Pigtails Run MAKE UP DATE 5/9/2026
Due to flooding, mudslides, and unsafe access routes in Maple Valley, the Pigtails Run has been postponed until 5/9/2026
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PLEASE SEE UPDATES SECTION BELOW FOR ALL UPDATES
We are returning to the core of what this race was.
Less everything. Lowest cost possible.
RACE START/FINISH LINE
GPS COORDINATES: 47.361321237519114, -122.02370750867075
ADDRESS LOCATION: Cedar to Green River Trail
Cross streets are 238th and SE Kent Kangley Road right across 238th from Four Corner Square
Trail entrance is across 238th from the back of Sonora Steakhouse – 23846 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Maple Valley
And across Kent Kangley from The Overlook at Summit Park Play Area – 23642 SE 269th Ct, Maple Valley
REGISTRATION COSTS AND INCREASES
| 50K & Marathon: Make up date new registrations 12/30/2025 – 4/29/2026 $35 | Half Marathon: Make up date new registrations 12/30/2025 – 4/29/2026 $40 |
To help you choose the right distance, you need to understand that this is not a good course for someone to try out for their first 50K.
REFUNDS / DEFERRALS / BIB TRANSFERS
Refunds
*NEW* Refund Guarantee through UltraSignup
Participants who opt-in for a fee will have the added ability to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before the race for an 80% refund.
The 80% refund is paid directly to the participant from UltraSignup and is managed through the email sent from UltraSignup upon registering.
No other discounts or refunds will be offered. You must opt in and purchase the refund guarantee from UltraSignup at checkout.
Deferrals from 2025 Postponed Race
If you’re unable to attend the new date, we’ll offer a 50% credit to the next race through 2027 only. Otherwise you will be transferred to the new date
Bib Transfers
There is a $7 transfer fee (plus UltraSignup Fees). Contact the race directors to transfer your bib. Your registration will be removed, the registration fee maintained, and then an invitation with a discount charging $7 for registration will be sent to the person you are transferring to. If you are charging them for your registration fee that is managed by you, not us.
For us, there is a $7 transfer fee (plus UltraSignup fees) charged in the transfer and the new runner will need to register again.
UPDATES
3/27/2025
- Parking
3/15/2026
- COURSE UPDATES
1/8/2026
- Updated food offered
12/31/2025
- Removed all aspects of Fat A** from the race pages to hopefully be able to use the church lot.
12/30/2025
- Removed old registration dates and added new registration information at the same cost
12/22/2025
- If you’re unable to attend the new date, we’ll offer a 50% credit to the next race through 2027 only
- Removed Nearby business information – we all have google maps and this helps with brevity.
- Updated Co-Race director information. Madison really doesn’t like to work, she’d rather nap. Enter Chad Ultra.
- Updated Food – Removed pizza as an item offered. It’s unfortunately the floods took this from us but there is a MOD pizza right by the finish.
- Added Sweeper to Volunteer Section
- Changed length of time worked / requested for free entry
- Registration Link information from 2025 removed. Added note on link to be updated on this page 2/1/2026.
- Added Refund Guarantee information to Refunds/Deferrals/Bib Transfers Section.
- I have received several questions on how people can get their swag. I should’ve included that in my posts prior. Here are your options.
- Removed Un from Unmanned aid station – our intent and hope is to have the mid course aid station manned from now on
- If you bought swag then your choices are
- You pay for shipping to you, (this would be based upon your shipping address and sent priority mail and it would be calculated with your address with a payment made to me via venmo prior to shipping
- you pick it up at the postponed race, or
- you decide to let it go and for every $1 you spent before taxes or Ultra Signup fees it would be another 1% off your next entry fee.
- Website last updated with sponsor information under the sponsor section.
- Swag section has been updated to show sold out items.
- 12/2 Updated start line location with information on adjacent businesses over the Church as although their parking lot opens off of Kent Kangley their address is on the other side of the property.
