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2020 Wallace Falls Trail Run -> Wallace False Virtual Run

Categories: UncategorizedAuthor BrianPosted on

Hello everyone,
Hope you’re all doing well, healthy and safe. It took quite a while for the final permitting agency to get back to me. Unfortunately, at that time they were not issuing any event permits. The Governor has since released guidelines for outdoor sporting events, but it’s too late to pull it together for an in person race for 2020.

So, we’re switching it up to the Wallace False Virtual Run. Run the distance you signed up for on your own, at your location of choice. Run anywhere and anytime between Thanksgiving, November 26, and New Years Eve, December 31. Submit your results by January 4th.

All 2020 Wallace Falls Trail Run entrants are automatically entered in the Wallace False Virtual Run, and will receive 20% off your next Wander Bigger Running event in 2021 or 2022. Or you can choose to roll over your entry to the 2021 or 2022 Wallace Falls Trail Run. Dates TBD, but for 2021 we’re looking at early April. We’ll have to talk to the permitting agencies, and will let everyone know as soon as we can.

We will ship finisher awards, purchased shirts, etc to your Ultrasignup address, or another address you specify. We may also try to setup some sort of local pickup.

Please practice recommended Covid-19 safety precautions. Carry a face covering to wear when you’re unable to maintain adequate distance from other people. Maintain at least 6 feet distance from people you don’t live with. Wear your face covering if you’re unable to maintain distance. Minimize your contact with people you don’t live with. Wash your hands often. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/prevention.html

We can’t stop you, since it’s a public park. But Wallace Falls State Park is incredibly popular, and very crowded on weekends, holidays and nice days. We don’t want to jeopardize permits for future events. And it can be tough to maintain safe distance on crowded trails. Consider running somewhere else. If you decide to go there, weekdays are usually much less busy. The park is open from 8am-dusk, which is about 5pm right now, and 4:50pm on December 21. Don’t cause the staff unnecessary grief by overstaying, making them worry about people being lost or injured in the dark. There are plenty of other places to run in the dark.

Run laps around your yard, through your neighborhood, across town, local trails, a treadmill, wherever you like. Race Director Brian plans to do all three back-to-back-to-back, half-marathon, 22.4 mi and 50k, on 3 consecutive days.

There will be a Wallace False Virtual Run Facebook page, and webpage coming soon. Share pictures, videos, selfies, GPS art, race reports and whatever else you want. We’ll work on additional award categories as well to try to help make up for missing the in person race experience.

To be considered for top-3 finisher awards, you’ll need to submit GPS verification. If you’re not running for top placement, GPS verification is preferred, but we’ll go by the honor system. Submit results on the Facebook page or via email.

If you would like to roll over entry to 2021 or 2022, please let me know by December 5th.

Personally, I’ve had some hard times staying motivated this year, but I’ve created my own goals to keep me going. With so much else going on, or going wrong, running has been the one near constant getting me through. Now, it’s a dark time of year, literally and figuratively for many. The weather can suck too. Take the opportunity to stay active and try to enjoy some time in nature on these short days, or long nights.

That should be enough to get you started. I’m looking at possibly reopening registration. I’ll update the Ultrasignup page and send out more details in the next few days.

Stay safe, stay healthy, stay warm, try to stay a little dry, and happy running,
Brian Nelson

March 15 Update – 2020 Wallace Falls Trail Run Postponed due to Covid-19

Categories: UncategorizedAuthor BrianPosted on

The Wallace Falls Trail Run will be postponed following the CDC’s recommendation for events with more than 50 people.

I’ll have more info about possible reschedule date, potential entry rollover, etc. in the next couple days after I talk with the permitting agencies.

https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/15/health/us-coronavirus-sunday-updates/index.html

Stay safe and health,

Brian Nelson
Director
Wallace Falls Trail Run
Wander Bigger Running

2019 Wallace Falls Trail Run Final Pre-Race Update March 1, 2019

Categories: UncategorizedAuthor BrianPosted on

Hello Wallace Falls Trail Runners,
Another reminder that Wallace Falls State Park has a relatively small parking lot, and there is very limited street parking. Please try to carpool if possible.

The course is marked. We’re sticking with normal loop, plus the out and back on the RR Grade to start. The Wallace Lake aid station might get moved next to the top of the Greg Ball trail.

