Rainier to Ruston Relay
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About the race
The Rainier to Ruston Relay is a team relay covering 50 miles from the foothills of Mount Rainier to Tacoma’s Ruston Way waterfront. Teams of two, three, four, or six runners divide the course into multiple legs and rotate in a single support van.
The route follows the Foothills Trail along a historic railroad corridor and is laid out as 12 scenic, mostly downhill relay legs. The event serves as a fundraiser for the Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, supporting trail completion, maintenance, and public access across Pierce County.
Finish line amenities and recognitions include a waterfront festival with a craft beer garden, food, music, vendors, team photos, and awards or keepsakes such as a custom shirt, medal, buff, and opportunities to earn event traditions like the railroad spike and the Sand Leg medal for the Puyallup sand section. The race has grown in participation over time, historically expanding from a few hundred to over two thousand runners at peak years.
Volunteer crews support the event and proceeds are used to expand and maintain the trail network, promote stewardship activities, and increase public access to the Mountain to Sound corridor. The format emphasizes shared distance, team logistics in a support van, and community support for regional trail development. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
