Who are we?
Rise Above With Vert
Mountain Running Races LLC was formed to manage and deliver vertical mountain running events in the Pacific Northwest. We specialize in finding Pacific Northwest running trails with great vertical gain and awesome views.
We launched the Vert Running Series™ in 2023. Through the relationships with other Pacific Northwest mountain running event organizers this series has expanded to a five race series that gives all levels of mountain trail runners an opportunity to put their vert legs to the test throughout the state of Washington from the Olympic Mountains in the West to Mount Spokane in the East and also includes the Vert Running Series Championship in North Bend, Washington.
In 2023 we launched our first festival with the North Bend Trail Fest. This festival has a mountain adventure expo that show cases what the Snoqualmie Valley area has to offer for mountain running, snow sports, mountain and gravel biking, climbing and community events for all. This event has now expanded to multiple days.
In 2024 we expanded the Leavenworth mountain running events to include three different distances and the mountain running expo.
None of this would be possible without our trail family volunteers, sponsors, and other mountain running race organization partnerships.
The Team
Scott Sowle - Race Director
The great outdoors has always been at the forefront of my life. Snow skiing and cycling was my passion for years then I rediscovered running at the age of 57 and not just any running but mountain running. It helped me to become disciplined and listen to what is within me. I wanted to share this passion with others, and the vision of Mountain Running Races began. I love small mountain communities and our festivals in Leavenworth and North Bend gives us an opportunity to help build a vibrant outdoor community.
I live in the mountains to the Northeast of North Bend with my beautiful wife, Elizabeth, who has been a strong supporter and encourager while developing Mountain Running Races. I love to take long runs right out our door, mountain biking, and mountaineering. I also feel family is an important piece of life and without understanding it we can’t be a community.
Joe McConaughy - Race Director
Mt Si is the mecca of greater Seattle mountain running. I lived for a year in Austria and speak (well, now it’s ein bisschen eingerostet) German! I couldn’t be more excited to partner with Scott for the first time this year as a race director. I am all about keeping races local and community driven. I also love that these races highlight the steep, challenging nature of PNW trail running that is a bit different compared to places like Montana or California! I can’t wait to make Mountain Running Races a PNW staple for years to come.
A little about me… I’m from Lake City in north Seattle and still live there. Growing up an Eagle Scout and runner helped cultivate a lifelong interest in the outdoors and my physical limits. I’ve backpacked or run a handful of long trails in the US, including the PCT, AT, JMT, LT, and AZT. I love ultralight backpacking and moving quickly through nature. I’m also a sponsored ultramarathon runner with Brooks and trail running coach. I help lead the Youth Trail Project movement in the area and am also a leader of Cowgill Trail Collective. I simply like being out in the mountains and sharing that journey with all types of people. The mountains and forests are the places I like to visit to be introspective. It’s my place of zen!
Elizabeth Sowle - Volunteer Coordinator
There is something about helping runners complete an event, not to mention achieve a PR or break a record, that is so life giving. It is fun for me to help other volunteers experience that same fulfillment. Whether preparing for the race, helping during the event or putting it away afterwards, knowing that every small contribution helps others reach their goals is both fun and invigorating.
As Scott’s wife, together we have had the privilege of helping others achieve a healthy lifestyle for as long as we’ve known each other. This role is my current expression of that passion.
My career is in financial planning but in my time away from that I spend as much time out on trails as possible. As Volunteer Coordinator for Mountain Running Races I look forward to meeting many new friends who love running, hiking, mountains and helping others!
What We Deliver
Event planning
Permit process
Registration process
Safety management
Volunteer management
Course design
Family Fun!!!
Our Core Values
We highly regard the following values throughout our business:
Love, Courage, Gratitude, Kindness, Integrity, Respect, Forgiveness, Optimism, Commitment, Honesty, Patience, Generosity.