All distances will run up the RR Grade trail to start. The 22.4 mi and 50k will turn around just past the first bridge, next to the picnic table just before the 1.5 mi marker. The half marathon will continue on for almost 1/4 mi farther before turning around. All distances will then return to the trailhead aid station. The aid station might only be minimally setup that early. Then you’ll continue on the normal loop course, up the Woody trail past the falls to the Upper Grade, out to Wallace Lake, left at the picnic table and kiosk by the bridge, to the Greg Ball trail, down the Greg Ball trail, and down the RR Grade back to the trailhead aid station/finish. The out and back and one loop for the half marathon, add a 2nd loop for the 22.4 mi, and add a 3rd loop for the 50k.

The normal loop is on this map as the 2nd loop of the 22.4 mi, and the 2nd and 3rd loops of the 50k:
https://caltopo.com/m/1KAV

The RR Grade out and back is on this map:
https://caltopo.com/m/S944

The upper parts of the Woody and Greg Ball trails will be a bit icy in the morning. It’s not anywhere near as bad as it was on Tuesday. I made it around with a 25 lbs pack while marking today without any added traction nor poles. But I mostly did so to test it. I probably would have used something on those sections if I was just out running.

I still recommend bringing traction and or poles. Either way, be careful, and take your time over the slick sections. I know it’s a race, but it only counts if you finish.

The Upper Grade between the upper falls and Wallace Lake will likely get rather soft later in the day. I was post holing quite a bit through the more sun exposed parts. Not very deep, but it’s enough to break your stride and make it more difficult.

You might also consider sunglasses for that section. There can be a lot of light reflected off the snow. While not necessarily likely, those conditions can lead to sunburn or snow blindness.
When putting on your bib, please make sure it is visible from the front. We need to see who you are to keep track of all the runners, and to make sure you get credit for finishing.

It’s going to be a beautiful day, if a bit cold in the morning.

See you all in the morning.

Happy running,
Brian Nelson
Director
Wallace Falls Trail Run
Wander Bigger Running, LLC

2019 Wallace Falls Trail Run

Categories: Wallace Falls Trail RunAuthor BrianPosted on

The 2018 Wallace Falls Trail Run went far better than I expected. I’m excited to bring it back again for 2019. Come on out on Saturday, March 2, 2019, and enjoy some trails, waterfalls and whatever weather nature throws our way.

After the late season snow that stuck around for the 2018 race, I thought about pushing the date back for 2019, maybe up to a month or more. I looked at trip reports and my own training logs for the last 5-6 years. This year was quite unusual with 12-18 inches of snow out to Wallace Lake and pushing 24-30+ inches by Jay Lake. Early March of most years, there’s been maybe a couple inches left by Wallace Lake, with about 8 inches of wet snow one year, and no snow up there another year.

Based on that, looking at other local races’ dates, and the fact that I just like tough races, I decided to stick with the first weekend of March.

Also based on the 2018 snow and finish times compared to what I’d expect with little or no snow, I decided to extend the finish cutoff time to 6:00pm, giving 50 km runners 10 hours. Start times will be the same.

The 2019 Wallace Falls Trail Run has also moved to Ultrasignup for registration. This will streamline a few things, including transfers and switching distances.

Proceeds will again benefit Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue.

Registration opens on December 1st.Hope to see you in March.

Happy Running,

Brian Nelson

Race Director

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Wallace Falls Trail Run Pre-Race Info & Trail Conditions Update

Categories: Wallace Falls Trail RunAuthor BrianPosted on

This was sent out to all the entrants’ email addresses used when registering. In case you didn’t get it for some reason, here it is.

Hello runners,

First off, thanks for signing up for the Wallace Falls Trail Run. It should be a great PNW day of trail running.

We’re very happy to have the Snohomish County Volunteer Search and Rescue Tracker Team out supporting the race. And race proceeds will go to help fund their operations.

