unsplash-image-S2uQdHTXbbc.jpg
A circular logo with mountains, trees, and a sasquatch, featuring the text 'R2R' and the phrase 'An Inner to Ruston Relax'.

June 6, 2026 | Mt Rainier to Tacoma, WA

SIGN UP

A Pacific Northwest Favorite

Who doesn’t love cramming into a vehicle in the wee early morning hours with running gear, snacks, and your favorite people — all while knowing the van is only going to get more rancid as the day goes on?
(Pro tip: Ziploc bags for sweaty clothes. Trust us.)

Adventure awaits as your team piles into the vehicle like clowns at the circus, chasing miles, laughs, and the unforgettable chaos that only a relay can deliver.

Teams of 2, 3, 4, or 6 runners will compete for the coveted Rainier to Ruston spikes, awarded across multiple categories. And honestly? Everyone’s a winner here. Why? Because the finish line delivers exactly what you’ve earned: a craft beer garden, finish-line food, and a front-row view of one of the most iconic backdrops in the Pacific Northwest.

Look up and take in the stunner of Mount Rainier. Grab your victory photo at the famous bell stand with that mountain framed perfectly behind you. Then feel free to sprawl out, put your feet up, and rehash the stories of the epic relay that started near the base of Mount Rainier and finished on the cool, grassy waterfront in Ruston.

You ran. You laughed. You survived the van.
You’ve earned it.

PRO TIP
You actually want to run the Puyallup sand leg...a special award awaits you...

Get your team ready!

Sasquatch + 50-ish Miles + Running Friends

Port of Seattle logo with stylized lines and text.
Text logo reading 'step by step & FARM 12' in black outlined letters.
Logo for Athletic Brewing Co. with a large letter 'A' and a leaf crossing through it.
Silver Cloud Hotels logo with stylized cloud and tree emblem
Pierce County Parks logo featuring a blue circle with white diagonal lines and the words 'Pierce County Parks' above and below.
Black and white logo of Pierce County Chapter with three people on horseback.
Logo of Silver City Brewery in black script and block lettering.
Logo for Port of Tacoma featuring stylized ships in red and blue colors and the text 'Port of Tacoma'

Want to run a great downhill half marathon, too? Check out the B&O in July!

Two shirtless men wearing sunglasses shaking hands and smiling at an outdoor event, with a crowd of people and trees in the background.
A shirtless man running a race wearing black shorts, sunglasses, and a cap, with a race bib numbered 234, crossing the finish line outdoors on a sunny day, with other runners and a scenic background including a body of water, trees, and a snow-capped
A woman holding a colorful sign that reads 'You're the Slowest Runner So Far!' at a race event, wearing sunglasses and a blue t-shirt with a mountain and heartbeat graphic.
Young man running outdoors on a sunny day, wearing a white long-sleeve shirt, shorts, and a black cap, with a surprised or excited expression.
Participants in a trail race crossing the starting line in a forested area, with spectators and photographers around, and a person in a bear costume celebrating.
Snow-capped mountain rising above forested hills under clear sky
White van with colorful neon-style lettering on window that reads 'Sign Fest', with smaller text below that says 'Rainer 2 Ruston,' and a logo on the bottom right corner of the van featuring a bear and trees.
Participants in a trail race gathering at the starting point, surrounded by lush green trees, with a large red sign that reads 'Baliner to Ruston Relay' in the background.
Two men running outdoors on a trail surrounded by lush green trees, wearing athletic gear and water bottles, smiling and enjoying a sunny day.

When you join Rainier to Ruston, you’re not just racing—you’re running toward the trail future we all share.

Why This Race Matters
Rainier to Ruston isn’t just a race—it’s how a community comes together to build something lasting. Proceeds support the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, a nonprofit working since 1984 to complete the 50+ mile “Mountain-to-Sound” connection from Mount Rainier to Tacoma’s waterfront.

Support the Foothills Trail year-round!
Learn more about the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition and how to get involved → https://www.foothillscoalition.org

A circular logo featuring a mountain, trees, a winding path, a sunset or sunrise, and text indicating 'EST. 1984' and 'THE'.

When you run R2R you help to…

  • Expand access: Build on the 24 miles of paved continuous trail already open and move us toward a fully connected route from Rainier to Puget Sound.

  • Empower community spirit: Mobilize the 100+ volunteers who make this race possible each year—and inspire even more people to join the movement.

  • Strengthen stewardship: Support year-round volunteer work parties that restore salmon streams, plant native trees, and keep the trail safe for everyone.

  • Grow impact: Ensure the Foothills Trail continues welcoming over a million trips annually—fueling healthier communities and stronger local economies.

Mountain trail leading towards snow-capped peaks under blue sky with wispy clouds, surrounded by green trees and wildflowers.

Imagine running this race entirely on trail—no roads, no traffic, just miles of safe, scenic, connected pathway from the mountain to the sound. With your support of the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, every mile brings that vision closer.

Thank you for running with us.

 

CONTACT US

Questions or concerns?

Please fill out this form and we’ll get back to you as soon as we can!