Rainier to Ruston Relay
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Rainier to Ruston Relay
The Rainier to Ruston Relay is a 50 mile team relay that runs from the foothills of Mount Rainier to Tacoma’s Ruston Way waterfront. Teams are organized in groups of 2, 3, 4, or 6 runners who travel together in a single vehicle and complete the course in multiple handoff legs.
The route follows the Foothills Trail, a historic railroad corridor, and is divided into 12 scenic, mostly downhill relay legs. The course includes a notable sand segment near Puyallup, and organizers provide cookies along the course.
At the finish on Ruston Way there is a finish festival with a craft beer garden, food, music, vendors, team photos, and waterfront views. Participants receive event items such as a custom shirt, medal, and buff. Relay traditions include a competition for a railroad spike and a special Sand Leg medal for the Puyallup segment.
The event serves as a fundraiser for the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, which has worked since 1984 to complete a continuous Mountain-to-Sound connection from Mount Rainier to Puget Sound. Proceeds support trail completion, maintenance, public access, volunteer work parties, habitat restoration, and ongoing stewardship of the Foothills Trail. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
