Cottontail 6 & 12 Hour

The Cottontail 6 and 12 Hour race is scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Carkeek Park in Seattle, Washington. Organized by Endless Trails, this event is a "reverse take" on their autumn race and serves as a primary fundraiser for trail advocacy and maintenance in the Northwest. The course consists of a rugged 1.93-mile clockwise loop featuring steep stairs, rolling singletrack, and significant elevation changes, with an optional 0.54-mile loop available to help runners fine-tune their distances. Despite the short loop length, each lap includes 436 feet of vertical gain, making for a cumulative physical challenge over the duration of the event. A virtual version of the race is also available throughout the month of April for those unable to attend in person.

Seattle is the largest city in Washington State and the seat of King County. The demographic profile of Seattle is approximately 59.5% White (Non-Hispanic), 17.7% Asian, 7.3% Black or African American, 7.0% Hispanic or Latino, 0.5% Native American, and 7.5% from two or more races. The city's median annual household income is approximately $115,400. Geographically, Carkeek Park covers 220 acres of forest, meadows, and wetlands, offering expansive vistas of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The climate in mid-April in the Pacific Northwest is characterized by average lows of 7°C (45°F) and highs of 14°C (57°F). Runners should expect damp conditions and lush vegetation, as spring in Seattle often brings frequent light rain that can make the steep trail sections and wooden stairs slick.

Registration for the 2026 Cottontail event closes on April 15th. The race is notable for its low-impact philosophy, aiming for near-zero waste and utilizing locally-sourced aid and prizes rather than traditional medals. Participants receive handmade bibs and track their progress with star stickers for each completed lap. For 2026, the organizers have introduced a run club competition where miles earned contribute to a season-wide tally for various clubs. All proceeds from the event support Endless Trails, a 501(c)3 non-profit. The all-time distance record for the 12-hour event was established by Alex Swenson in 2015, who covered 61.45 miles within the time limit.