2012 Mt. Si Relay and Ultra Runs

This Sunday, the 2012 Mt. Si Relay and Ultra Runs will celebrate its 29th year, which makes it one of the oldest Relays in the state. The race itself, which now has ultra runs of 50k and 50 miles, started in the early 80’s as the aptly named Falls to Gasworks Relay, running from Mt. Si High School near Snoqualmie Falls and ending at Gasworks Park in Seattle. Though the name and the course have changed, the Eastside Runners have been at the helm for 29 years.

“We get great support from our club to put on the race, and we try to make it fun for the local running community,” stated Race Director John Dickson, who is also happy to give something back to the community as the race supports club designated charities-Hopelink, Girls on the Run and Mountains to Sound Greenway.

So far 90 Relay Teams, which consist of 5 athletes, are set to tackle the 59 mile course by running two legs each. Additionally, well over 100 ultra runners are signed up for Sunday races which all start and finish at Snoqualmie Middle School. All runners can breathe a sigh of relieve as the race website offers this warning, "The name Mt. Si Ultra is a little misleading: you run at the base of Mt. Si not up it!"

For race day advice, Dickson offers, “relay runners can go pretty hard the whole way if they want since the elevation gain and loss is fairly minimal, and the trail is smooth. Ultra runners should, of course, pace themselves wisely for their distance. The second half of the course is mostly gradual downhill or flat.”

Friends and family looking to cheer their runners on between the start and finish at Snoqualmie Middle School, can head to Ollalie State Park(Twin Falls Trailhead) Aid Station which is 34.4 miles into the 50 miler and the 15.5 miles into the 50k. Spectators should be aware that a 2012 Discover Pass is required to for all motor-vehicle access to the park.

The presenting sponsor for the 2^nd year in a row is The Everyday Athlete in Kirkland, which is where athletes can pick up their race packets on Saturday from 12-4pm. In addition to picking up race packets, this is a good place to stock up on race day nutrition, body glide or anything else that will you need for a successful race.

Sunday’s forecast is calling for light showers and a high of 67 degrees, which is a little hotter than the weekly temperatures, so make sure to carry water/ your favorite hydration product and don’t forget to visit aid stations and thank the over 100 volunteers that keep the Mt. Si Relay and Ultra Runs going strong.