Test yourself on Washington’s wildest ridgeline
Overview
The Dark Divide 50K is not for the faint of heart. This is a truly rugged ultramarathon that rewards grit, preparation, and a love for raw wilderness. Starting along the quiet waters of the Cispus River, the course climbs high onto the spine of Tongue Mountain and carries runners out along Juniper Ridge, one of the most spectacular ridgelines in the Washington Cascades.
With over 9,000ft of climbing, steep technical sections, and remote alpine terrain, this race will challenge even the strongest ultrarunners. But the reward is unforgettable: sweeping panoramas of Mount Adams, Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, and Mount Hood, plus wildflower meadows and rocky ridges that feel like the top of the world. Dark Divide isn’t just a race — it’s an experience you’ll carry with you long after you’ve crossed the finish line.
Course
The Dark Divide 50K is a mountain ultramarathon that climbs from the Cispus River up Tongue Mountain, then rolls across the knife-edge beauty of Juniper Ridge all the way to Sunrise Peak before returning. Expect steep climbs, rocky technical footing, and exposed ridge running. It’s one of the most demanding 50Ks in the Pacific Northwest, but also one of the most rewarding with long alpine stretches and endless views of the Cascade volcanoes.
Cutoff Details
Aid Stations
Runners will find well-stocked aid stations offering food, hydration, and encouragement in the remote backcountry. Crew access is available at select points.
Logistics
Schedule
Friday, September 5, 2025
5:00AM – Runner check-in at Cispus Learning Center Pavilion
6:00AM – 100M race start
All day – Aid stations open and crew access at designated points
Saturday, September 6, 2025
5:00AM – Runner check-in for 100K
6:00AM – 100K race start
All day – Aid stations and crew support along the course
Sunday, September 7, 2025
6:00AM – Runner check-in for 50K and 14M Fun Run
7:00AM – 50K race start
8:00AM – 14M Fun Run start
12:00PM – Food and celebration at the Pavilion
7:00PM – Final 50K cutoff
8:00PM – Closing ceremony and volunteer celebration
Bib Pickup
Bib pickup takes place Sunday morning from 5:00AM to 6:30AM at the Cispus Learning Center Pavilion.
Drop Bags
Drop bags are collected Sunday morning during check-in at the Pavilion. Bags will be returned to the finish area. Any bags left behind will be donated or discarded.
Crew & Pacers
Crew and spectators are welcome at the Cispus Learning Center start and finish. Crew may also access certain aid stations as designated by the race director. All visitors are asked to respect the quiet wilderness environment and follow Leave No Trace practices.
Volunteers
The Dark Divide relies on volunteers to make this wild race possible. Volunteers may help with aid stations, course marking, medical support, and finish line operations. Sign up through Wonderland Running’s volunteer page.
Volunteer roles:
Aid station support
Trail work and maintenance
Runner check-in and logistics
Medical and safety support
Swag & Medals
All finishers receive a custom Dark Divide finisher medal. Runners also receive a race t-shirt and entry to the post-race celebration at the Pavilion.
Getting There
The closest major airports are Portland International Airport (PDX) at approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes, and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) at approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes.
Driving Directions
Passes & Permits
No passes or permits required.
Parking
Parking is available at the Cispus Learning Center for runners, crew, and visitors. Overnight parking is allowed for campers. Carpooling is encouraged.
Lodging
Camping is available at the Cispus Learning Center for runners and crew. Additional lodging options can be found in Randle, WA.
Requirements
This is not a beginner-level ultramarathon. Runners should come prepared with significant trail running experience, strong mountain fitness, and comfort in remote, technical terrain.
Qualifying Races
The 100M strongly encourages completion of at least one 100K or longer race within the last 2 years. This ensures runners are prepared for the rugged terrain and remoteness of the Divide.
Trail Work
All 100M and 100K runners must complete 8 hours of trail work prior to race day. Documentation must be submitted to the race director. Trail work can be completed on any recognized trail project.
Mandatory Gear
Runners must be prepared for rapidly changing mountain conditions. Suggested gear includes:
Hydration system (required, as the race is cupless)
Weather-appropriate clothing and layers
Emergency blanket
Whistle
Policies
Cancelations & Deferrals
Refunds are not available. Runners may defer to the following year if they notify the race director at least 30 days before the event. No same-day deferrals or transfers are allowed.
Race Policies
Charity & Beneficiary
Proceeds from the Dark Divide Trail Races benefit Silver Star Search & Rescue, All Play/Elementary Facilitation Program at Cispus Learning Center, and the White Pass Scenic Byway nonprofit. Learn more at https://www.wonderlandrunning.com.
Land Acknowledgement
The Dark Divide Trail Races take place on the ancestral lands of the Cowlitz (Mishalpam, Táytnapam, Sλpúlmx), Xwáłxwaypam (Klikitat), and Yakama peoples, who have stewarded this region for millennia. We honor and respect their enduring connection to these lands.
About Wonderland Running

Wonderland Running is a quirky, community-first trail race organization based in the Pacific Northwest, bringing creativity, inclusivity, and adventure to every event. Officially founded in 2019, but with roots in DIY group runs long before that, Wonderland Running was born out of founder Sean Harrasser’s deep love for wild places and his solo, unsupported circumnavigation of the Wonderland Trail around Mount Rainier. Since then, the organization has evolved into a passionate crew of runners, mischief-makers, and outdoor enthusiasts who are dedicated to crafting memorable race experiences in truly magical settings.
The Wonderland Running team is made up of ultrarunners, artists, race directors, educators, tech wizards, and outdoor lovers who embrace the spirit of trail running in all its unpredictable, joyful, and humbling glory. With job titles like Executive Bad Hill Idea Conspirator and Master Hill Technologist, their ethos is as much about fun and self-expression as it is about fitness and finish lines.
Based in Oregon, with team members spread across Redmond, Bend, Portland, and Hillsboro, Wonderland Running is at the heart of the PNW trail scene. Whether you’re a seasoned ultrarunner or showing up to your first trail race, you’ll find a warm welcome, a clever hill pun, and an unforgettable experience waiting at the start line.
For those looking to connect with trail running beyond the stopwatch, Wonderland Running offers something rare: a race company that balances soulful exploration, creative expression, and genuine community.
Disclaimer
We make every effort to provide accurate and up-to-date information on Kåduka, but details may change. Please always confirm the latest information on the official race website. See something that needs correcting? Send us a note at feedback@kaduka.app




