Orcas Island 100

Orcas Island 100 is a 100-mile trail race on Orcas Island, Washington, on February 26, 2027, organized by Rainshadow Running. The single format starts at 8:00 a.m. and includes about 29,000 feet of climbing, which makes it one of the steepest 100-milers in the country relative to its distance.

With close to 290 feet of climbing per mile, this race asks for mountain-specific preparation rather than pure running volume. You should have at least one 100-mile or a strong 100K finish before entering, and your 20- to 24-week build should emphasize weekly vertical gain, back-to-back long runs on steep terrain and dedicated downhill sessions to protect your quads. Late-February timing means winter training in the dark and wet, so night running with a headlamp and gear tests in rain are part of the deal. Plan for slow overall pacing, a solid crew or drop-bag strategy, and a fueling plan that holds up over 30 hours or more.