Dark Divide Trail Races

Dark Divide Trail Races

The Dark Divide Trail Races take place from September 4 to 6, 2026. The races are held in the Dark Divide Roadless Area, a large and remote region within the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest in the Central Washington Cascades. The start and finish area and race headquarters are located at the Cispus Learning Center near Randle, Washington. The Cispus Learning Center offers full facilities with bunkhouses, showers, a kitchen, and parking. There is also car, tent, and RV camping nearby.

The event offers four trail race distances:

• 100 Miler
• 100K
• 50K
• 15 Miler

The 100 Miler distance is now a qualifier for the Hardrock 100 Endurance Run. This race has a formal qualification requirement. Participants must provide verifiable evidence of prior trail race completion, such as finishing a 100-mile race with significant elevation gain within the last five years, or submit a wilderness activity portfolio for review.

The course is described as steep, technical, and remote, taking runners on seldom-traveled trails through sub-alpine ridges, valleys with old trees, and past wild streams and waterfalls. A volunteer service requirement of eight hours is in place for participants in the 100 Miler and 100K distances, to be completed before race check-in.

Cash prizes are offered for the 100 Miler, including awards for the first female, male, and non-binary runners to finish under specific time thresholds, and larger prizes for runners who complete the race five times.

The organizer acknowledges the event takes place on the traditional lands of indigenous peoples, including the Cowlitz, Xwáłxwaypam (Klikitat), and Yakama. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.