Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay and Ultra, after January 2009, National Trails Day, Tacoma, WA.




	The running of the Rainier to Ruston Rail-Trail Relay and Ultra is a race in more ways than one. Nearly 18 inches of rain fell in 36 hours during the Election Day Storm which severely damaged the access road along the Carbon River to Mount Rainier and several major sections of our beloved trail. For several months, we've been in a race to repair the damage in time for our upcoming fifth annual event. Here are some pictures of the damage. New washout along Wilkeson Creek (Leg 4) New washout along Wilkeson Creek (Leg 4) Slide on the Carbon River access road to Mt. Rainier 2 miles above the Mowich Y (Leg 2) Flooded bridge at Deer Creek (Leg 9) Puyallup River on Leg 9 Trail damage above the Carbon River bridge (Leg 5) New trail (board walk) around part of the recent washout on Wilkeson Creek We have made some significant progress since the flood. On Leg 9, the section of Puyallup's Riverwalk Trail has been paved most of the way along the levee between the SR-512 bridge and the Main Street bridge near Mama Stortini's Ristorante. The infamous log bridge across Deer Creek has been replaced with a real bridge, seen nearly submerged in the photo above. After several major work parties with the Back Country Horsemen, the trail has been opened between Fairfax and the High Bridge above Carbonado. Scores of windfalls were cut out and several washouts required building new trail through brush and timber. The damage by Mother Nature was amazing - acres of wooded river bottom are now in Commencement Bay. The good news is that the Fairfax exchange will be moved to the bridge approach at the bottom of Manley Moore Road and runners and walkers will get to see one of the most beautiful (and rugged) sections of our trail up close. This year we are adding a new event (a 50K distance) and several new divisions - Military, High School, Super Masters (60+), and Challenged Athletes - to our traditional divisions - Open and Masters (40+). Participants in all divisions will compete for the coveted Golden Spike Awards, which are handed out to top racers at the finish line on Ruston Way. We're eagerly anticipating an even better 5th annual R2R this year, the 20th anniversary of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition. See you on National Trails Day! JOHN SELBY Founder and Assistant Race Director JohnandDottieSelby@att.net See Founders Corner : 2005