Backcountry Rise
The classic Coldwater Lake loop is back!
August 17, 2024
Half Marathon
The Half Marathon returns, consisting of a single clockwise loop around Coldwater Lake. Runners will be treated to serene vistas of Coldwater Lake and Coldwater Creek canyon, including the majestic Mt. Margaret Backcountry and its many craggy ridgelines along miles of sweet singletrack trails.
Total elevation gain is 2,800ft and loss is 2,800ft. Approximately 90% of the course is on single-track trails. The course has two full aid stations.
Race Day Schedule
RACE DATE: SATURDAY, AUGUST 17, 2024
BIB PICKUP/CHECK-IN: 6:30-7:50AM
BRIEFING: 7:55AM at Start Line
RACE START: 8:00AM
Course Map & Profile
Aid Stations
There are two aid stations, with the first being hiked in by our enthusiastic and experienced volunteers. Be sure to express your appreciation for their support during the race!
All Daybreak races are cupless, so be sure to bring your own cup for liquid at aid stations.
All aid stations will be well stocked with water, Gnarly Nutrition Fuel2O energy drink, SPRING Energy gels, soda, various fruit options, chips, gummi snacks, a variety of other ultra fare and basic first aid supplies.
| Aid Station | Total Distance (mi) | To Next Aid (mi) |
|---|---|---|
| Start | 0 | 5.0 |
| #1 - Coldwater Creek | 5.0 | 5.0 |
| #2 - South Coldwater | 10.0 | 3.2 |
| Finish | 13.2 | -- |
Mandatory Gear
Due to the remote, mountainous nature of the course and significant distance between some aid stations, all participants must carry a minimum capacity for 12 ounces of fluids/water during the race, which will be verified at race day check-in. A lightweight jacket is also recommended in case of inclement/shifting weather, a common occurrence in the region.
Course Detail
Start to Aid Station 1 (Coldwater Creek): 5.0 miles. Starting from the courtyard of the Science & Learning Center, runners make a quick clockwise loop of the parking area to thin the group before joining the Elk Bench Trail for a .75 mile singletrack descent down to Coldwater Lake and a left turn onto the Lakes Trail. Runners follow the serene, rolling Lakes Trail along the lake shore to Aid Station 1 at mile 5.0. Watch for soaring bald eagles scanning for fish and beavers in their lodge near the upper reaches of the lake. Overall, this section is very runnable with some brief rocky areas. Be sure to top off your fluids and thank these volunteers for their hike-in effort! Also, did you know Coldwater Lake used to be the Coldwater Creek canyon, but filled into a lake after the creek outlet was dammed by the massive landslide during the 1980 eruption of Mt. St. Helens?!
Aid Station 1 (Coldwater Creek) to Aid Station 2 (South Coldwater): 5.0 miles. Departing the aid station on the Coldwater Trail, runners cross Coldwater Creek on a cool footbridge, then begin a long, steady climb up for 1.6 miles to a trail junction and turns RIGHT onto the South Coldwater Trail. Expansive views of Coldwater Lake abound far below, as runners crest the South Coldwater ridge and begin a fantastic 3 mile flowing descent down to South Coldwater Trailhead and aid station.
Aid Station 2 (South Coldwater) to Finish: 3.2 miles. Leaving the aid station, runners leave South Coldwater Trailhead parking area onto the road shoulder of Spirit Lake Highway heading west for 1.2 miles to Coldwater Boatlaunch day use area. Continuing through the Boatlaunch area, the course connects with the Lakes Trail for .7 miles along the Coldwater Lake shoreline. Runners make a hard RIGHT turn onto the Elk Bench Trail for the final .8 mile steady climb up to the finish line where the race began.
Trekking Poles
Poles are allowed.
Drop Bags
There will be no drop bags available.
Cancellations
See the Daybreak Racing Cancellation Policy.
This event is granted by a Special Use Permit through the Gifford Pinchot National Forest Service, U.S. Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.