Sawtooth Backcountry

Description:

Sawtooth Backcountry Women’s Weekend

October 1-3, 2021

An all women’s weekend of trail running, exploring mountain lakes and meadows, camping, and basking in the ephemeral beauty of the fall alpine.

Trails
This course serves up steep rocky climbs accessing alpine meadows and lakes, larches in full autumn splendor, and expansive views of the Sawtooth, and Entiat mountain ranges. Runners will travel a point-to-point “horseshoe” course between the Foggy Dew and Crater Creek trailheads. The standard 14 mile route takes runners to the shores of Sunrise, Cooney, and Martin lakes. Two additional 6-mile out-n-back options extend the course to Eagle and Upper Eagle Lakes and Crater Lake for a day of up to 26 spectacular backcountry miles.

Food
Our food philosophy at Aspire is that the best meals of our lives should happen outdoors and be shared with friends after a long day on the trail. To that end we serve delicious seasonal fare, such as grilled salmon, fresh salads, dutch oven cobblers and hand churned ice cream. We keep our coolers stocked with beer, wine, kombucha, and an assortment of recovery/relaxing beverages. We also work with individual runners to ensure that our menus meet a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.

Acomodations
This is backcountry run is staged out of the Foggy Dew Campground in the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest. Aspire will provide a group shelter, heaters, a phone/watch/camera charging station, a portable hot shower, and lively camp amenities for a remote but comfortable “glamp” style experience. Runners provide their own personal tent and sleeping system or can rent them from us.

Transportation
Aspire will operate a shuttle that will transport runners over the Cascades and back again with pickup’s in both Bellingham and Burlington. An airport pickup will be available from the Bellingham airport. Runners may also choose to drive independently to and from the Foggy Dew Campground.

Itinerary
Friday
1:00 pm: Shuttle Departs from Bellingham, WA
5:00-6:00 pm: Arrive Foggy Dew Campground
7:00 pm: Dinner, course overview, pack/prep for the next day’s run.

Saturday
8:00 am: Enjoy a hot breakfast served by Aspire.
9:30 am: Shuttle runners to the trailhead.
Estimated travel time for the course 6-10 hours.
3:30-7:30 pm: Shuttle rides back to Foggy Dew Campground
Snacks, Drinks, and relaxing at basecamp
6-8:00 pm: Dinner, drinks, dessert, campfire, and stories.

Sunday
8:00 am. Wake and enjoy a hot breakfast served by Aspire.
9:30 am. Shuttles Depart for Bellingham, Burlington, and Monroe
1:30-2:30pm. Estimated shuttle Arrival Time.

Gear
Running Gear
Each runner should come equipped with a personal running pack/vest, hydration system, water filtration, and personal snacks. Aspire has a selection of bars, gels, electrolytes etc. available, but we also encourage folks to bring foods that they are accustomed to for long runs. Running clothing should consist of a system that includes a wind/waterproof jacket and an insulative layer. Each runner is encouraged carry a personal first aid kit to respond to blisters, chafing, and minor ailments. Our crew are trained wilderness first aid responders and can provide care and assistance for more serious injuries.

Drop Bag
A bag of post-run clothing is essential. This bag should include an insulative jacket preferably down or synthetic, a wind/water resistant outer layer, dry clothing, and dry shoes.

Camping Gear
This course includes 2 nights of camping. Required equipment includes: a tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and camp clothing suitable for a spectrum of mountain weather. Camping equipment is available for rent with registration.

Trip Insurance
Every year we have at least one runner who due to injury, illness, or personal/familial circumstances can not participate in their registered trip. While registrations can be transferred, Aspire does not issue refunds. We strongly encourage each runner to purchase 3rd party trip insurance that will reimburse the cost of registration in the event that you are unable to participate in the event.