RUNNING

All the same reasons that make cycling so great in Winthrop, Washington, also make it a mecca for runners.  With a nearly endless patchwork of rural roads with virtually no cars, road runners can focus entirely on the area’s scenery. Trail running offers access to hundreds and hundreds of miles of trails as well as a full schedule of trail races throughout the spring, summer, and fall hosted by a variety of Methow Valley organizations.  

TRAIL RUNNING

Nearly all the hiking and mountain biking trails in the Methow Valley make for perfect trail runs.  The variety includes low-land flats to mountain-top vistas. Methow Trails maintains many of the trails connecting the communities of Winthrop, Mazama, and Sun Mountain.  The Methow Trails website serves as an excellent resource for trail information, maps, and event listings for the races that are held throughout the spring, summer, and fall.

ROAD RUNNING

Pick a road, any road! The Methow Valley has a fantastic assortment of paved rural roads and gravel forest service roads that make for long, scenic road runs. From downtown Winthrop, it is easy to connect to many roads and trails. For the avid runner, Winthrop hosts a popular, net-downhill marathon in June that is a Boston Marathon qualifying race. More information on the Winthrop Marathon can be found here. Each season provides a whole new scenic look as Methow Valley roads pass through a lot of agricultural and forest service land. Don’t shy away from runs in the winter too. Despite the snow, locals in Methow love to strap on the Yaktrax to the soles of their running shoes and continue to enjoy the endless offering of running on quiet back roads.  

Organized Races and Relays

The Methow Valley hosts several marathons, fun runs, and relays. The Sunflower Marathon is very popular as well as The Cutthroat Classic.