“This December, I organized my own unofficial 13-mile race at Squak Mountain called Run Determined Best of Squak half marathon,” said Christopher Gregory.
The race had almost 4000′ of climbing, making it one of the toughest half marathons in the Pacific Northwest. “In my humble opinion, some of the best trails include Old Griz, Phil’s Creek, Chybinski, West Peak, Southeast Peak, Perimeter, Eastside & no name trail between the fireplace & the tower, claims Gregory.”
Troy Haeseler climbing to Central Peak (Mark Griffith)
The course starts at Bullit Fireplace trailhead using Bullit Fireplace Trail and Central Peak Trail t0 go straight up to the 2024′ Central Peak towers, which is 1300′ of climbing in 2.1 miles. Once at the top, the route goes down Old Griz and turns right on Eastside Trail before climbing back to Southeast Peak.
Amanda Mazzenga descending among the ferns and evergreens (Mark Griffith)
The course then descends on the Equestrian Loop Trail for 2.1 miles and 1100′ to just over halfway. The route goes back up May Valley Loop Trail and Perimeter Loop Trail for 2.7 miles and 1400′ to the Squak Mountain West Peak at the 10-mile mark.
The half marathon course has about 4000 feet of climbing (Mark Griffith)
Enjoy a fun descent on Chybinski and other trails back to the start to complete the run.
The race starts up Bullitt Fireplace Trail (Somer Kreisman)
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