we only have landowner access on event day! No dogs are allowed on the course at anytime. Relay teams will be given specific driving directions to relay exchange points at race packet pick-up. 

Download map

Exchange and aid stations

Relay teams are responsible for arranging all transportation for exchange points. We recommend that you drop off Leg 2 runner at the first exchange prior to the race start. Please minimize the time you spend at each exchange to help us manage impact to local residents.

Lunch

Participants will receive a delicious, local lunch from Willow Brook Farm and one free beer from Old Schoolhouse Brewery (21 years and older). Food is for registered participants only. Friends and family are welcome to bring a picnic lunch. No dogs allowed on the race course on finish line venue.

Directions

RACE START - From Twisp, head northwest on Hwy 20 through Winthrop approximately 21 miles. Turn right at the Mazama Junction and proceed straight to the stop sign. Go straight through the intersection and turn right into the Corral Trailhead Parking Lot.

RACE FINISH - From Twisp head 1/8 mile northwest on Hwy 20, cross bridge over Twisp River, take a immediate left on Ainsworth and a right on Berger St. After .3 mile Berger St. veers left, becomes Peters St. and turns to dirt. Follow signs to the Sunflower parking area on the right. Please drive slowly through the neighborhood!