Carkeek Cooler Trail Run

Carkeek Cooler Trail Run

Carkeek Cooler is a trail running event at Carkeek Park in Seattle, Washington, offering 5k and 10k options. The course starts and finishes in the Lower Meadow next to Piper’s Creek and runs mostly through forested terrain.

The route is 85% forest with a mix of trail types: about 64% fast, wide trail and 36% narrower, rolling trail. The 5k follows Piper’s Creek Trail then climbs the South Ridge Trail before descending to the meadow on the Hillside Trail. The 10k consists of two loops of the 5k course. Elevation gain is listed as 480 feet for the 5k and 960 feet for the 10k. Distance and climb measurements were made with a measuring wheel and contour map.

Aid is available at the start/finish, which is the halfway point for 10k runners. The aid station provides water, an electrolyte drink, and a selection of carbohydrate or salty foods such as cookies, energy bar pieces, gels, chews, chips, bagels, fruity candy, fig bars, and bananas.

Other event notes: trails remain open to other users during the event, participants are responsible for their own safety, and dogs are not allowed on course under USATF policies. Runners under 20 are eligible for a $10 discount on pre-registration or event-day entry. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.