Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series (August)

Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series (August)

Welcome to the 2026 edition of the Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series, put on by Seattle Running Club and Northwest Trail Runs. Our events support King County Parks, with $15 of every entry going to KC Parks.

Race Details

• Date: August 8, 2026
• Location: Sky Country Trailhead, Bellevue, WA
• Distances: 5K, 14.5 Miles & 26.2 Miles
• Start Times: 8:30 AM for 14.5 and 26.2 miles: 9 AM for 5K
• Cut-off: 4 PM (~17:10 pace for the marathon)

Event Series

• Short Series: May 5.1 Miles, June 8.2 Miles, July 10.8 Miles & August 14.5 Miles
• Long Series: May 10.8 Miles, June 14.5 Miles, July 19.5 Miles, August 26.2 Miles
• Awards: Top overall Man, Woman, and Nonbinary runners based on cumulative time
• Eligibility: Best 3 out of 4 races is eligible for awards

Registration Information

• Discount: Seattle Running Club members can use a discount code (email the race director for details).
• Online Registration: Closes at 11:59 PM PDT the Wednesday before each event.
• Day-of Registration: Available if you did not register in time.
• Refund Policy: There are NO REFUNDS!

Reasons to Sign Up

• Well-marked Trails: Distances suitable for all experience levels.
• Community: Engage with fellow trail runners.
• Post-race Amenities: Enjoy food and drinks, including beer from Flying Lion Brewery.
• Support Local Parks: $15 per runner donated to King County Parks.

Safety Guidelines

If you are showing symptoms of any illness or disease, please skip this race. Email races@seattlerunningclub.org for other race options or it’s a much appreciated donation!

We Run on Native Land

We acknowledge that our running opportunities are built on the purposeful removal of Native peoples, who have been the stewards of Seattle-area lands for thousands of years. Thus, we accept our ethical responsibility for the ongoing stewardship of the land and purposeful support of Native neighbors, colleagues, businesses, and tribes. The Muckleshoot, Duwamish, Stillaguamish, Snoqualmie, and Coast Salish are the Natives of the lands we run on.

Photo Consent

I understand and accept that photos/videos/illustrations may be taken of me and/or my personal property while attending/participating in Seattle Running Club (SRC) events/functions. I acknowledge and agree that such photographs or other illustrations may be used by SRC and its related entities for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium, without compensation to me.

A Greener Event: Cup Free

This year the series is continuing to reduce the amount of trash created during the event. We ask that runners bring a refillable water container with them on the trail to use at aid stations along the way.

Race Information

Thanks to runners like you, the Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series has raised over $265,000+ for King County Parks and contributed hundreds of hours of trail work. Join Seattle Running Club and Northwest Trail Runs in carrying this legacy forward and making this 22nd annual event bigger and better than ever!

Course Description

Just 15 minutes from Seattle, King County's Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park is one of the most popular training grounds for area trail runners and the Seattle Running Club. The course builds on itself throughout the series and brings runners through a lush forest of fern-lined single-track trails, over hills and along marshes and wetland habitats. This is a great series to supplement the training regime for a fall marathon or ultra.

Seattle Running Club Discount

If you are a member of Seattle Running Club, you should have received a discount code for 20% in the newsletter. You will need to provide your member number if you use this discount code.

No Dogs

Dogs are not allowed on the course due to Insurance Requirements. This helps ensure a safe environment for participants and spectators.

Awards

The top 3 Men, Women, and Nonbinary Runners in each event will receive a podium prize.

For more information, visit the race page at Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series.