Ancient Lakes Trail Run

Lace-up for an unforgettable journey through Washington's unique desert landscape at the Ancient Lakes Trail Run, taking place on April 12, 2026, in Quincy, WA. This highly-regarded event, consistently praised for its top-notch organization and support, offers distances for every trail enthusiast: a 10K, 25K, and 26.2M marathon. Experience scenery often described as "the desert southwest but with a Washington flare," featuring spectacular canyon-like gorges, ancient desert lakes, and cascading waterfalls. Typical race day conditions in mid-April offer pleasant highs around 61F and lows near 37F, with only a 2% chance of precipitation, though runners should be prepared for potential wind and sun exposure with no shade on the course.

The Ancient Lakes Trail Run is celebrated for its distinctive cloverleaf course design, primarily featuring single-track trails that weave through the stunning landscape. The 25K loop, which forms the basis for longer distances, incorporates three unique sub-loops: the red loop passing waterfalls and basalt outcrops, the green loop exploring more lakes and canyon-like terrain, and the blue loop dropping into the dramatic Columbia River Gorge before a climb back to the finish. Runners can expect rolling terrain with no single climb or descent exceeding 400 feet, making for a runnable yet challenging experience. The 10K course boasts approximately 700 to 1,000 feet of elevation gain, the 25K around 1,700 to 2,200 feet, and the marathon distance accumulating approximately 2,800 feet of gain over its multiple loops.

Adding to the runner-centric experience, a single central aid station is strategically located and accessed repeatedly throughout the longer races, ensuring consistent support. Participants are required to carry their own hydration system capable of holding at least 16 oz of fluid, as the event is cupless. Drop bags are conveniently stored at the start/finish area, accessible after each loop for those tackling the longer distances. Consistently selling out, especially for the Saturday races, the Ancient Lakes Trail Run by Run Super Series promises an unforgettable day on the trails, blending breathtaking desert vistas with a friendly, well-supported race atmosphere perfect for both seasoned trail veterans and those new to the sport.