In this email, you’ll find:
• Race Day Schedule
• Directions and Parking info
• Link to the course description
• Aid station information
• Restroom information
• Info about the shirts
• Race rules and safety info
• And weather forecast with an update about snow on the course

*Schedule

6:30 am – Check in opens
6:45 – 50 km early start briefing
7:00 – early start for 50 km runners expecting to take over 8 hours
7:45 – 50 km briefing
8:00 – 50 km race start
8:15 – 22.4 mi briefing
8:30 – 22.4 mi race start
8:45 – half marathon briefing
9:00 – half marathon race start
11:00 – 50 km cut off to start 2nd loop
12:30 pm – 22.4 mi cut off to start 2nd loop
1:30 – 50 km cut off to start final loop
4:00 – course closes

*Directions/Parking

You’ll need a Discover Pass to park at Wallace Falls State Park. You can buy a daily or annual pass at the park from a kiosk or at the park office.

From US highway 2 in Gold Bar, turn onto 1st St (left if heading east, right if heading west). At the 2nd stop sign, turn right on May Creek rd. Stay to the left at the Y going onto Ley rd. Turn left into the park at the end of Ley Road. Drive up the hill to the parking lot.

Google maps sometimes points out into the park when you just put Wallace Falls State Park in. So the address for the Ranger Office is
14503 Wallace Lake Road, Gold Bar, WA 98251.

Or the Google maps link is below.
https://www.google.com/maps/place/14503+Wallace+Lake+Rd,+Gold+Bar,+WA+98251/@47.8674874,-121.6813573,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x549abc4e8ebbf96d:0xd1b047885d64ac3!8m2!3d47.8674838!4d-121.6791686

We’d like to encourage you to carpool if possible. You’re welcome to post to the Facebook event page (https://www.facebook.com/events/365012777281363/) or race page (https://www.facebook.com/WanderBigger/) looking for ride sharing.

The parking lot holds a little over 100 vehicles. But the park will be open for regular visitors, and the lot can easily fill up. There is limited street parking on the south side of the bridge on Ley Rd. Be sure to pull all the way onto the shoulder. You may be ticketed or towed if you park in a no parking zone or block any of the roadway. If the parking lot starts to fill, we have permission to use property on the east side of Ley Rd just down from the park entrance. If necessary, we’ll open the gate for race parking, and someone will be there to let cars in. Once full or when the half marathon starts, the lot will be unmanned. The gate will be closed, but not locked. If you park there, please close the gate after yourselves when you leave.

Don’t leave valuables in plain sight in your vehicles. Your stuff is your responsibility.

 

*Course

Course description and maps are on the race website at http://wanderbigger.com/wallacefallstrailrun/

 

*Aid stations

There will be an aid station with food, water and beverages at Wallace Lake. All runners will pass this twice on the first loop, before and after the out and back to Jay Lake. The 22.4 mile and 50 km runners will pass it again once each subsequent loop. There will also be an aid station at the trailhead by the finish line for 22.4 mile and 50 km runners at the end of each loop. Drop bags are also allowed at the trailhead aid station for 22.4 mile and 50 km runners.

Aid station food and beverages include fruit, pb&j sandwiches, cookies, potato chips, pickles, candy, raisins, Clif bars, Gatorade, Coca Cola, 7 Up, gingerale and water.

 

*Restrooms

Park restrooms are available by the trailhead. There will also be 4 portable toilets available for runners. There’s a backwoods toilet at the Wallace Lake campsites, which is a little bit off course. There’s another backwoods toilet past the Jay Lake campsites, out past the turn around point. And there is a restroom at the junction of the Greg Ball trail and RR Grade trail.

 

*Shirts

If you purchased a shirt when you registered, please pick it up when you check in. There may be a limited number of shirts available for purchase on race day. Race day price is $20, cash only, sales tax already included.

 