- 12/3 Updated Spectator Information for all 3 locations to see runners
- Updated drop bags to include holding swag
SCHEDULE AND CUTOFF TIMES
| Early Start for 50K & Marathon: Check-In: 6:10 am Briefing: 6:20 am Start: 6:30 am | Regular Start for 50K & Marathon: Check-In: 7:00 am Briefing: 7:20 am Start: 7:30 am | Half Marathon Start: Returning to only one start time this year Check-In: 7:45 am Briefing: 8:20 am Start: 8:30 am |
PLEASE PAY ATTENTION to the race briefing before the start!!! If you come in and say you took a wrong turn, went to far, the course was short. You’re not paying attention to the briefing.
In 2025 we will be using stakes and ribbon to mark the course as well as the sports paint that usually gets washed away on the course.
CUT OFF TIME FOR ALL RACES IS 2:30 PM!!
This is not a good course for your first 50K!
As a reminder, this is a **LOW SUPPORT race**, which emphasizes camaraderie and self-sufficiency. We kindly ask that you register for distances you are confident in completing. If you’re new to a particular distance, please consider whether you’re ready to take on that challenge this year. If you do start the race and come in to turnaround after 11:00am you will be pulled from the course and given an unofficial half marathon time for the 15 miles you have run.
You have to be able to maintain a 15 min per mile pace taking early start to finish on time.
Please remember your volunteers who worked hard in the cold all day; they do want to go home too.
The manned aid station on the course will begin packing up at 12pm. The home/main (start finish) aid station will begin packing up at 2.
PACKET PICKUP / BIB PICKUP
Packet Pickup is race day morning. Please see above for check-in times for each race.
DROP BAGS
No drop bags – Pack your own items on your person. In past years it has been a huge challenge for volunteers to manage runners’ personal items. We will hold your swag until the end of the race if you choose that at check in – the caveats being
a) We do not mail forgotten swag
b) Only you are allowed to pick swag up
DROPS / DISTANCE CHANGE
Drops are allowed up to and on race day. However! If you are dropping on race day you cause some chaos for the timing table. Be sure to check in, share your watch data and ensure we have you noted as a drop.
For 50K runners. If you decide to drop you will receive an unofficial half marathon time. If you are a marathon and drop you will receive a half marathon finish time.
TIMING / RESULTS
We will be utilizing WebScorer online for timing. The runner needs to have their bib showing to ensure ease of recording your time. If you come in without a bib showing your time will not be stopped until your bib is confirmed.
Results will be posted on the UltraSignup site within 30 hours. Please check your time and email the race director with any discrepancies immediately. After one week, your time is set in stone.
FOOD
There will be water / electrolyte drinks along the course at the manned station, and you can refill your bottle (no cups available on the course (except for chocolate milk and soup at main / home aid (aka – start/finish line)).
Soups (VEGAN butternut squash and chicken noodle only)- in addition to the soup we realized, hello, this will be a summer run. we will provide the regular race fare of chips, gummy candy, chocolate candy, cookies, bananas, oranges, peanut butter sandwiches, etc and a baked potato bar, that will include vegan butter, reg butter, bacon bits, queso cheese topping with rotel tomatoes and meat, sour cream and …. who knows….
At the manned aid around 5.5 mile point there will be water and some electrolyte drink, some chips, candy, cookies and gummy bears. With this being a lower support you should be expected to pack what you need on your person or grab from the main aid.
Pack it in, pack it out. Runners intentionally littering have the possibility of disqualification.
THERE ARE SEVERAL HOT FOOD RESTAURANTS NEARBY FOR ANY POST-RACE CRAVING SEE BELOW FOR SUGGESTIONS.
Food – Look at 4 Corners Maple Valley to start the search for hot food within .5 miles of the race start and finish – A bevy of choices
BATHROOMS ALONG COURSE
There has always been one port-o’potty at the start/finish. Depending on the amount of participants we may have an additional one at the start. In the past we have had a port o’ potty at the course aid station and it was BARELY used. It’s too costly to have one unless there are enough participants and VOLUNTEERS to be there to unlock it.
