Endless Run!
- steve westover
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
We are very excited to announce we are adding a run portion to our longest day of the year event!
The Endless Run: Chasing Daylight on the Grand Ridge
There’s something special about the longest day of the year in the Pacific Northwest. The light lingers a little longer, the air feels alive, and the trails seem to stretch on forever. The Endless Run was built to capture that exact feeling—a trail race that leans into summer, adventure, and just the right amount of challenge.
Set along the iconic Grand Ridge Trail, this point-to-point 10K takes runners from Duthie Hill Park to Central Park, weaving through some of the best terrain the region has to offer. It’s a course that rewards both strength and flow, combining punchy climbs, fast descents, and stretches of smooth, winding singletrack.
A Course Built for Summer
The race kicks off at Duthie Hill Park, one of the region’s most well-known mountain biking hubs, before quickly transitioning onto the Grand Ridge Trail. From there, runners settle into over seven miles of rolling terrain and nearly 1,000 feet of elevation gain.
The trail delivers a bit of everything—tight switchbacks, sustained climbs, and long, flowing descents through dense forest. It’s the kind of running that keeps you engaged from start to finish, whether you’re pushing the pace or just soaking in the surroundings.
As the course winds toward Issaquah, runners are treated to a final descent into Central Park—before one last uphill push to the finish line. It’s a fitting end: legs burning, lungs working, and that unmistakable feeling of earning the finish.
Golden Hour, Endless Energy
With a start time just after 7:15, runners will find themselves racing in peak golden-hour conditions. Long shadows, warm light, and extended daylight create an atmosphere that’s hard to replicate any other time of year. It’s fast, it’s fun, and it feels like summer at its best.
Keep It Simple, Run Strong
The Endless Run is designed to be straightforward and a little bit raw—there are no aid stations on course, so runners should come prepared to be self-supported. Water, drinks, and a proper finish-line celebration will be waiting at the end.
And yes, there’s something to run for:
$50 prizes for the fastest male and female overall
Awards for the top three finishers in each age category
Built for the Community
At its core, this race is about bringing people together. Entry is intentionally simple—$40 for adults, and free for anyone under 19—to make it accessible for runners of all levels.
Whether you’re lining up to compete, challenge yourself, or just enjoy a great evening on the trails, The Endless Run offers a chance to be part of something fun, a little gritty, and uniquely Northwest.
Logistics
This is a point-to-point race, starting at Duthie Hill Park and finishing at Central Park in Issaquah. Gear transport will be provided to the finish line—and if you’re feeling ambitious, you can always run the course back.
Parking is available at a nearby lot generously provided by the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 26529 SE Duthie Hill Rd. This is the recommended option, as the Duthie Hill parking lot closes at dusk.
If you want to see the full route, check out the course map:
The Endless Run isn’t just a race—it’s a celebration of movement, community, and the longest day of the year. Lace up, show up, and see how far the light can take you.
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