SwitchBack Sorrows 50k takes place at Riverside State Park in Spokane, Washington. The course takes runners through the forest, along the Spokane River, across rocky sections, and, of course, plenty of switchbacks.
It's a challenging course, but that's part of what makes this race what it is. Whether this is your first 50k or you've run plenty of ultras, come ready to spend the day on the trails and earn your finish.
Distance: 50k / 31 miles
Location: Seven Mile Trailhead - Nine Mile Falls, Washington
Start time: 8:00 AM
Course cutoff: 4:00 PM / 8 hours
Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,100 ft
Terrain: Trail, Rocky sections, forest, and rolling singletrack
The course consists of one big loop followed by a smaller loop, for a total of 50k. Runners will travel through Riverside State Park on a mix of singletrack, rocky sections, forest trails, and rolling terrain
With approximately 3,100 feet of elevation gain, there are plenty of runnable sections along the climbs and technical areas throughout the course.
7:00 AM - Packet Pickup Opens
7:45 AM - Pre-Race Briefing
8:00 AM - Race Start
4:00 PM- Course Closes
Aid Stations & Crew Access
Pine Bluff Aid Station
Approximately Mile 9.7
Equestrian Aid Station
Approximately Miles 15 & 23
Crew Access
Crews are welcome at the designated aid station locations. Please use the designated parking areas and be mindful of other park visitors. A Discover Pass is required for vehicles parked within Riverside State Park.
Aid Station Supplies
Fully stocked aid stations will be available throughout the course with water, electrolytes, and a varitey of sweet and savory snacks. Offerings may vary from year to year.
Drop Bags
Drop bags are permitted. Please label all bags with the runner's name and bib number.
Pacers
Pacers are permitted after mile 23, Pacers must follow all race rules and remain with their runner while on course. Pacers are welcome at aid stations but may not take food, supplies or other items for their runner.
Course Markings
The course will be marked with ribbons throughout the route. Ribbons are intended as confidence markers; runners should also use the provided course map/gpx for navigation. Course markings can occasionally be removed or altered, so runners are responsible for staying on the designated course. Caution tape will be placed to help identify wrong turns.
Cutoffs/ Time Limit
The SwitchBack Sorrows 50k has an 8-hour time limit. The race begins at 8:00 AM, and the course closes at 4:00 PM
Race Rules
Leave No Trace: Pack it in, pack it out. Please do not litter anywhere on the course. Help protect Riverside State Park and leave the trails as you found them
Stay on Course: Runners are responsible for staying on the designated course. Use the course ribbons along with the provided map/ GPX for navigation.
Pacers: Pacers are permitted after mile 23. Only one pacer is allowed per runner. Pacers must follow all race rules and remain with their runner while on the course.
No Dogs: Dogs are not permitted at the race or on the course due to race insurance requirements.
Discover Pass: A valid Discover Pass is required for vehicles parked within Riverside State Park