Overview
The Dark Divide 50K is not for the faint of heart. This is a truly rugged ultramarathon that rewards grit, preparation, and a love for raw wilderness. Starting along the quiet waters of the Cispus River, the course climbs high onto the spine of Tongue Mountain and carries runners out along Juniper Ridge, one of the most spectacular ridgelines in the Washington Cascades.
With over 9,000ft of climbing, steep technical sections, and remote alpine terrain, this race will challenge even the strongest ultrarunners. But the reward is unforgettable: sweeping panoramas of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood, plus wildflower meadows and rocky ridges that feel like the top of the world. Dark Divide isn’t just a race — it’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after you’ve crossed the finish line.
Sunday, September 7, 2025
Registration
Opens
Jan 1, 2025, 12:00 AM
Closes
Sep 5, 2025, 11:59 PM
Registration Fee
$125

Hard Rock Qualifier

UTMB Index Qualifier
Official race details:
This race is Trail Mix Fund eligible!

The Trail Mix Fund helps remove barriers in trail racing by covering race entry fees for under-served and under-represented runners, creating a more diverse and welcoming start line.
Course
Distance:
50
K
Course type:
Out and back
Elevation gain:
▲
9,000 ft
Elevation loss:
▼
9,000 ft
Max altitude:
6,000 ft
Start time:
Sep 7, 2025
12:00 AM
Cutoff time:
11HR overall, cutoff at 6:00PM
Course Description
The Dark Divide 50K is a mountain ultramarathon that climbs from the Cispus River up Tongue Mountain, then rolls across the knife-edge beauty of Juniper Ridge all the way to Sunrise Peak before returning. Expect steep climbs, rocky technical footing, and exposed ridge running. It’s one of the most demanding 50Ks in the Pacific Northwest, but also one of the most rewarding with long alpine stretches and endless views of the Cascade volcanoes.
Logistics
Driving Directions
Parking
Parking is available at the Cispus Learning Center for runners, crew, and visitors. Overnight parking is allowed for campers. Carpooling is encouraged.
Lodging
Camping is available at the Cispus Learning Center for runners and crew. Additional lodging options can be found in Randle, WA.
Aid Stations
Runners will find well-stocked aid stations offering food, hydration, and encouragement in the remote backcountry. Crew access is available at select points.
Race Requirements
This is not a beginner-level ultramarathon. Runners should come prepared with significant trail running experience, strong mountain fitness, and comfort in remote, technical terrain.
Trail Work
Mandatory Gear
Runners must be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions. Suggested gear includes:
Hydration system (required, as the race is cupless)
Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Please refer to Wonderland Running's website for cancelation policies.
Dogs
Dogs are not allowed on the race course for the safety of runners, volunteers, and wildlife.
Crew, Pacers & Spectators
Crew and spectators are welcome at the Cispus Learning Center start and finish. Crew may also access certain aid stations as designated by the race director. All visitors are asked to respect the quiet wilderness environment and follow Leave No Trace practices.
Volunteers
Volunteers are encouraged to help with aid stations, registration, and festival logistics. Interested parties can sign up at the race website.
Volunteer opportunities include:
Aid station support
Check-in assistance
Course marshaling
Setup and cleanup
Please reach out to wonderland.running.pnw@gmail.com for more information.
Charity & Beneficiary
Proceeds from the Dark Divide Trail Races benefit Silver Star Search & Rescue, All Play/Elementary Facilitation Program at Cispus Learning Center, and the White Pass Scenic Byway nonprofit. Learn more at https://www.wonderlandrunning.com.
Land Acknowledgement
The Dark Divide Trail Races take place on the ancestral lands of the Cowlitz (Mishalpam, Táytnapam, Sλpúlmx), Xwáłxwaypam (Klikitat), and Yakama peoples, who have stewarded this region for millennia. We honor and respect their enduring connection to these lands.
About
Wonderland Running
Wonderland Running is a quirky, community-first trail race organization based in the Pacific Northwest, bringing creativity, inclusivity, and adventure to every event. Officially founded in 2019, but with roots in DIY group runs long before that, Wonderland Running was born out of founder Sean Harrasser’s deep love for wild places and his solo, unsupported circumnavigation of the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. Since then, the organization has evolved into a passionate crew of runners, mischief-makers, and outdoor enthusiasts who are dedicated to crafting memorable race experiences in truly magical settings.
The Wonderland Running team is made up of ultrarunners, artists, race directors, educators, tech wizards, and outdoor lovers who embrace the spirit of trail running in all its unpredictable, joyful, and humbling glory. With job titles like Executive Bad Hill Idea Conspirator and Master Hill Technologist, their ethos is as much about fun and self-expression as it is about fitness and finish lines.
Based in Oregon, with team members spread across Redmond, Bend, Portland, and Hillsboro, Wonderland Running is at the heart of the PNW trail scene. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or showing up to your first trail race, you’ll find a warm welcome, a clever hill pun, and an unforgettable experience waiting at the start line.
For those looking to connect with trail running beyond the stopwatch, Wonderland Running offers something rare: a race company that balances soulful exploration, creative expression, and genuine community.