Lace up your trail shoes for the Laliik Trail Races on Saturday, March 7, 2026, held at the picturesque Rattlesnake Mountain Recreation Preserve Trailhead in Benton City, WA. This ninth edition of the Laliik races, organized by Runners of the Sage, offers an array of distances to challenge every runner, including a 6-Hour endurance event, a 10 Mile, an 11K, and a 5K. The courses wind through the stunning, relatively untouched Shrub Steppe ecosystem, promising breathtaking views of Rattlesnake Mountain (Laliik) and the majestic Columbia River Basin. Runners can anticipate typical race day conditions with highs around 54°F and lows near 33°F, and a minimal 1% chance of precipitation, making for ideal trail running weather.

The Laliik Trail Races are renowned for their diverse terrain and captivating scenery. The 5K is a gentle out-and-back journey up Aster Gully, featuring a manageable 450 feet of elevation gain, perfect for those new to trail running. For a more challenging experience, the 11K loop boasts 1400 to 1501 feet of climbing and includes the notorious "Mountain Goat Challenge"—a very tough ascent and descent of Rattlesnake Arm that gains 660 to 700 feet over just 0.43 miles. The 10 Mile course offers a "very runnable" trail experience through the preserve with approximately 1400 feet of elevation gain, allowing runners to soak in the expansive vistas. For the ultimate endurance test, the 6-Hour race utilizes the 11K loop, daring participants to complete as many circuits as possible by noon, with a special finisher sweatshirt awaiting those who conquer the full six hours.

Participants will find an aid station at the start for fueling up on each loop of the 6-Hour race, with additional aid stations providing water and snacks along the courses for other distances. Remember this is a cupless event, so bring your own water bottle to stay hydrated. Beyond the personal challenge, the Laliik Trail Races serve as a vital fundraiser for both the Runners of the Sage organization, promoting active lifestyles, and the preservation of the Rattlesnake Slope Preserve, whose trails have been diligently maintained since 2017. All finishers will receive a custom glass to commemorate their achievement, with awards for the top three male and female overall finishers.