Starting today, August 25th, teammates Alyson and Hazel will set off on separate teams to compete at the 36th Annual Hood to Coast Relay. Considered the “Mother of All Relays,” HTC started in 1982, today hosts 1,050 teams of 12 runners (8 minimum), travels 199 miles, and has sold out on the first day for the last 19 years straight…The start line begins at Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood (approx. 65 miles east of downtown Portland), and finishes in Seaside, OR tomorrow, Saturday, August 26th. We’re excited to hear all the delirious stories of these two teammates, and hope that there’s a little smack talk in competing against each other for once.
On Saturday, August 26th, Maria will compete at the Cutthroat Classic in Mazama, WA – an 11 mile trail run through the North Cascades, which follows the Pacific Crest Trail and over Cutthroat Pass. This race too, constantly sells out. The course – Beginning at Rainy Pass on the North Cascades Scenic Hwy., elevation (4,870 feet); the route follows the Pacific Crest Trail north on a steady, gradual 5 mile climb to Cutthroat Pass (elevation 6,835 feet). Racers will then descend 4 miles down to Cutthroat Lake, continuing gradually down for 2 miles to the Cutthroat Creek Trailhead (elevation 4,480 feet).
Rounding out the weekend, on Saturday, August 26th at 9:00 am to Sunday, August 27th, Scarlett will be pacing her friend and fellow competitor Katelyn Gerbin at the 19th Edition of the Cascade Crest 100. Scarlett and Katelyn have raced each other in Squamish and Orcas, and for the Cascade Crest they will work together to achieve Gerbin’s goals. Due to the closure of the Salmon la Sac Rd. that services the second half of the course, and because of forest fires, the Cascade Crest course has been altered, and in 2017 will serve as an out and back, from Easton to Hyak and back. The course is actually 102 miles long, and has an elevation gain of 22,250 feet. “Cascade Crest is non-profit and seeks to offer an awesome 100 mile experience while also supporting the Easton Volunteer Fire Department and other worthy service organizations.” They also “…promote [their] trail community by supporting trail improvement organizations like the Washington Trails Association. Requiring all runners to complete a day of trail work…” We really appreciate the community Cascade Crest brings together, and how much they give back.
Best of luck to Alyson, Hazel, Maria, Scarlett and Katelyn Gerbin this weekend! Results to follow!
