Many ways to participate
The Rainier to Ruston attracts relay runners, walkers, and ultras, who run the course solo. Ultras may choose to run the whole 50M or the last 50K. Relay runners tackle the course in 12 legs of about 4 miles each, with team members in two to six positions alternating through the 12 legs. Walkers complete the first 6 legs, a 27-mile course through the scenic upper half of the trail, finishing in Orting. Walking team sizes can be one to six positions, and walking or running in pairs is also allowed. For example, a 3-position walking team could have up to 6 members, each pair walking two legs together. Click on the Relay Leg Chart for a list of running and walking team combinations.

If you've never done a relay before, here's how it works. All team members ride to the start together in their support vehicle and cheer their 1st-position team member (or members, since pairs are allowed) as they begin leg 1. Somewhere along the way, they wait for their teammate(s) and offer water and moral support as they pass by. Then they drive to the exchange between legs 1 and 2, where they review the course map with their 2nd-position team member(s). After the handoff, they repeat the process to the finish. If there are more legs than there are positions on the team, then everyone gets to do it again. It's amazing how energizing a relay is, even among members of a purely recreational or non-competitive team. You cannot help but challenge yourself to do your best. And the camaraderie that develops is great fun.

Registration for the Rainier to Ruston costs only $20 per person for challenged athletes, $25 for walkers, $35 for runners, and $50 for ultras and includes a free T-shirt. Donations are tax-deductible and support the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition. Register by downloading and completing both an individual application and a team application (even for solo walkers, solo bikers, and ultras). Signed forms and checks must be received no later than Wednesday, June 4. There is no day of race registration.

Of the nearly 51 miles from Mount Rainier to Commencement Bay, 39% has been completed as paved, non-motorized public trail. Another 17% is still unpaved trail. The remaining course follows roads (28%) and sidewalks (16%), deviating from the original railroad grade where it has been lost to development. The goal of the Foothills Trail Coalition is to reclaim 100% of the trail from Mt. Rainier to Commencement Bay. This relay is one of the ways we're making that happen.

The purpose of the Rainier-to-Ruston Relay and Ultra is to raise public awareness and funds for the Foothills Trail. Your donation will help the Coalition achieve its mission: the creation and maintenance of a connected system of non-motorized trails from Mt. Rainier to Puget Sound. Ask your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers to donate $0.25, $0.50, or $1.00 per mile for each mile that your team walks, bikes, or runs. Thank you for your contribution! There will be an award given to the team making the most generous donation.

Participants compete for the Golden RR Spike in the following divisions: