Mad Meadows 50
Leavenworth, United States • 10 Oct 2026
Event overview
Mad Meadows takes place on October 10, 2026, near Leavenworth, Washington, with start and finish at Grouse Creek Group Campground on Chiwawa River Road. The event offers two distances:
- 50K
- 50 Mile
The course is remote and reaches high elevations, with the 50K topping out above 6000 ft and the 50 Mile above 7000 ft. Recorded elevation gain is 6000 ft for the 50K and 11,000 ft for the 50 Mile. The route runs on USFS-managed lands under a special use permit with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Course and logistics
Both distances start on Chiwawa River Road. Key route features include Minnow Creek and Minnow Ridge, Basalt Pass, Garland Ridge and pumice slopes from the Dakobed eruption, Chikamin Ridge, Mad River, Mad Meadows Aid Station, Alder Ridge, Entiat Aid Station, and a final section of single track along Chiwawa River Road back to the campground.
Aid station mileages:
- 50 Mile: miles 7, 13, 22 (water only), 26, 35, 44
- 50K: miles 4, 9, 17, 27
Race policies and support: the event is cupless (runners must carry a refillable container), pacers are not allowed, and crew may meet runners at Rock Creek, Basalt, Chikamin, and Entiat aid stations. Drop bags: 50 Mile at Basalt and Chikamin; 50K at Chikamin. Required gear includes a downloaded course GPS and minimum water and jacket capacities (1L for 50K; 2L and a headlamp for 50 Mile). A free kids race of approximately 1 mile is offered. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.