Willapa Trail Festival
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Willapa Trail Festival
The Willapa Trail Festival is a distance running event held in Chehalis, Washington. Organized by Oly Trail Runners, the races take place along the Willapa Hills State Park Trail. The course follows an old rail grade, providing a flat and wide double-track surface consisting primarily of hard-packed gravel.
The event starts and finishes at the Owl and Olive Cafe, located between the trail and the Chehalis River. Participants run east toward a designated turnaround point before returning to the start/finish area. Those participating in the longer distances continue with an additional out-and-back section heading west through the town of Pe Ell.
Available race distances include:
- 100 Miler
- 50 Miler
- 50K
- 25K
- 5K
The course is designed for speed due to its level profile, which is compared to a pancake. The 100 Miler features approximately 96 miles of improved gravel and 4 miles of pavement, with a 34-hour overall cutoff time. The 5K event is held on Sunday, while the other distances take place on Saturday.
Support is provided through multiple aid stations stocked with water, electrolytes, and standard race snacks such as fruit, cookies, and gels. The number of stations varies by distance, with up to seven stations available for the longest course. Finishers of the 100 Miler receive a unique ceramic belt buckle. Parking and camping options are available nearby at Rainbow Falls State Park or at the venue by arrangement. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
