Description

Situated in the North Cascades National Park, the Desolation Duo offers a pair of runs that blend early season mountain access, moderate elevation, and spectacular trails along the shores of Ross Lake. After an initial evening dinner, orientation, and overnight at the Colonial Creek Campground runners are shuttled via water taxi to the Desolation Peak trail and then run/wander their way back to a well stocked basecamp finish.

Course Overview

Friday Day 1: Meet at Colonial Creek Campground

Runners are welcome to arrive at Colonial Creek anytime after 4pm. Aspire will host an evening meal and review the route, logistics, and gear choices as runners make final preparations for the run.

Saturday, Day 2: RUN

After a hearty breakfast, Aspire will shuttle runner teams to their respective trail heads:

Marathon: 7,000′ of Elevation Gain

Desolation Peak, is accessed via boat taxi to the trailhead, the start of a 4,500’ climb up to the iconic lookout, where runners are rewarded with expansive views of craggy peaks, snowy glaciers, and Ross Lake. From the summit it’s all downhill and rolling lakeside trail to Highway and a shuttle back to base-camp.

40 Miler: 9,500’ of Elevation Gain

This run shares the first 26 miles with the marathon course. However, after an aid station at Highway 20 the run continues up the Panther Creek Trail to the 4th of July Pass and then descends into the Thunder Creek drainage to the shores of Diablo Lake. The trail terminates at the Colonial Creek Campground.

After each run Aspire will serve up their signature fare: appetizers, drinks, and a delicious evening meal.

Sunday, Day 3: Breakfast and Depart

No runs are scheduled for Sunday. Runners have the option to depart Saturday night or stick around for breakfast with the Aspire crew on Sunday.

About Aspire

Aspire organizes single and multi-day running adventures in backcountry and wilderness terrain. We pair logistical and emergency support with delicious meals for a unique and memorable running experience. More info about our project is available at: www.AspireAdventureRunning.com

Event's current local time: 1:30 PM PT