All the same reasons that make cycling so great in Winthrop Washington, also makes it a mecca for runners. With an nearly endless patchwork of rural roads with virtually no cars, road runners can focus fully on the scenery of the area. Trail running offers access to hundreds and hundreds of miles of trails as well as a full schedule 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 a great 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 both 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 the 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 Trail Marathon is very popular as well as The Cutthroat Classic.
