Race Info
Registration, Fees, & Awards
Register Online Via UltraSignUP
Save some loot--Mail-in Entry
Kaniksu 50-miler Fees
Early Bird: $85.00
After October 14th: $100.00
After February 14th: $120.00
Tall Trees 29K
Early Bird: $50.00
After October 14th: $65.00
After February 14th: $75.00
Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race
Early Bird: $250.00
After October 14th: $300.00
After February 14th: $350.00
A typical entry for the ruck race is a 5-person team. Folks have expressed interest in completing the race solo or in smaller teams so here are discount codes to use on ULTRA SIGNUP for 1-4 person ruck teams;
Solo Ruck: SOLORUCK (60%)
Two Person Ruck: TWORUCK (40%)
Three Person Ruck: THREERUCK (30%
Four Person Ruck: FOURRUCK (15%)
Race Perks & Awards
All racers & teams will receive:
Tri-blend race shirt
Post-race dinner
Unique finishers award.
Kaniksu 50 & Tall Trees 29K Awards
Top 3 Overall Male & Female
Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race
Top 3 Teams Overall
A very special award for last place
Event Schedule
June 12th, 2020
5:00-8:00PM--Packet pick-up and/or race registration. If you are a relay team, please bring a team roster with teammates assigned to each leg of the K50. Registration is located at Frater Lake, WA .
7:00-8:00PM--SERE Beer Mile. Each participant has 4 beers and must run the marked 1/4 mile trail. Participant is required to drink one beer at the start of each 1/4 mile lap. Click HERE for official rules.
June 13th, 2020
4:00-5:30AM--Race site is open for packet pick-up, registration, and drop-bag collection. ALL RUNNERS AND RUCKERS need to check in at the timer's table next to the start line to pick up their race timing "Dibber".
5:00-5:30--Ruck/Pack inspection and weigh-ins. ALL TEAM MEMBERS MUST BE PRESENT.
5:30AM--All drop-bags must be dropped off at the drop bag staging area.
5:30-6:00AM--SERE Memorial & Race Briefing
6:12AM--Start for the Kaniksu50 & Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race
10:30-10:50AM--Tall Trees Race Briefing
11:00AM--Start time for Tall Trees 29K
7:00PM--Cut-off for Tall Trees (8hr)
6:00-8:00PM--BBQ Time for everybody!
10:12PM--Cut-off for Kaniksu50 (16hr)
June 14th, 2020
2:12AM--Cut-off for the Emory Corwine Memorial Ruck Race (20hr)
Course Information
ATTENTION: THE 50-MILE COURSE WILL CHANGE FOR 2020.
The proposed course is currently under review with the U.S. Forest Service. We will post final course details once we are approved. Use this link to preview the proposed course.
32-mile first loop
18-mile out-and-back
7,281' of elevation gain
Link to Course Maps
Google Maps: This maps shows you a basic breakdown of the course.
CalTopo-Master: Use this program for a more thorough analysis of the route. Each leg is broken down for elevation profile and terrain statistics.
CalTopo-Tall Trees 29K: This map is designed for runners participating in the Tall Trees Race. This map will show the route is 16ish miles. Make no mistake..the route is closer to 18 miles.
Course Summary
40 Miles of Single Track Hiking/Motorcycle Trails with 10 miles of forest roads. The route contains a 16 mile loop, completed twice, features 11 miles of single track used mostly by hikers. These trails are in great shape; are very runnable; and are rarely used by motorcycles. There is also an out-and-back section that climbs to Granite Peak. This section has some technical spots, muddy sections, and deep ruts from motorcycles. This whole out-and-back section is very runnable throughout.
This course is broken down into five memorial legs that are in remembrance of the life of a fallen SERE Specialist. These legs are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5 with 1 representing the most difficult leg and 5 being the easiest. NOTE: Distances were obtained with a GPS in heavily wooded terrain. Distances will vary.
1st Leg: Colton A. Lauterbach Memorial Leg
Senior Airmen Colten A. Lauterbach, SERE Specialist, 23, of Rockport, TX., passed in a motorcycle accident while serving active duty in Spokane, Washington on August 16, 2015.
