The Ruff - Carson, WA
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The Ruff
The Ruff is a trail race held on November 22, 2026, at the Dog Mountain Trailhead in Carson, WA. The event is organized by Elevated Trail Racing and uses single track trails for the entire course.
The course covers 7 miles in total. Runners ascend about 3 miles with roughly 3,000 feet of elevation gain to the summit on the Dog Mountain Trail, then descend about 4 miles to the finish on the Augspurger Trail. The race starts and finishes at the Dog Mountain Trailhead and offers views of the Columbia River, Mt Hood, and Mt St. Helens.
- 7 Miler
Bib pickup is on the morning of the race at the Dog Mountain Trailhead from 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM; parking is limited and carpooling is recommended. Entry fees are listed between $33.50 and $53.50 USD.
Awards include top three overall male and female, top masters male and female, King and Queen of the Mountain for first male and female, and a fastest downhill award for male and female (each entrant may win only one award). First place male and female overall receive a free pair of Inov-8 shoes. Beer will be provided by Ninkasi Brewing Company and pizza by Backwoods Brewing Company. Well behaved dogs are permitted.
The race is held under a special use permit in partnership with the US Forest Service and the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area. Elevated Trail Racing LLC states it does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
