Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series

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Prepare for an invigorating challenge at the Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series on June 13, 2026, set amidst the lush beauty of Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park in Bellevue, WA. This esteemed event, a favorite among local trail runners, offers distances of 14.5M, 8.2M, and a 5K, catering to a range of abilities. Runners will navigate a diverse course featuring rolling hills, fern-lined single-track, and sections varying from narrow and technical to wide and groomed, all while immersed in a pleasant, dense forest environment. Expect moderate climbs and steep, but often short, inclines, with the 14.5M boasting approximately 2650 feet of elevation gain, the 8.2M around 1150 feet, and the 5K offering about 350 feet. While sweeping panoramic views are not the primary highlight, the serene Pacific Northwest nature provides a consistently beautiful backdrop.

The race starts and finishes at the Sky Country Trailhead off 166th Way SE, a hub that welcomes participants into a vibrant community atmosphere. Typical race day conditions in June see comfortable highs around 70°F and lows around 52°F, with only a 6% chance of precipitation, promising ideal running weather. Aid stations along the longer courses, like the 14.5M with stops around miles 3, 4.6, 7.1, and 10.3, provide essential support including water, electrolyte drinks, and snacks, though participants are reminded this is a cup-free event and should bring their own refillable hydration containers.

Beyond the personal challenge, the Cougar Mountain Trail Run Series holds a strong reputation as a well-organized event that actively gives back; a significant portion of each entry fee helps fund King County Parks, with the series having raised over $250,000 for park preservation and contributed hundreds of hours of trail work since its inception around 2003. Runners frequently praise the well-marked trails, the supportive local running community, and the overall enjoyable experience of tackling this classic, hilly course just minutes from the city.

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