Gulch Countdown

Gulch Countdown

Gulch Countdown is a Last Person Standing trail race held in Japanese Gulch in Mukilteo, WA. The course is a 2.18 mile loop through forested terrain with ferns, mossy trees, and large cedars. The setting is described as rolling hills that give a mountain feel within the local area.

The event is a timed series of loops rather than a single continuous race. The first loop has a 32 minute cutoff; finishers within the cutoff may use remaining time at aid before all starters begin the next loop together in the opposite direction with a 31 minute cutoff. With each additional loop the cutoff is reduced by one minute. After 12 loops, which equals a marathon distance, loop times decrease by 30 seconds and continue to shorten until only one runner remains.

A full aid station is provided on course. Five dollars from every registration is allocated to trail improvements in Japanese Gulch. There is a separate competition and recognition for the fastest lap of the day for men and for women.

The event is organized by the Japanese Gulch Runners, a local running club formed in January 2017 to create a welcoming community for trail runners in Snohomish County. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.