On National Trails Day, June 7, 2008, runners, walkers, and ultras will take on the sixth annual Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay and Ultra. The 50-mile course follows the Foothills Trail from the shoulders of Mt. Rainier to the shores of Puget Sound. The trail passes through pristine wilderness and historic communities, following the old Northern Pacific railroad grade that once brought settlers and supplies into the west. The top runners, walkers, and ultras in each division receive the coveted Golden Spike Awards.

The Rainer to Ruston helps to promote the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, which is dedicated to completing a contiguous, non-motorized, public trail from Mt. Rainier to Tacoma. The trail has once again been improved upon in the last year, bringing the Foothills Trail that much closer to completion.

You can participate in any number of ways:

• Runners tackle the course as a relay, dividing the 12 legs (each approximately four miles) among teams of two, three, four, or six runners.

• Walkers complete a 27-mile course of 6 legs, either solo or as part of a relay with teams of two, three, or six walkers. Walking in pairs is also allowed.

• Ultras run the entire 50-mile course or the last 50 K. Rainier to Ruston is a qualifying event for the famous Western States 100-mile Endurance Run.

• Racers compete in divisions for Open, Military (reserve or active), High School, Collegiate (all in a college or university), Masters (all 40+), Super Masters (average 60+), and Challenged Athlete. The fastest high school running team will win $500 in R2R High School Challenge.

• Those who would like to attend as spectators are welcome, as is anyone else who wants to enjoy the trail on National Trails Day. See Race Day Schedule to see when racers will be passing through the towns along the course.

• Want to join a team, but don't know enough people to form one? Get your name on our waiting pool. It won't be long until a team captain contacts you, or, alternatively, you can contact others on the list to form a team of your own.

• This year runners and walkers can compete for awards in the first annual Foothills Trail Race Series.

Registration is $20 per challenged athlete, $25 per walker, $35 per runner, and $50 per ultra. Military personnel may take a $5 discount on all divisions. The purpose of this event is to raise public awareness of the Foothills Trail and donations are encouraged. An award is given to the most generous team. We appreciate your support for our goal of completing this non-motorized trail from the Mountain to the Sound. You can find out more about improvements to the trail in our Founders Corner.

Download Your INDIVIDUAL Application Here!
         (Ultras must fill out both individual and team applications)
Download Your TEAM Application Here!

Relay Map : Leg 1 Relay Map : Leg 2 Relay Map : Leg 3 Relay Map : Leg 4 Relay Map : Leg 5 Relay Map : Leg 6

Relay Map : Leg 7 Relay Map : Leg 8 Relay Map : Leg 9 Relay Map : Leg 10 Relay Map : Leg 11 Relay Map : Leg 12