Pigtails Challenge
Renton, United States • 23-24 May 2026
Pigtails Challenge
The Pigtails Challenge is a series of loop ultraruns held at Lake Youngs Watershed near Renton, WA. The course is a repeating loop with about 900 feet of elevation gain per loop. While the course is not described as technical mountain terrain, the repeated elevation adds substantial cumulative vertical gain over longer distances. The event is presented with on-course support suitable for training within a supported race environment.
Distances offered include:
- 200 Mile
- 150 Mile
- 100 Mile
- 100 Kilometer
- 50 Kilometer
The 200 mile and 150 mile options include an initial unsupported section completed independently from the event; the final 100 miles for those distances are completed on the Lake Youngs loop together with the 100 mile field. The loop format lets participants stop between laps and access aid repeatedly. As an example of cumulative gain, a 100 mile runner completes roughly 10 loops, or about 9,000 feet of vertical gain on the course. The description emphasizes repeated lap running and the mental and physical demands of carrying on lap after lap while using the course support and aid stations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.