Northwest Trail Runs Interlaken Icicle Dash

Embrace the crisp Pacific Northwest winter with the Northwest Trail Runs Interlaken Icicle Dash on January 31, 2026, in Seattle, WA. Offering both 5K and 10K distances, this popular event is the seventh and final race in the Northwest Trail Runs Winter Trail Series, renowned for its engaging courses and welcoming atmosphere. Runners can expect typical race day conditions with highs around 49°F and lows near 37°F, alongside a 19% chance of precipitation, making for a refreshing challenge in the heart of the city.

The Interlaken Icicle Dash takes you through the enchanting 51-acre Interlaken Park, a dense evergreen oasis named for a Swiss resort, separating Seattle's Montlake and Capitol Hill neighborhoods. The 2.5 km loop course begins with a relatively flat out-and-back on the historic Interlaken Boulevard, a wide, tree-canopied paved road closed to vehicle traffic. The adventure quickly shifts as you turn up a short staircase and onto dirt trails, including a "fairly steep 200' single track climb in about 1/3 of a mile" to the top of the park, before a thrilling descent back to the boulevard. Expect towering trees, an "enchanting collection of dirt trails," and glimpses of the Cascades from this unique "green ravine".

The start and finish line, conveniently located near the intersection of 21st Ave E and E Interlaken Blvd, also hosts the aid station. Here, runners will find water, Skratch Labs electrolyte drink, and a variety of carbohydrate-rich and salty snacks, including cookies, energy bar pieces, gels, chips, bagels, and bananas. 5K participants will pass the aid station once, while 10K runners will have access at 2.5K, 5K, and 7.5K marks. This well-supported event offers a distinctive blend of paved and technical trails, promising an invigorating winter run and an undeniable "endorphin high".