Tiger Claw is a challenging trail running event held at Tiger Mountain in Issaquah, Washington. Scheduled for May 8–9, 2026, the race is known for its steep vertical gains and technical Pacific Northwest terrain. The event is hosted at the Issaquah Community Center and offers several formats ranging from a short, intense vertical climb to a grueling 50-mile "Double" ultramarathon.
Race Formats and DistancesThe event features a unique "choose your own adventure" style for the 50k, where runners decide the order in which they complete three distinct loops. A new relay format, the "Ambush," is introduced for the 2026 season.
| Event Name | Distance | Elevation Gain | Start Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ascent | 2.5 Miles | 2,500 ft | Friday, 6:00 PM |
| 50k | 31 Miles | ~8,500 ft | Saturday, 7:00 AM |
| Big Cat | Ascent + 50k | ~11,000 ft | Fri 6 PM / Sat 7 AM |
| Ambush (Relay) | 3-Person Team | Varies by Loop | Saturday, 10:00 AM |
| Double | 50 Miles | ~17,000 ft | TBD (Limited years) |
The geography of Tiger Mountain provides a mix of rugged single-track and steep "fire road" style climbs, most notably the Cable Line route used for the Ascent. In early May, the Issaquah area typically experiences temperate but unpredictable weather, with average highs of 18°C (64°F) and a high probability of damp conditions that can make the steep descents technical and slippery. Two main aid stations, Base Camp and High Camp, provide standard ultramarathon fare. The race follows a cupless policy to reduce environmental impact, requiring all participants to carry their own hydration vessels.
Logistically, the event utilizes unique timing devices for the 50k to ensure all three mandatory loops (White: 10.5 miles, Pink: 12.5 miles, and Yellow: 13.5 miles) are completed. Cutoff times are strictly enforced, with a 2-hour limit for the Ascent and a 10-hour limit for the 50k. Registration includes high-quality finishers' gear, such as ice bandanas and custom hoodies. The event is inclusive, featuring equal podium prizing and specific categories for Men, Women, and Non-Binary runners.
May 08, 2026
Distance — 4K
Type — Running
18:00
$88.00
May 08, 2026
Distance — 54K
Type — Running
18:00
$210.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
07:00
$170.00
May 09, 2026
Distance — 50K
Type — Running
10:00
$320.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for May in Issaquah.
Learn more about the host city, Issaquah.
Issaquah is a city of 40,000 people (2019) in King County in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Its historic downtown is a popular base for hiking in the foothills of the Cascades.
Read more launchWatch highlights and course previews from previous years.
Explore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on Issaquah, Washington, US
calendar_today Apr 18, 2026
location_on Bellevue, Washington, US
calendar_today May 09, 2026
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