Length 9.5 miles - RANK 2
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100/1400 feet
Description: This leg starts at Frater Lake and travels up and down the ridge line behind Frater Lake. Runners/Ruckers have access to one aid station (Peak-Aid) along the way at approximately 5.5 miles and ends at the 550 Aid Station. This leg is can be deceivingly tough.
2nd Leg: Arthur R. Zozaya Memorial Leg
Senior Airmen (SrA) Arthur R. Zozaya, SERE Specialist, 25, passed on April 2, 1986 when an Air Force HC-130 Hercules was practicing navigation runs below 1,000 feet in snowy and windy weather in New Mexico when it crashed killing all 11 members on board.
Length 10 Miles - Rank 5
Elevation Gain/Loss: 895/1178 feet
Description: This leg is mainly downhill and fast. It travels down Rocky Creek road. Runners/Ruckers have access to one water-only aid station about half-way to Frater Lake HQ. The memorial leg continues through Frater Lake for a short 3 mile climb to reach Just Up the Hill Aid Station. Fast downhill with a hard climb at the end and just the way SrA Zozaya would have liked it.
3rd Leg: Christopher W. Sheaffer Memorial Leg
Master Sergeant (MSgt) Christopher W. Sheaffer, SERE Specialist, 35, passed during a military freefall accident at the Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, AZ on September 12, 2000.
Length 14 Miles ("ish") - Rank 1
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2200/2800
Description: The crux. This leg leaves Just Up the Hill and climbs to the summit of Granite Peak and back down to Frater Lake. You will have access to Granite Junction aid station and a Granite Peak (water-only) on the way up and down at 24.1 and 28.5 & 32. This is a very difficult route and shouldn't be taken lightly. Embrace the suck :)
4th Leg: Roger A. Ross Memorial Leg
Sergeant Roger A. Ross, SERE Specialist, 23, passed due to a fall when the cable snapped 70 ft above the ground while being hoisted by an HH-60 during an operation in South Korea on March 13 1991.
Length 9.75 miles - Rank 2
Elevation Gain/Loss: 2100/1400 feet
Description: This is the same route as Leg 1. Runners/Ruckers have access to one aid station (Peak-Aid) along the way at approximately 5.5 miles and ends at the 550 Aid Station. This leg is a lot tougher the second time.
5th Leg: Kurt H. Ellington Memorial Leg
SSgt Kurt H. Ellington, SERE Specialist, 30, passed during a helicopter accident on a parachute training mission at Edwards AFB, CA on October 10, 1991.
Length 7 Miles - Rank 5
Elevation Gain/Loss: 895/1178 feet
Description: This leg is the same as Leg 2. It travels down Rocky Creek road. Runners/Ruckers have access to one water-only aid station about half-way to the Finish/Frater Lake HQ. The memorial leg continues through Frater Lake for a short 3 mile climb to reach Just Up the Hill Aid Station. Almost home, time to leg it out!
Aid Stations & Crew Access
Runners/Ruckers will have access to 12 aid stations that range from fully stocked stations to water aid stations. Fully stocked aid stations contain items, such as: pretzels, peanut butter and honey sandwiches (little squares), peanut M&Ms, Oreos, Snickers (small), bananas, oranges, watermelon, Gels, Endurolytes, Coke, boiled potatoes with salt. Water stations are minimally manned and will have gels, water, and possibly an electrolyte drink.
Aid Station Flow:
Peak Aid Station--Mileage 5.25--Water Station
550 Aid Station--Mileage 9.5--Fully Stocked AS--Crew Access
Lost Creek Aid Station--Mileage 12.75--Water Station
Frater Lake HQ--Mileage 16.5--Fully Stocked--Crew Access
Just Up the Hill Aid Station--Mileage 19.5--Fully Stocked--Crew Access
Granite Junction Aid Station--Mileage 23--Fully Stocked
Granite Peak Aid Station--Mileage 25--Water Aid Station
Granite Junction AS--Mileage 27--Fully Stocked
Just Up the Hill AS--Mileage 30.5--Fully Stocked--Crew Access
Frater Lake HQ--Mileage 33.5--Fully Stocked--Crew Access
Peak AS--Mileage 38.75--Water Station
550 AS--Mileage 43--Fully Stocked--Crew Access
Lost Creek AS--Mileage 46.25--Water Station
Crew Support: After the race start, there will be a crew/spectator brief. It should be noted that crew access will be very limited.