MANNED AID STATION –
Unless we get volunteers this is an manned aid
The Manned Aid Station is across from Light Dental Studios located at 22626 SE 216th Pl, Maple Valley, WA
PARKING
As with any race, it is important to pay attention to no parking signs and park responsibly.
Parking is allowed right next to the start line at
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address is 26800 236th Pl SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
The opening to the parking lot is off of 236th which is indicated in the photo below. The orange x is the start line.
SPECTATORS
There are three locations that have access for you to have access to the course to cheer on your runner.
We are elated that you are here to celebrate this race with your loved ones. Please be alert to the fact that there are no tables or benches at any of these locations. The unpaved trail can get very muddy this time of year. Be prepared for the elements!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
This course typically runs slower than average due to low support and weather conditions. Please keep this in mind when planning meet-up times. Runners — consider sharing your location with family and friends to make their wait in the elements easier.
Space at the start/finish is very limited. Please have friends and family cheer from the right-hand side of the trail or further up from the timing tent so the timing table stays clear.
Our tents and heaters are for runners only. Spectators should be prepared for the weather; if conditions allow and no runners are coming through, we may offer them a brief break inside, but we cannot accommodate groups for extended periods as runners have complained in the past that they couldn’t access heat or food.
Locations to see your runner and the approx mileage they will be at in the race at that location:
1. Start Finish Line
GPS COORDINATES: 47.361321237519114, -122.02370750867075
ADDRESS LOCATION: Cedar to Green River Trail
Cross streets are 238th and SE Kent Kangley Road
Trail entrance is across 238th from Sonora Steakhouse – 23846 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Maple Valley
And across Kent Kangley from The Overlook at Summit Park Play Area – 23642 SE 269th Ct, Maple Valley
- Half Marathon will be at the start finish line at mile – 0 and 13.1
- Marathoners will be at the start finish line at mile – 0, 13.1 and 26.2
- 50K runners will at the start finish line at mile – 0, 15 and 31.1
2. On course route manned aid station
Trail crosses 248th – Nearby address – LIGHT DENTAL STUDIOS OF MAPLE VALLEY, 22626 SE 216th Pl, Maple Valley, WA
This is at about the 4.25 mile of the course all runners will hit this at least twice.
3. Belmono’s ReachTurnaround for 50K Runners
Limited Parking in the Summer located at 16214-16248 SE Cedar Mountain Pl, Renton, WA 98058
Miles that runners will hit these areas:
- 50K runners will hit the turnaround at approximately miles 7.8 and 15.6
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Please respect the LOW KEY / LOW COST / LOW SUPPORT aspect of this race. It is low budget to allow all who want to run; to run. Volunteers simply cannot cater to all requests for special treatment every runner wants. The food to be provided is listed. If you require vegetable broth because you don’t care for the soup offered and insist it is heated by volunteers midrace…you may be disappointed. Please do not ask the volunteers to stop everything to handle these requests. They are there to make the race great for all, to manage medical emergencies, and be a cheerleader for ALL the runners.
SWAG AND MEDALS
Quantities are limited and IF items are still available you can purchase race day with Venmo or cash.
All runners will receive a Pigtails race medal, a Pigtails patch, and a choice between a vinyl Pigtails car sticker or a Pigtails key fob*.
*(If we run out of one of the options the alternate option will be given.)
NO MAILING OF SWAG NOT PICKED UP ON RACE DAY!
If you missed ordering swag and want to purchase there will be some items at the race day start/finish line. You can also order and have it shipped by contacting the race director at any time.
MEDALS
Our new medal series starting in 2025. 2025 will be the year of red.
SWAG
____________________If you missed ordering swag and want to purchase there will be some items at the race day start/finish line. You can also order and have it shipped by contacting the race director at any time.______
VOLUNTEERS
VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR THE 2025 RACE
All 2026 Volunteers for the 2025 Make up race – giving time of 3.5 hours or more will be given free entry to the 2027 race and receive race swag.
