Sunflower Relay, Half Marathon and Marathon
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Sunflower Relay, Half Marathon and Marathon
The Sunflower event on April 25, 2026 is the 45th annual running of a course that begins at 2,180 feet elevation in Mazama and finishes near 1,600 feet in Twisp. The route uses well marked deer trails, single-track trails, and gravel roads and crosses private property that is open to runners for the event day only. Flower-carpeted meadows and fields provide views of the Methow River, the North Cascades, and the Chelan Sawtooths. Runners climb to about 2,600 feet at two points on the course.
Distances:
- Marathon: 26.8 miles, marathon-plus length.
- Half marathon: ~13.1 miles.
- Relay: teams of 2 to 5 people; legs 2.2, 5.6, 5.9, 6.5, 6.6 miles.
The marathon shows elevation change of approximately +2,520 feet / -2,350 feet; participants are expected to run the course and complete it within seven hours. Half marathon participants are expected to be able to finish within five hours. Relay teams use multiple wave options to reduce exchange congestion; leg descriptions range from an easier 2.2 mile leg suitable for younger participants to a final 6.6 mile leg that requires a strong runner.
Event logistics noted by the organizer include packet pick-up options on Friday and Saturday, morning shuttles from the finish to start areas, transport of racer bags to the finish, and no dogs allowed on the course. The 2026 event, including waitlists, is sold out. Income from the event supports year-round Methow Trails operations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
