Overview
Welcome back for the 15th annual Vashon Island Ultramarathon & Trail Run! This volunteer-run, non-profit race offers a classic Pacific Northwest trail running experience through the lush forests and rolling hills of Vashon Island, WA. With distances of 50K, 20 miles, and 10 miles, the event welcomes runners of all experience levels to tackle its varied terrain and enjoy strong community vibes.
Registration
Opens
TBD
Closes
TBD
Registration Fee
Official race details:
Logistics
Vashon Island is only accessible by ferry (West Seattle, Southworth, or Pt. Defiance routes). Water taxi available during commuting hours on workdays
Parking and camping near SW 178th and 103rd SW
Important to plan ahead due to limited ferry schedules and potential overloads
Parking
Policies
No refunds (email RD for rollover requests)
Entry transfers permitted
USATF SafeSport compliant and sanctioned
No dogs on course through sanctuary; leashed dogs permitted afterward
No portable music players in some sections—use caution
ATRA Event Standards Certified
Youth Certified Trail Race with discounts and scholarships available
Trail Sisters Approved with equal podium spots and awards, menstrual products at aid stations, pregnancy deferrals
Event Details
Cancelations & Deferrals
Refunds & Rollovers: No refunds are issued. Rollovers may be granted only for reasons outside the runner’s control (must contact the RD). Entry transfers are possible—email the organizers to exchange your entry with another runner.
Day-of Registration: Allowed (priority to 50K runners; 10M & 20M open after 50K starts).
Camping: Friday night camping available at the start/finish field; must email to confirm.
Capacity: Entry is capped at 200 runners to minimize environmental impact and maintain safety.
ADA & SafeSport: The event follows USATF ADA accommodation procedures, SafeSport guidelines, and Minor Athlete Abuse Prevention Policies (MAAPP).
Rules & Safety:
Footrace only (no pacers, bikes, or non-human animals through sanctuary sections).
Dogs allowed only after sanctuary sections, must be leashed and under control.
Headphones allowed but discouraged for safety.
Trails remain open to the public (expect hikers, bikers, equestrians).
Environmental Standards: Low-impact course marking, cleanup protocols, and adherence to ATRA Event Standards.
Awards: Prize bags awarded to men’s and women’s winners plus top Vashon Island finishers.
Volunteers
The race is 100% volunteer-run and emphasizes community spirit. Volunteers support by:
Staffing aid stations (notably the lively “Heavy Metal Aid Station”).
Assisting with race setup, course marking, and logistics.
Helping with check-in, bib pickup, and finish-line activities.
Providing medical and safety support alongside race marshals.
Volunteers are central to the race’s atmosphere, described as energetic and enthusiastic helpers who make the event memorable for participants. Since it is a charitable, non-profit race, volunteerism is essential to keeping the event alive and funding youth athletics on the island.
Land Acknowledgement
The Vashon Island Ultramarathon & Trail Run takes place on the traditional lands of the Coast Salish peoples, including the Duwamish and Puyallup Tribes. These lands have long served as a place of gathering, stewardship, and vitality. We recognize and honor the past and present Indigenous communities connected to this land.
About
Vashon Ultramarathon
The Vashon Island Ultramarathon & Trail Run has been running since 2010 and is organized by a Washington State non-profit 501(c)(3) charitable corporation. Proceeds benefit youth athletics on Vashon Island. The event is entirely volunteer-driven and USATF-sanctioned, meaning it follows strict safety, fairness, and compliance standards.
The race offers a 50K, 20-mile, and 10-mile trail run on Vashon Island, WA, with a rolling course of single and double track trails, dirt roads, and some paved sections. The course features aid stations stocked with food and drinks, enthusiastic volunteer support, and a community-focused atmosphere.
This event is Trail Sisters Approved, conforms to the WSER pregnancy deferral policy, and adheres to SheRaces guidelines, ensuring equal access and inclusivity for women and underrepresented runners. It is also a Youth Certified Trail Race through the American Trail Running Association (ATRA), offering discounted entries and scholarships to young runners.
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