Sunflower Marathon and Relay- May 11

33rd Annual

Sunflower Marathon & Relay  

Saturday, May 11

Title Sponsor: Winthrop Mountain Sports 

Washington State’s most unique marathon is Saturday May 11, 2013 in the beautiful Methow Valley. This incredible 26.7 mile marathon is unique for a number of reasons. First, this trail marathon is run on both private and public lands, through forests, hillsides, ranchlands, and back roads. Second, the run starts in the town of Mazama, runs by the town of Winthrop, and ends in the town of Twisp, 26.7 miles down valley. Third, participants can chose to either individually run a full marathon or compete as a relay team. Team members can consist of children or adults. The relay segments are a variety of distances - a couple segments are perfect for young (or beginning) runners looking for a modest distance. And finally, the reason so many runners return year after year is because of the beautiful, blooming sunflowers. The trails are lined with the yellow and gold of balsam root sunflowers. The views are spectacular!  

Early registration through April 12 is $75 for marathoners and $45 per person for adult relay team members. Relay teams can consist of 2-5 members. Registration includes transportation, a race souvenir t-shirt, post race lunch, random prizes, and awards. Over 500 runners compete in this race each year making it the Methow Valley’s largest recreational event. The Sunflower is a perfect way to kick start your running season and celebrate the arrival of summer. All indications point to an early North Cascades Highway 20 opening making for easy access for racers from the west side of the state. Race registration prices increases after April 12 so secure your early registration now. Additional race information can be found on the MVSTA website.

The Sunflower Marathon and Relay is hosted by the Methow Valley Sport Trails Association. (MVSTA). MVSTA is the nation’s largest cross-country ski area and maintains the trail system in the summer months for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, and horseback riding.  

Title Sponsorship for the Sunflower Relay is provided by Winthrop Mountain Sports. Winthrop Mountain Sports is located in downtown Winthrop and offers a complete selection of outdoor gear and apparel. 

Additional sponsors of the Sunflower Marathon and Relay include Backcountry Coffee, Blue Sky Real Estate, Central Reservations, Chewuch Inn, Freestone Inn, Goat’s Beard Mountain Supplies, Methow Cycle and Sport, Nordic Ultratune, River’s Edge Resort, Rocking Horse Bakery, Smartwool and Sun Mountain Lodge. 

MVSTA Spring Grooming Schedule

We are happy to announce that skiers can count on a full schedule of cross-country ski grooming through March 10^th. Beyond that, we will groom as much as conditions, use, and expenses warrant. After March 10^th, selected grooming will occur in areas with the most snow.

The ability to groom typically tapers off from the Town Trailhead and lower valley trails first, with the Rendezvous and Sun Mountain groomed last because they hold snow longer. The most popular trails remain the priority for grooming and we will make that assessment each night.

Last year, we groomed into April for the first time in our organization’s history. This was primarily because the Methow Valley had the snow and many passionate skiers were still enjoying the trails. While it is expensive for us to groom late into the season, we do so to add value to the season pass skier’s investment and support community vitality. 

The spring skiing is fantastic and now there is one more reason to experience it. We invite spring skiers to enjoy the incredible conditions right now while also securing trail access for next season.

When skiers purchase a 2013-2014 season ski pass now, at next season’s early season price, the pass will also allow you to ski the remainder of the 2013 ski season for FREE!

Early season pass prices for the 2013-2014 season is just $275. A skier needs to ski just 13 times to cover the cost of the pass; and those 13 outings could all even happen this spring!

To obtain a season pass stop by the MVSTA office at 309 Riverside Avenue in downtown Winthrop or call MVSTA at 509-996-3287.