Yakima Skyline 50k

Yakima Skyline 50K : Ellensburg, WA

The Yakima Skyline 50K is an out and back trail race held outside Ellensburg, Washington in and above the Yakima River Canyon on lands that were part of the ancestral home of the Yakama people. The route traverses a high desert rainshadow environment with exposed ridgelines, sagebrush, and sections of singletrack and rocky jeep road.

The course gains and loses about 9,200 feet over rough, technical terrain. Runners should expect long steep climbs, steep downhills, and rocky, uneven surfaces. The trail is often hot and dry with little shade, and rattlesnakes may be present. The route is well marked with arrows and confidence ribbons and includes a turnaround at the Buffalo Aid Station to complete the out and back.

There are three full aid stations and one minimal aid station stocked with water, electrolyte drink, food items, gels, first aid supplies and menstrual hygiene products. Cutoff rules are enforced at aid stations and sweeps will remove course markings after cutoffs. All runners must be able to carry at least 32 oz of water on their person during the race; failure to meet this requirement will result in disqualification.

The event offers free primitive camping on private riverfront land for tents and small RVs up to 25 feet; no water or hookups are provided and campers must bring their own supplies. Parking is organized at an overflow gravel lot near the Umtanum Creek Recreation Area and participants are asked not to use the main paved day-use lot. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.