Backcountry Rise 20 Miler 2024 Race Report
Clarisse and I returned for our third annual Backcountry Rise 20 Miler- this time on an alternate course!
Sunday, 8/18/2024
Goal: Sub 6 hours
Official finish time: 5:52:56
The race profile says this course is 4,800 ft but my Strava logged ~4,400 ft. The usual course is about 20.8 miles, but Clarisse and I logged ~22 miles for this year's alternate course.
Clarisse and I returned for our third annual Backcountry Rise 20 Miler!!
This is my favorite race of all time. The course is tough, the views are stunning, and the vibes are so fun!
I've yet to complete a true training cycle for this race... the late summer race date is just inconvenient timing with my other hobbies. But I trail run as much as I can in between mountaineering, climbing objectives, and general life.
Course
Backcountry Rise 2024 featured an alternate course, due to the 2023 Spirit Highway washout.
While I love the views of the original course, I do think the alternate course (which was still extremely scenic as well) is more runnable.
The race starts at the Science & Learning Center. We ran downhill for 5 beautiful miles along Coldwater Lake at sunrise. These first few miles are fast but crowded; it is difficult to pass on the narrow singletrack.
The crowds thin at the first Coldwater Creek Aid Station. This early (hike in– thank the volunteers!) aid station is bare bones, but it's not a bad idea to top off on water here if needed. I didn't drink much during the first few early morning downhill miles, but you definitely want to go into the exposed sections of the race with as much water as possible. It's 10 hot miles until the next aid station.
Immediately after the first aid station, we cross a wooden bridge and the climbing begins. For the alternate course, it was a 2600’ climb up the Coldwater Trail over 4.3 miles until the Coldwater Junction Turnaround Point. There was a hornets nest here.
The ridge has gorgeous views, as well as some exposed washed out terrain to keep you focused. Some of these sections can be a bit spicy for those afraid of heights.
Since this section of the alternate course was an out and back, it was tedious yielding to the faster downhill runners on the way up. However, when it was my turn to run downhill... it was pretty freaking fun! The trail was flowy and very fun to run.
The descent was runnable, with great views of Coldwater Lake. Reentering the forest, there's shade for some more flowy downhill miles until Aid Station #2 at South Coldwater. These volunteers brought the vibes and had lots of fun Bigfoot decor!
Leaving South Coldwater Aid Station, my stoke was high with less than 6 miles to go. Unfortunately, my spirits were slightly dampened by having to road run (bleh!) along Spirit Lakes Highway's shoulder for a mile.
After, we entered the Hummocks Trail loop, which was also quite runnable but still not my favorite. The original course sticks to the rocky, volcanic ridges which makes for more difficult running but way more rewarding views.
This loop passed a few ponds before spitting us back out onto the cursed Spirit Lake Highway shoulder before turning onto the Coldwater Lake Boat Launch entrance road. Passing through the boat launch day use area, the course begins the 500’ climb back up to the Science & Learning Center for the race finish!
If you're allergic to hornets, beware this course (or at least bring an epipen)! I witnessed or heard five people say they got stung (including Clarisse) and I'm sure there were more...
Atmosphere
The race directors, volunteers, and photographer James Holk were all incredible as usual! They all contribute to a fun, high energy atmosphere. It's always a good time at Backcountry Rise. Clarisse and I wore glitter, which was a huge hit.
The finish swag is a Backcountry Rise mason jar which you can fill with kombucha on tap! The post-race burrito hit the spot. There were good vegan options.
The race photos are free and really beautiful.
Performance
While I didn't have time to complete as much running specific training as I would have liked, I was pleasantly surprised by how well my general fitness carried over! I felt a lot more fit and strong.
Last year, I earned my first DNF due to the terrible smoke. But my first Backcountry Rise, I remember it felt like I was crawling up the final 500' climb. I was moving from tree to tree to hide in the shade– it took so long. This year, I was able to run the entire hill!
Though the course was slightly different this year as well, I still PR'd by 48 minutes! Clarisse also had a big PR.