Yakima Skyline 50km and 25km take place on the third Saturday in April in central Washington. Starting at Umtanum Recreation area and offering dispersed camping for runners at the start/finish line, the races are a fun and easy way to get in some challenging spring miles without snow. The long course is a steep though non-technical 31.2mi out-and-back with 9340ft gain. The weather is typically warm to hot and the course follows mostly exposed hills of sagebrush and grass above the river valley offering expansive views.
The races are well-organized by race directors James Varner and Katy Farrell of Rainshadow Running. Known for creating an exceptional experience for runners and spectators, Rainshadow races have post-race wood-fired pizza and live bluegrass after every event. Yakima Skyline was no exception and also draws a handful of elite runners from the Pacific Northwest. This year’s running included Tyler Green, Maria Dalzot and Stacy Marion.
While I typically don’t sign up for races to train, this was an exception since many of our trails were still under snow in Missoula. Rather than tapering for a week to ten days as would be typical for a 50km event, it made more sense for me to keep my typical training volume and intensity up until race day. For that reason, it was also easy to focus on my main process goals which included keeping the pace conservative and steady for the first half of the race so I could keep moving as the day heated up in the second half. It wasn’t surprising for me then to be in 6th coming into halfway at the turn around. I’d also spent the majority of the first half relaxed and chatting with other trail runners from the area which doesn’t lend itself well to ideal pacing in a race environment. It was worth it though for the great conversation.
Coming back from the turnaround, and back over the two main climbs, we were lucky to have some cloud cover which cut the heat to some extent. In the final quarter of the race though I ended up passing three other women who were having issues with quads from the steep descents, intestinal issues with the the intense effort, or dehydration from the steadily increasing heat. Even with the cloud cover, the longest distance between aid stations is about 8mi and 2500ft gain, making it likely to run out of water later in the race on a warm day.
After the fourth and final steep ascent, the course climbs steadily on a dirt two-track and up to one last ridgeline water station. After filling, you head directly downhill on a final fast and furious descent. It is absolutely terrifyingly fun and a good place to finally open up since it is within 2-3 more miles and about 2500’ down to the finish.
Having a laid-back attitude and not getting caught up in the race doesn’t always turn into a podium finish but it ended up working well for me in this scenario. Stacy Marion, finished in first in under 6h and Darla Askew finished in second.
The finish line feels are warm and inviting at Rainshadow Running races with everyone kicked back enjoying beers and pizza along with live music and a bonfire. Truly an exceptional race experience and I highly recommend this event.
Link to results: 2023 Yakima Skyline 50km