Pacer Support
Pacers are allowed to complete the last loop of the race. Pacers can be picked up at Frater Lake HQ (mile 33.5) and/or 550 Aid Station (mile 43). All pacers MUST sign a waiver. Race members will be coming down from the Granite Peak out-and-back. Pacers should be in good physical condition and will bring gels/food items for themselves. No Muling for racers. Muling, meaning, you carry their gels/food/water.
Drop Bags
Racers have access to drop bags at the 550 Aid Station (miles: 9.5/43) and Frater Lake HQ (miles:16.5/33.5/50). Please mark bags with name and avoid placing valuables in bags. We are not responsible for lost or broken items and we will do our best to return Drop Bags in a timely manner.
Right-of-Way Rules
For this event, participants running downhill will have the right-of-way. This is particularly important during memorial leg-3 (Granite Peak out-and-back).
Additionally, these trails and roads are used by hikers, horses, ATV's and motorcycles. If you encounter these on the course it is your job to give them the right-of-way.
Cut-off Times While on Course
For K50 Runners: Race cut-off times will be enforced at Frater Lake HQ & 550 Rd Aid Station’s.
Loop 1: Must pass through Frater Lake HQ by 10:15AM
Must pass through Frater Lake HQ after the Granite Peak out-and-back by 5:00PM
During Loop 2: Must pass through 550 Aid Station by 8:00PM
For Ruckers: race cut-off times will also be enforced at Frater Lake HQ & 550 Aid Station.
Loop 1: Must pass through Frater Lake HQ by 1:15pm
Must pass thought Frater Lake HQ after the Granite Peak out-and-back by 9:15pm
During Loop 2: Must pass through 550 Aid Station by 12:00AM (Midnight).
K50 and Ruck Race Elevation Profile
Ruck Race Details
General Information
This race is different than just hiking through the woods. We recommend you practice with the boots, socks, pack and the weight you'll be carrying on race day. We highly encourage you to practice on gravel roads or trails and at the pace you plan to keep. Your feet and legs will be destroyed if you think you can wing this race.
Teams: the typical entry for the ruck race is a 5 person team. Folks have expressed interest in completing the race solo or in smaller teams so here are the discount codes to use on ULTRA SIGNUP for 1-4 person ruck teams;
Solo Ruck: SOLORUCK (60%)
Two Person Ruck: TWORUCK (40%)
Three Person Ruck: THREERUCK (30%
Four Person Ruck: FOURRUCK (15%)
The only requirement on race day (unless you're doing it solo) is to assign a name who will be completing which leg for accountability.
Outfits: Members are encouraged to look like a team and stand apart from other teams. There will be an award for Top Team Outfits.
Weather: Members can wear shorts or pants. Typical weather for our race has been very crazy. The first year we had thunderstorms and the second year it was 105 degrees!! Bottom line, please be prepared in advance for inclement weather.
Alternates: Teams can have two alternates on race day. These members must be declared before the start of the race. Each team captain will ensure their alternates sign a race waiver.
If there is no alternate, a member can complete multiple legs. No time penalty, just the suck of completing two legs.
If a member falls out during their leg the alternate can take their place but will be penalized 30 minutes. "Fall Out" is defined by the member physically unable to complete their assigned leg. It is not defined by improper training or trying to split up the relay legs in order to gain a competitive advantage. If the race staff feels you are trying to cheat you will be disqualified.
If a team member falls out you MUST let a race official know. Failure to do so will be grounds for disqualification.
If your team wants to split up the Granite Leg, you can but at price of a 2hr time penalty. This should be declared before the start of the race so please let the race staff know your intentions.
If you fail to keep the pace you will be pulled from the race. Time limits are put in place not only for your safety, but the race staff, volunteers, and all involved with the event. If you get pulled from the race you will be directed back to the start/finish or to the area that best fits extraction to the start/finish. If your team is pulled from the race there will be no refunds.
Night Time: All Ruck teams must be prepared for the situation that their team is navigating the course at night. Very bright headlamps, extra batteries and appropriate cold/wet weather gear is a must for any team planning on pushing the time limit.