*Rules

• The trails are open to other users. Please be courteous when passing. Most of other users will likely be on the Woody trail.
• While the course will be well marked, navigation and safety are the runners’ own responsibilities.
• Please allow faster runners to pass. But it is the passing runner’s responsibility to let others know they wish to pass.
• If you choose to use headphones, keep the volume low or one ear free so you can hear other people, race volunteers and officials.
• No dogs on the course with runners, spectators, crew or volunteers. Our insurance and permits don’t allow pets.
• Be aware that other park users may have dogs. They are required to be leashed, but not everyone does.
• Let aid station staff or park staff know if you have trouble with any other park users or animals.
• No cutting the course, including switchbacks.
• Obey all posted park signs.
• Please follow instructions of park staff, race staff, volunteers and first aid personnel.
• Runners must check in and out at each aid station.
• No crew on course. Crew is only allowed at the start/finish aid station at the trailhead.
• Drop bags are allowed at the start/finish trailhead aid station for the 22.4 mi and 50 km. Please write your name and bib number on your drop bag.
• 7:00 am early start is available only for 50 km runners who expect to take longer than 8 hours. Early start runners are not eligible for finishing awards. Official finish times will be at least 8 hours, even if you finish more quickly. If you expect to take longer than 9 hours to finish the 50 km, please consider entering one of the shorter distances. Our permits will only allow the course to stay open until 4:00 pm. No early start for 22.4 mi or half marathon.
• Loop cut off times will be strictly enforced. You must leave the start area on the next loop before the cut off time, or you will be dropped to a shorter distance. 50 km runners missing the first loop cut off time can choose to drop to either the 22.4 mi or half marathon. 22.4 mi runners missing the first loop cut off time will drop to the half marathon. Runners dropping to a shorter distance during the race are not eligible for finishing awards and will receive an official finish time of at least the max allowed time for that distance. Runners who start their final loop before the cut off, but fail to finish before the course closes will receive a DNF.
• Runners dropping out anywhere other than the trailhead start/finish area may have to make their own way out. There may not be a ride down from the Wallace Lake aid station except for emergencies. Please let aid station or finish line crew know if you decide to drop, so we don’t have to send Search and Rescue out looking for you.
• Runners may change to a shorter distance before the race starts and remain eligible for finishing awards. There will be no refunds for the price difference.
• Race day registration will be available up until 20 minutes before the applicable start time. Cash only. Prices are $50 for half marathon, $60 for 22.4 mile, $70 for 50 km.
• All participants (or parent/legal guardian if under 18 years old) must sign the waiver during registration. Runners registering on race day must also sign the waiver.
• No refund for failing to start or finish the race.

 

*Weather

The forecast for Saturday is looking like partly cloudy to a chance of showers, depending on what service you look at.
NOAA forecast for Gold Bar: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-121.67899249942452&lat=47.867351578048414

NOAA pinpoint forecast by Wallace Lake: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lon=-121.6738501586914&lat=47.90216629239575

There’s a chance of snow showers up there on Saturday.

 

*Trail Conditions and Snow

I put up a blog post on the website about trail conditions on Sunday. It can be read here: https://wanderbigger.com/wallace-falls-trail-run-course-conditions-snow-update/

I ran most of the course again on Wednesday. A lot of the snow on the lower trails has melted out. There are some slick patches starting around the Middle Falls, with less and less bare ground as you go up towards the Upper Falls. It might be different in the morning, but in the afternoon, it was more like compact slush than ice. I made it up without using my microspikes.

It’s snowed more up higher since Sunday. It’s also melted some since then. There’s probably a net gain of about 2-4 inches. The snow was sloppy, soft and wet. The path from foot traffic that was there Sunday is still visible, but only a few new tracks in it since then. About 3 inches of newer snow in the path. In the areas without tree cover, there’s about 12-18 inches of snow if you don’t stay in the path. Under tree cover, it’s more like 3-8 inches. The 2-3 main water crossing are low enough to just step over, or have no water, just snow.

There’s also a pair of trees down across the Upper Grade about .4 miles from where the trail from the Upper Falls comes out. They’re not hard to go around. If the Ranger has time and can get up there with all the snow, he may cut them out.

I did not go out to Jay Lake, but heard on Sunday that the snow was comparable to that around Wallace Lake.

The Greg Ball trail was mostly compact snow for the first mile of the descent, with a little newer snow over top. The snow was also wet and sloppy. I slid around a little bit. I managed without putting on my microspikes. If I were going for time or racing for place, I probably would have put them on.

The weather is supposed to stay mostly above freezing, with some rain over the next couple days. It might dip below freezing up higher, and it also might snow a few more inches up there too.

Currently, it’s doable in trail shoes with decently aggressive tread, but I’d recommend bringing poles and/or traction just in case. I’d also recommend against wearing road running shoes.

I’ll be back out there again on Friday when I mark the course and will include another update at the pre-race briefings on race day.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

See you all on Saturday.

