Pigtails Run
Sub-events Details
Marathon
Event details
This is the 20th year this race has been running! Come join the celebration either in person or virtual. We love seeing you achieve success and having fun along the way. It's a beautiful course along the river and through the woods, to get your piggy medal!
Fat Ass races are in the grand tradition of ultras being relaxed, low key, low amenities but still a solid good time. Please remember the low amenities and pack what you feel you need. Also, remember you signed up for it. Don’t complain. Don’t register for a distance you have not run before! This is not a supported race that can help you meet your goals if you have not trained. This is not a good race for your first marathon or 50k unless you have a great support team.
For the past few years we have been predominantly been more of a luxury fat ass over a fat ass race. It is apparent that websites are charging more for the entry signup fees and in keeping this race low cost and still be able to have the race, it is apparent some things will have to change. Come 2026 we will be returning to the “fat ass” aspects. Less everything. Lowest cost possible. Do not expect the level of support that has been received.
As a reminder, this is a **Fat Ass race**, which emphasizes camaraderie and self-sufficiency. We kindly ask that you register for distances you are confident in completing. If you’re new to a particular distance, please consider whether you’re ready to take on that challenge this year. If you do start the race and come in to turnaround after 11:00am you will be pulled from the course and given an unofficial half marathon time for the 15 miles you have run.
PACKET PICKUP / BIB PICKUP
Packet Pickup is race day morning. Please see above for check-in times for each race.
DROP BAGS
No drop bags – Pack your own items on your person. In past years it has been a huge challenge for volunteers to manage runners’ personal items.
DROPS / DISTANCE CHANGE
Drops are allowed up to and on race day. However! If you are dropping on race day you cause some chaos for the timing table. Be sure to check in, share your watch data and ensure we have you noted as a drop.
For 50K runners. If you decide to drop you will receive an unofficial half marathon time. If you are a marathon and drop you will receive a half marathon finish time.
VIRTUAL RUNNERS
You can change your distance by emailing the RD by 12/1/2024.
TIMING / RESULTS
We will be utilizing WebScorer online for timing. The runner needs to have their bib showing to ensure ease of recording your time. If you come in without a bib showing your time will not be stopped until your bib is confirmed.
Results will be posted on the UltraSignup site within 30 hours. Please check your time and email the race director with any discrepancies immediately. After one week, your time is set in stone.
FOOD
COMING FOR 2025 we will have a pizza oven at the finish, this will be a test to see how viable one pizza oven is for the runners. As of now, we will have BBQ chicken pizza, Margarita pizza and Cheese Pizza. We are thinking on a slip ordering system for runners to choose toppings but this may get costly. This section will be updated as the race gets closer.
There will be water / electrolyte drinks along the course, and you can refill your bottle (no cups on the course except for hot drinks and soup)
Soups (VEGAN butternut squash and chicken noodle only)- in addition to the soup we will provide the regular Fat Ass race fare of chips, gummy candy, chocolate candy, cookies, bananas, oranges, peanut butter sandwiches, etc ….
Pack it in, pack it out. Runners intentionally littering have the possibility of disqualification.
THERE ARE SEVERAL HOT FOOD RESTAURANTS NEARBY FOR ANY POST-RACE CRAVING SEE BELOW FOR SUGGESTIONS.
Food – All within .5 miles of the race start and finish – A bevy of choices
DQ, Burger King, Emerald City Smoothie, Panera Bread, Hops N’ Drops, Alaska N Dumplings, The Original Pancake House, Maple Valley Thai, Subway, Four Corner Teriyaki, Gino’s Bistro, Taco Del Mar, Jersey Mike Subs, El Caporal, Crockett’s Public House, McDonalds, Lucky Chopsticks, MOD Pizza, Pizza Hut…..
BATHROOMS ALONG COURSE
There has always been one port-o’potty at the start/finish. Depending on the amount of participants we may have an additional one at the start. There will be an additional port-o’potty at the manned aid station around mile 5.8.
MANNED AID STATION
The Manned Aid Station is located at the Trail crossing on the residential street intersection SE 248th and 250th Ave SE nearest street address is 25001 SE 248th St.
There will be a light amount of the regular race fare of chips, gummy candy, cookies, mini candy bars, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, bananas, oranges, etc.
PARKING
PLEASE CARPOOL! – Start the route in Maple Valley at Four Corners shopping area (by the Panera and Grocery Outlet). The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints address is 26800 236th Pl SE, Maple Valley, WA 98038 and it is next to the start.
As with any race, it is important to pay attention to no parking signs and park responsibly.
I cannot stress enough that you need to park in designated locations that do not have a sign stating you will be towed. Unless we have a specific agreement with a business for you to park there (this will be updated to include them) we will not be responsible for any issues with where you park.
The map below shows areas near the race that allow parking. The GREEN LINE is suggested for early starters only as it will be dark when they start, this is street parking. The secondary picture has a highlighted section also available to early-start runners.
ALL OTHER runners should utilize Google Maps to get directions and utilize parking areas at:
- Summit Park 23675 SE Tahoma Way, Maple Valley, WA 98038 and
- Tahoma High School 23499 SE Tahoma Way, Maple Valley, WA 98038
SPECTATORS
We will be managing friends and family spectator expectations this year a little differently. Many people show up when someone is supposed to finish. We have noticed that 7 times out of 10 a runner will take longer on this course. The weather is horrible and there aren’t any spectators throughout to cheer you on.
Location for Spectators to see all Runners
1. Manned Aid Station – Trail crossing on residential street intersection SE 248th and 250th Ave S Coordinates for the street between the two trailheads
Half Marathon will hit the manned aid station at approximately 5.5, 7.75
Marathoners will hit the manned aid station at approx mileage 5.5, 7.75, 18.5, 20.5
50K runners will hit the manned aid station at approx mileage 5.5, 10.5, 21.5, 26
2. The Landsburg Trailhead for 50K only – The parking for this location is across the street from the fish ladder – 28700 SE 252nd Pl, Ravensdale, WA 98051
SPECIAL REQUESTS
Please respect the FAT ASS aspect of this race. It is low budget to allow all who want to run; to run. Volunteers simply cannot cater to all requests for special treatment every runner wants. The food to be provided is listed. If you require vegetable broth because you don’t care for the soup offered and insist it is heated by volunteers midrace…you may be disappointed. Please do not ask the volunteers to stop everything to handle these requests. They are there to make the race great for all, to manage medical emergencies, and be a cheerleader for ALL the runners.
SWAG AND MEDALS
With the return of the Fat Ass race, the larger swag items are available for purchase on Ultra Signup when you register. Quantities are limited and IF items are still available you can purchase race day with Venmo or cash.
All runners will receive a Pigtails race medal, a Pigtails patch, and a choice between a vinyl Pigtails car sticker or a Pigtails key fob*.
*(If we run out of one of the options the alternate option will be given.)
MEDALS
Our new medal series starting in 2025. 2025 will be the year of red.