Presented By
Rise Above The Rest With VERT!
2026 Vert Running Series
Ready to take your running to the next level? Look no further than the Vert Running Series. We are back for the third season and two newly added Vert Running Series Qualified Points events. This series is set to push your limits and provide unforgettable experiences in the breathtaking Cascade Mountains.
Whether you’re an elite athlete, a sport enthusiast, or a masters runner aged 45+, there’s a division for everyone in the Vert Running Series. With courses ranging from 17k and 27k to the thrilling 30k Championship event, you’ll have the opportunity to conquer challenging mountain runs and feel that adrenaline rush like never before.
But it’s not just about the race; it’s about the views, adventure, and camaraderie. Picture yourself surrounded by majestic peaks and stunning landscapes as you tackle each course. Every step will bring you closer to conquering new heights and achieving personal milestones.
Don’t miss out on this epic trail running series. Join us in 2026 and be part of something extraordinary.
2026 events
Race #1
Squak Mountain Half Marathon
April 18, 2026
A new venue for the Vert Running Series and Qualifying Event with Evergreen Trails.
Squak Mountain will take your breath away – both the views and the elevation gain! It’s not our steepest climb, but your quads will get a good workout, and it will be worth every step! While only a short drive from Seattle, Squak Mountain State Park feels like a wilderness solitude. The park features miles of well-maintained trails and beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.
Race #2
Leavenworth Skyline 27k, May 23, 2026
We’re Back!!! The Leavenworth Skyline 27k is our second qualifying event and this area is one of the greatest locations in the Pacific Northwest to run and enjoy the great outdoors. The fast and flowing route will feature steep and vert runnable alpine switchbacks along with a fast Eastern Cascade Mountains high desert descent through Freund Canyon.
The Leavenworth Skyline features over 3600 feet of vert and the top man and woman will get an entry to the 2026 Mammoth Trailfest 26k
Race #3
The Kan 25k June 6, 2026
Registration opens January 1st
We are excited to have The Kan 25k back for the second year as a VRS Qualifying Event in Eastern Washington from Ponderosa Races. The Kan 25k has over 3500 feet of vert and the venue is set on Mt Spokane just Northeast of Spokane, WA. Watch for more info coming soon.
Race #4
Beast of Big Creek 22k
August 2, 2026
Vert Running Series Championship
North Bend Skyline 30k October 4, 2026
Introducing the North Bend Skyline 30k, the ultimate challenge for trail runners seeking to push their limits. Join us for the Vert Running Series Championship and unleash your inner champion. Experience the thrill of conquering three nearby peaks – Little Si, Mount Si, and Mount Teneriffe – as you navigate a course with over 6600 feet of vertical gain. Are you ready to elevate your trail running game?
how the series works
Three Divisions
- Elite – Sponsored runners or runners wanting to build a resume to become sponsored. Not sure if you fit? Contact us.
- Sport – Trail runners who don’t have the time to train like the Elites but want to get out and give it their all.
- Masters 45+ – 45 plus years of age, who still love to compete but are getting tired of those youngsters just nudging them out at the line.
Series Point System
All participants are required to complete one Qualifying Event and the championship event to be eligible for the series overall series trail running gear awards. The highest points earned for only one qualifying event and the championship event will determine a participants overall series score.
Qualifying Events (* – Qualified Points Event)
- Squak Mountain Half *
- Leavenworth Skyline 27k
- The Kan 25k *
- Beast of Big Creek *
* Denotes Qualifying events that are operated by other Washington trail running organizations and not Mountain Running Races. Please check and follow their policies that include refunds and rules. Each of these events will earn VRS points according to the size of field. Top man and woman from each qualifying event will receive a free entry to the championship event at North Bend Trail Fest Skyline 30k on October 4, 2026.
- 100 or less top 15 % receive Elite points, all others will receive Sport or Masters 45+ points according to their age.
- 100 – 199 top 10 % receive Elite points, all others will receive Sport or Masters 45+ points according to their age.
- 200 plus top 5 % receive Elite points, all others will receive Sport or Masters 45+ points according to their age.
Championship Event
- North Bend Skyline 30k Overall
- Top 3 Men, women, first place nonbinary Cash prizes
- 1st $1000
- 2nd $300
- 3rd $200
- Top 3 Men, women, first place nonbinary Cash prizes
Gear Overall Series Awards ($5000+ Value)
Top 5 Elite, Sport and Masters. Must be present at the North Bend Skyline 30k awards ceremony to receive custom VRS award and Brooks Running gear awards.
Elite – Top 5 men and women, Top non-binary
1st – $500 retail value gear
2nd $200 retail value gear
3rd $150 retail value gear
4th $100 retail value gear
5th $50 retail value gear
Total: $2500 retail value
Sport – Top 5 men and women, Top non-binary
1st $200 retail value gear
2nd $150 retail value gear
3rd $100 value – retail value gear
4th $75 Value – retail value gear
5th $50 Value – retail value gear
Total $1350 retail value
Masters 45+ – Top 5 men and women
1st $200 value – retail value gear
2nd $150 value – retail value gear
3rd $100 value – retail value gear
4th $75 Value – retail value gear
5th $50 Value –retail value gear
Total $1350 retail value
Point Series Values
Qualifying Event Application
If you’d like to have your mountain running event considered as a 2027 Qualifying Points Event, please fill out our application.