Still want to run the race, get a medal, a finish time and do it for free? We need a sweeper or two to pick up the markings on the course, any signage and trash. Sweepers must have the ability to do a 50K in time limit and come in last.
Please click the volunteer button on the race page on UltraSignup
Some volunteer tasks
- A bib caller for the timer
- Set up /Tear Down
- Prepping food, restocking food
- Cheering runners on
- Sweep the course
PHOTOS
To keep costs down our employed photographer is you! We will gladly take your photo at the finish for you we encourage you to share photos of your run with us on the Facebook race site!
CURRENT COURSE RECORDS
The top 3 Female and Top 3 Male runners in each race distance will receive a special piggy medal celebrating that win.
No piggy banks this year just super cool gold, silver and bronze pig face medals. See Swag Section
Upholding the longstanding tradition of record-breaking cash prizes – The Half Marathon, Marathon and The 50K will continue to receive $31.10, $26.20 and $13.10 in cash for a record-breaking time of the distance they registered for. If you dropped, you do not qualify for cash prizes. You will still have fame on future race websites and on ultra signup.*
| 50K Female: Gina Slaby 3:40:58 (2017) Male: Ben Brown 3:12:13 (2019) | Marathon Female: Marlene Farrell 3:02:10 (2012) Male: Uli Steidl 2:31:26 (2012) | Half Marathon Female: Rhea George 1:32:07 (2023) Male: Keith Laverty 1:13:41 (2024) |
ANIMALS AND STROLLERS ON THE COURSE
Unfortunately, the course has some crushed rock, over 6 miles of it, so strollers aren’t the best idea.
Also, race insurance doesn’t cover dogs on the course and we ask that you leave them at home. Sorry folks, no dogs on the course. You will not be allowed to start if you have a dog with you. You will not leave your dog in your car upon arrival after showing up with one and being told you can’t start with one. SO LEAVE THE PUPS AT HOME WHERE IT IS WARM AND THEY ARE COMFORTABLE.
WEATHER
The weather is iffy this time of year—rain, sleet, snow, or possibly sun. Be prepared for the weather to have the best race. It’s the PNW; please check the weather and plan accordingly. I will have a few garbage bags for runners to help with rain and wind but everyone should prepare for the weather. Everyone should carry one water bottle and most of their fuel.
RACE DAY – COURSE
THIS COURSE IS USATF SANCTIONED THIS IS NOT A BQ CERTIFIED COURSE. IF THIS WAS A BQ CERTIFIED COURSE YOUR ENTRY COSTS WOULD BE ASTRONOMICAL TO WHAT YOU PAY NOW. – LINK TO USATF SAFE SPORT REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
START LOCATION 47.361321237519114, -122.02370750867075
Start the route in Maple Valley at Four Corners shopping area (by the Mod Pizza, Panera, DQ, Dumpling House, and Grocery Outlet). MOD Pizza address – 23912 SE Kent Kangley Rd, Maple Valley, WA 98038 and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address – 26800 236th Pl SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038
The start is the trail on Kent Kangley between these two addresses.
START LOCATION 47.361321237519114, -122.02370750867075
You will run out to the intersection where the Green to Cedar Trail becomes the Cedar River Trail and make that LEFT TURN.
For a half marathon, you turnaround shortly after you cross Cedar River Grove intersection. Yes there is a stop light it couldn’t be avoided. Follow all traffic laws.
Marathoners will do a double out and back. 50Kers can run all the way to the Belmondo’s Reach area do an out and back twice for about 32 miles.
There is a little more elevation on this course for all distances than there was in prior years, but not much difference overall. The course is mostly a paved blacktop trail. There are portions of the race that will have some dirt and gravel.
COURSE AND SAFETY ON IT
Try to do your best to be safe at all times and try not to put anyone else in an unsafe situation. Aid Station Volunteers will have cell phones to call for assistance or emergency support. Ensure your emergency contact is updated and correct in UltraSignup. We do not have the availability to evacuate mid-course. An ambulance can arrive at the manned aid or main aid station. Please run safe, and with a phone.
