Sunflower Relay, Half Marathon and Marathon

The Sunflower Marathon, Half Marathon, and Relay is a prestigious endurance event scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, in the Methow Valley of Washington. Now in its 45th year, the race is unique for traversing flower-carpeted meadows and private lands that are accessible to the public for this single day only. The course begins in Mazama and winds through single-track trails and gravel roads before finishing in the town of Twisp. Organized by the non-profit Methow Trails, the event supports year-round trail operations and maintains a strict "no dogs" policy to respect the generous private landowners.

The Methow Valley is located in Okanogan County, Washington, situated on the eastern slopes of the North Cascades. The finish line in Twisp serves a community of approximately 1,000 residents, while the surrounding valley is a premier destination for cross-country skiing and trail running. The county's population is approximately 63.5% White (non-Hispanic), 20.5% Hispanic or Latino, 11.8% Indigenous (primarily Colville Confederated Tribes), 0.6% Asian, and 0.5% Black. The median annual household income in Okanogan County is approximately $54,000.

The course begins at an elevation of 2,180 feet and peaks at 2,600 feet. In late April, the Methow Valley typically experiences average lows of 1°C (34°F) and highs of 16°C (61°F). The valley is known for its dramatic mountain scenery, including views of the North Cascades and Chelan Sawtooths. Because the course traverses private land, detailed maps are not provided until packet pickup, and pre-running the route is strictly prohibited to maintain positive relationships with the local property owners.

Morning shuttles are provided Saturday to transport marathon and half-marathon participants from the finish line in Twisp to their respective starting points at Mazama and Chickadee Trailheads. However, there is no return shuttle following the race. Registration for the 2026 event is currently sold out, with the window for 2027 entries opening in May. Methow Trails operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and proceeds from the event directly fund the maintenance and operation of the regional trail system throughout the year.