Happy Running,
Brian Nelson
Director, Wallace Falls Trail Run
Wander Bigger Running

Tags: ,

Wallace Falls Trail Run Course Conditions *Snow Update*

Categories: Wallace Falls Trail RunAuthor BrianPosted on

I’ve received a couple emails asking about snow, trail conditions and whether the race is still happening. There is snow on the course, but the Wallace Falls Trail Run is still on.

The current forecast for the week is for slightly warmer temps and maybe some rain a couple days. However, the upper part of the course by Wallace and Jay Lakes may not get above freezing. Race day is supposed to be mostly cloudy to mostly sunny, depending on which weather service you listen to.

I ran most of the course today. I didn’t make it out to Jay Lake, though. There was a little snow on the Woody trail with gradually more as it gains elevation. Around the Middle Falls, it was a little slick in places due to slush and soft snow rather than ice. A little before the Upper Falls, it still wasn’t icy, but was more slick. I considered getting out my microspikes, but made it through without. The short trail from the Upper Falls to the Upper Grade was less traveled, so the fresh snow gave a little better traction over the previously compacted snow.

The Upper Grade from above the Upper Falls out to Wallace Lake has between 8-16+ inches of snow. Fortunately, there has been enough foot traffic to form a decent path making it much easier. There was about 1-2 inches of fresh snow over the path when I went through.

Though I didn’t make it out to Jay Lake today, I will before race day. Usually, there is a little more snow out there than at Wallace Lake. Much of the trail out there is under tree cover, so that should keep it down a little. It can also be colder up at Jay Lake by 5F or more.

From Wallace Lake to the Greg Ball trail is similar conditions to the Upper Grade. There are some truck tire tracks on part of it that are helpful.

Coming down the Greg Ball trail was the only place I used my microspikes. I had them on for about 1 mile. The snow was soft, even the previously compacted stuff. So when I’d take a step with some lateral pressure, my foot would often slide out. Even with the microspikes, I still slid a little bit, but not nearly as much.

Considering the forecast, I’m hoping most of the Woody Trail and Greg Ball Trail will melt out. It’s possible it could be a little icy on the upper parts of those trails race morning. The Upper Grade, out by Wallace and Jay Lakes will probably not melt out.

I’ll get out there again probably on Wednesday to check on conditions and include an update in the pre-race email going out on Thursday. I’ll also be out there on Friday marking the course and include an update in the race briefings just before each race.

The race is still on. Expect some snow on the course. It will probably slow you down some. I’d recommend against wearing road shoes. I’d also suggest bringing poles and/or traction just in case. Be prepared to be out there longer than you’d otherwise expect for your chosen distance, including bringing clothes to stay warm. You can still drop down to a shorter distance on race day if you’d like. For 50km runners who think they might already be close to the 8 hour time limit, you can still change to the 7:00 am early start.

See you all on Saturday.

Happy Running,
Brian

Tags:

It’s Coming Together

Categories: Races Wallace Falls Trail RunAuthor BrianPosted on

Well, the site is a work in progress, but it’s live, including the page for Wander Bigger Running’s first event, the Wallace Falls Trail Run, with 50km, 20mi and half marathon races. The event will be Saturday, March 3, 2018, and registration will open December 1, 2017.

I’ve lived near Wallace Falls State Park for several years. I love the area and love running in and around the park. There’s a lot more to it than what the race covers, but it hits the big highlights. And I’m looking forward to sharing.

I also have another motivation for organizing this race now. Washington State Department of Natural Resources owns much of the land surrounding the park, including some of the land the course crosses. A lot of timber comes out of the hills around here, including from DNR land near the park, some of which runners will cross on the upper grade between Wallace Falls and Wallace Lake.

But there is a plan for more trails on DNR land on either side of Wallace Falls. They’d like it to be in partnership with Washington State Parks connecting to new trails in the park, and Snohomish County Parks connecting to the new trails off May Creek road. I’ve been out on a couple field recon trips with DNR looking at potential trails, and I’m excited about the possibilities. 

The plan includes multi-use trails for hiking, mountain biking and equestrian use. It will probably be several years before it’s all done, but I think work is scheduled to start in 2018 on at least some of the new trails.

More people using the area for recreation will hopefully help convince DNR how valuable the area is for recreation, hopefully ease up on the DNR timber harvests, at least around Wallace Falls, and maybe give DNR and State Parks a nudge to get the trails built

I’d love to see you out there.

Wander Bigger,

Brian