The Ruff - Carson, WA
Skamania County, United States • 22 Nov 2026
Event overview
The Ruff is a trail race held on Sunday, November 22, 2026, in Carson, Washington, within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. The event is organized by Elevated Trail Racing LLC and is run under a special use permit in partnership with the US Forest Service.
Course and logistics
The race is a 7-mile out-and-back style course that starts and finishes at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Runners ascend about 3 miles with approximately 3,000 feet of elevation gain to the summit of Dog Mountain, then descend about 4 miles back to the finish. The course is run entirely on single-track trails, using the Dog Mountain Trail up and the Augspurger Trail down. Bib pickup is scheduled the morning of the race at the Dog Mountain Trailhead. Registration opens January 1, 2026.
Awards and amenities
Awards are given to the top three male and female finishers and to top masters male and female finishers. First place male and female finishers receive a pair of Inov-8 shoes. Additional awards include King/Queen of the Mountain for first male and female and a downhill award for the fastest male and female downhill time; an individual may win only one award. Beer will be provided by Ninkasi Brewing Company and pizza by Backwoods Brewing Company. Well behaved dogs are allowed on the course. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.