RACE COURSE MAPS
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/6688095810/
THE TURN FOR THE HALF MARATHON/MARATHON IS AT 6.55 THE TURN FOR THE 50K is at 7.77 MILES WATCH FOR IT.
Total mileage marathon: 26.26mi Total mileage 50K: 31.16mi
COURSE MARKINGS
The course will be marked with pink ribbon and stakes and some chalk paint at important turnaround points and intersections. It is important to use your GPS. We hear a lot of runners saying the course is short, long etc. If you run the tangent of this course it will be about .1 miles short. Turn arounds are pretty easy. Half and Full Marathon, your turn is at 6.55, 50K turn is at 7.77
Emergencies
If you become injured you need to 1) Inform another runner and call for help 2) have runners alert the RD to your injury, we need to know you’re not coming back and to check on you the next day. It is important to carry a cell phone. Not as a means for music during the run. Be smart. If you have an emergency contact listed that is out of state we will contact them and also 911.
SPONSOR AND DISCOUNTS
SPONSORS
There is currently no sponsor for the May race.
DISCOUNTS
Madison is always asked where I got her awesome light-up harness. I got it at Noxgear and I urge anyone who takes their pup out either to go for a walk or a run anytime from dusk and beyond to get one of these harnesses. Your pet will be seen and noticed and safe. Click the button below to be taken to their site and receive Madison’s Special Savings LITEITUP4U discount on this harness and all Noxgear items.
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CO-RACE DIRECTOR
Welcome Jeremy McCoubrey or as most of you know him Chad Ultra (his ultra running alter ego). Just fyi it may get a little weird.
Chad is an experienced ultra runner, winning such prestigious awards like Ultra Signup’s favorite trail weirdo of the year(2023) and Walla running’s 12 hour twilight spirit award. If you don’t know him he’s done some podcasts (on the runs episode 199, Miles on repeat episode 18, Golden hour adventures) He’s probably DNF’d more races than you, but with style.
DISCLAIMER
PARTICIPANTS IN THIS EVENT ASSUME ALL RISKS OF SUCH PARTICIPATION. PARTICIPANTS CERTIFY THAT THEY ARE PHYSICALLY FIT AND SUFFICIENTLY TRAINED TO COMPLETE SUCH PORTION OF THIS EVENT AS THEY CHOOSE TO COMPLETE. BY ELECTING TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS EVENT, THE PARTICIPANT WAIVES, RELEASES AND DISCHARGES FROM ANY AND ALL CLAIMS, LOSSES OR LIABILITIES FOR DEATH, PERSONAL INJURY, PARTIAL OR PERMANENT DISABILITY, PROPERTY DAMAGE, MEDICAL OR HOSPITAL BILLS OR THEFT WHICH MAY ARISE OUT OF OR RELATE TO PARTICIPATION IN THIS EVENT. PARTICIPANTS AGREE NOT TO SUE, AND TO HOLD HARMLESS ANY AND ALL PERSONS, SPONSORS, VOLUNTEERS, PARTICIPANTS OR GOVERNMENT AGENCIES FOR ANY AND ALL CLAIMS OR LIABILITIES THAT THEY HAVE WAIVED, RELEASED OR DISCHARGED BY THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE PIGTAILS RUN. IF A RUNNER DEMEANS VOLUNTEERS THEY WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. IF THERE IS ANY DISCREPANCY OF TIME THE RD IS/HAS THE DECIDING AND FINAL SAY.
Thanks and Happy Running
April & Chad
2026 and Beyond
This race started as a small race that maybe had 50 people tops, the race has almost quadrupled in size but the cost really hasn’t increased to the runner. In order to maintain this race where it is sustainable I need to go back to the more low key/low support aspect of this race.
In 2026, there will be very little “free swag given”, all swag will be available for purchase. Running this race will get you some food, a bib, a medal and a time that is recorded online.
2026 will be the year of the orange medal
2027 will be the year of the yellow medal
2028 will be the year of the green medal
and so on…..
PIGTAILS RUN 
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