Leavenworth Trail Fest

The Leavenworth Trail Fest is a mountain running celebration held in the German-themed town of Leavenworth, Washington, on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains. Scheduled for Saturday, May 23, 2026, the festival base is located at the Leavenworth Ski Hill Area. The event features a variety of distances ranging from a beginner-friendly 5k to a rigorous 55k ultramarathon, with courses showcasing steep ridgelines, flowy single-track, and expansive views of the alpine desert landscape.

The festival actively works with regional organizations to improve the mountain running community. In the Pacific Northwest trail running scene, participation remains predominantly White at approximately 82.4%. Hispanic and Latino runners represent roughly 7.8% of the regional trail population, followed by Asian-American participants at 5.2% and Black runners at 2.1%. These statistics reflect broader national trends in ultramarathoning, where White athletes typically comprise over 80% of the field, though local initiatives are seeing a gradual increase in diverse representation through targeted access programs.

Event Logistics and Participant Information:

• -- Course Details: The 27k (Skyline) route is part of the Vert Running Series and climbs "The Nut" before reaching Tumwater Ridge. The 55k is a double-loop version of this course with seven aid station stops.
• -- Divisions: The 27k features Elite, Sport, and Masters (45+) divisions. The 5k includes a specific U19 category for youth athletes.
• -- Youth Access: Runners under the age of 20 can utilize the coupon code YOUTH2026 for a 50% discount on all race distances.
• -- Swag and Sustainability: 27k and 55k finishers can choose between a custom physical award or having three trees planted in the PNW through One Tree Planted.
• -- Awards: Top finishers in the 27k Elite division earn entries to the Vert Running Series Championship. Custom wooden awards are provided for the top three in all categories.
• -- Festival Activities: The event includes a Friday packet pickup with live music, a kids' "zoomies" race, and traditional German games like Hammerslag at the Ski Hill Lodge.
• -- Registration: Online registration closes on Thursday, May 21, 2026. Volunteers earn a credit per hour served, which is applicable toward future race entries.

Leavenworth Trail Fest balances high-performance competition with a Bavarian-style social atmosphere, providing a comprehensive mountain experience for the regional running community.