Ruck Requirements
Your ruck or pack must have an Internal or External Frame. NO WEIGHT VESTS
35 pounds for males and 25 pounds for females (Females can carry 35 if they want). Weight includes pack weight. All rucks will be weighed prior to the start and upon the baton exchange. Pack weight, when weighed, will be without water.
Participants are encouraged to use non-perishable goods for weight (Canned Goods, Rice etc). Food Items will be collected at the finish line and will be donated to the 2nd Harvest Food Bank. Please keep labels on food items and in original state. Duct taping goods together is allowed. (Place cans in bag and then tape to keep from ripping off labels) Large bags of rice and flour have been popular items in the past.
Participants CANNOT use rocks or logs for these are items that can be picked up along the course.
Participants are encouraged to wear military or hiking boots. Trail running shoes can be worn but at your own risk.
Baton Requirements
As with any relay, your team needs a baton.
The baton can be carried or packed, but MUST be passed upon completion of your leg.
Batons MUST be a minimum of 1 foot in length and will not be provided.
We've seen samurai swords, carbon fiber arrows, axes, light sabers & foam swords to name a few.
Relay Legs
The relay legs memorialize the life of a fallen SERE Specialist. Ruck teams will be required to assign one Rucker per memorial leg. Your race strategy will be very important come Race Day. Proper placement of your team members will be key to your team's success.
Tall Trees 29K Details
Course Summary
Make no mistake, the Tall Trees 29K course is an absolute grind! In the long course, this section crushes and demoralizes both runners and ruckers. The majority of the route is on the 3rd leg and memorializes MSgt Chris "Sheaf" Sheaffer. This out-and-back section climbs to summit of Granite Peak has some technical spots, tight switchbacks, muddy sections, and deep ruts from motorcycles.
Link to Course Maps
CalTopo-Tall Trees 29K: This map is designed for runners participating in the Tall Trees Race. This map will show the route is 16ish miles. Make no mistake..the route is closer to 18 miles.
Aid Stations
Runners will have access to 5 aid stations that range from stations that are fully stocked to water stations. Fully stocked aid stations contain items such as: pretzels, peanut butter and honey sandwiches (little squares), peanut M&Ms, Oreos, Snickers (small), bananas, oranges, watermelon, Gels, Endurolytes, Coke, boiled potatoes with salt. Water stations are minimally manned and will have gels, water, and an electrolyte drink.
Aid Station Flow:
Frater Lake HQ--Start
Just Up the Hill Aid Station--Mileage 3--Fully Stocked
Granite Junction Aid Station--Mileage 7--Fully Stocked
Granite Peak Aid Station--Mileage 9--Water Aid Station
Granite Junction AS--Mileage 11--Fully Stocked
Just Up the Hill AS--Mileage 14.5--Fully Stocked
Frater Lake HQ--Mileage 17.5--Finish
NOTE: Due to the tight switch-backs and dense cover, the GPS reading are not accurate. This course is closer to 18 miles.
Crew Support: NO CREW SUPPORT FOR TALL TREES PARTICIPANTS
Pacer Support
Pacers are NOT permitted for the Tall Trees Course.
Drop Bags
Drop bags are NOT permitted for Tall Trees Participants.
Right-of-Way Rules
For this event, runners/ruckers that are running downhill will have the right-of-way. This is particularly important during memorial leg-3 (Granite Peak out-and-back).
Additionally, these trails and roads are used by hikers, horses, ATV's and motorcycles. If you encounter these on the course it is your job to give them the right-of-way.
Cut-off Times While on Course
There is an overall cut-off time of 8 hours for Tall Trees Participants.
Tall Trees 29K Elevation Profile
Lodging Details
Camping Information
Camping is NOT ALLOWED at Frater Lake.
For this event only, the event camp site is located off of Rocky Creek Road. Click HERE for Driving Directions.
Nearby U.S. Forest Service campgrounds include: Lake Thomas, Lake Gillette, Lake Leo (The closest established camp is Lake Leo-Click HERE for Driving Directions)
Hotel & Cabin Rentals
Beaver Lodge Resort offers cabins, campsites and a restaurant and is 10 minutes from Frater Lake.
For those who want cell service try the Riverview Inn/Motel in Ione, WA which is 10.4 miles away.