Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series (August)

Welcome

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
• Event Link: Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series August
• Events: 5K, 14.5 Miles & 26.2 Miles

Race Schedule

• 5K Start Time: 9 AM
• 14.5 & 26.2 Miles Start Time: 8:30 AM
• Cut-off: 4 PM (~17:10 pace for the marathon)
• Previous Events: Listed for May, June, July, and October

Series Awards

• Awards Eligibility: Best 3 out of 4 races qualify
• 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
• Award Criteria: Top overall Man, Woman, and Nonbinary runners based on cumulative time will receive an award and free entry into next year’s series.

Registration Information

• Online Registration: Closes at 11:59 PM PDT the Wednesday before each event.
• Day-of Registration: Available if you miss online registration.
• SRC Members: Use discount codes for registration.
• Email for Discounts: Contact races@seattlerunningclub.org for details.

Reasons to Sign Up

• Well-marked Trails: Distances suited for all experience levels.
• Community: Connect with fellow trail runners.
• Post-race Amenities: Enjoy food and beverages including beer from Flying Lion Brewery.
• Support for 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!

Land Acknowledgment

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. If you would prefer not to have a particular photo used, let us know and we’ll do our best to remove it right away.

A Greener Event: Cup Free

Again, 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. Our friends at Seven Hills Running, Fleet Feet Sports Seattle Ballard, and Snoqualmie Running have a variety of hydration products.

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. Cougar Mountain features rolling hills, a few moderate climbs, and a few steep but short inclines.

Important Notes

• Registration Cap: There is a participant cap and the races tend to sell out, so register early!
• No Refunds: There are NO REFUNDS!
• SRC Discount: Members should check their newsletter for a discount code.
• No Dogs Allowed: Dogs are not permitted on the course due to insurance requirements.

Awards

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