Tiger Peak Challenge

Legs alive. 1,300 feet in under one mile. Two summits. Tiger Mountain State Forest, Issaquah, Washington. The Tiger Peak Challenge returns on Saturday, June 27, 2026. Choose 50k (two loops, multiple peaks), half marathon (one loop), 5 miles, or a kids race. The Section Line trail climbs West Tiger #1 — over 1,300 ft gain in less than a mile. If that doesn't satisfy your need for elevation, run it again. No refunds, but deferrals, transfers, and race switches available (fees apply).

Location & Setting:

• Tiger Mountain State Forest, Issaquah, WA — 13,745‑acre working forest
• Includes West Tiger Mountain Natural Resources Conservation Area
• Recreational opportunities: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian trails, hang gliding, paragliding, and some of the best mountain trail running in the area
• Start/finish at Clark Elementary School (700 2nd Ave SE, Issaquah)

Course Details — 50k & Half Marathon:

• Start at Clark Elementary → 1st Ave → SE Bush Street → Rainier Trail
• Cross SE 2nd Ave, then long climb up High School Trail
• Section Line trail: over 1,300 ft elevation gain in less than 1 mile to the summit of West Tiger #1
• Half and 50k runners continue to West Tiger #3 Summit, then across the ridge to West Tiger Aid Station
• Short climb after aid station, then welcome descent
• Half runners split from 50k runners (50k gets an extra session of trail before rejoining the main loop)
• Both distances follow undulating trails back toward High Point Way Aid Station, then to Lap Aid
• Half runners descend Rainier Trail to finish at Clark Elementary
• 50k runners continue onto a second loop (repeat the course)

Course Details — 5 Mile:

• Starts on High School Trail, then takes a left onto gently graded trails through the Tradition Plateau
• Lush forests and wetlands, more sensible vert than the longer distances
• Still a solid challenge for intermediate trail runners

Aid Stations:

• Volunteer‑staffed aid stations throughout the course
• Food, hydration (water, electrolyte), and medical support
• Finish line: assortment of yummy food and treats

Trail Etiquette:

• Trails open to other users (hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians) during the event
• See FAQ page for guidelines on sharing the trails — be courteous

What's Included:

• Chip timing
• Finisher medal
• Event shirt (technical fabric — check registration for cutoff)
• Aid stations and finish line food
• Medical support on course
• Bag drop at start/finish
• Post‑race celebration

Registration & Refund Policy (No Refunds):

• Registration closes Friday, June 26, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT
• No refunds (vast majority of race costs are incurred pre‑race and non‑refundable)
• Three options if you cannot participate (fees apply):
  1. Defer entry to the same race next year (request before Thursday of race week, 11:59 PM)
  2. Transfer entry to another runner (up until race day start time)
  3. Switch to another Evergreen event with open registration (request before Thursday of race week, 11:59 PM)
• Cancelled or rescheduled races are not refunded.

Organizer:

• Evergreen Trail Runs, founded in 2010 by Roger Michel and Yumay Chang
• Sister brand to Orca Running (locally‑owned race production company)
• Dedicated to sustainable race organizing

Top Performances (50k Men):

• Zachary Szablewski — 5:03:45 (2019) — course record
• Keith Laverty — 5:05:01 (2021)
• Henry Stefan — 5:16:02 (2025)