Volcanic is a very rugged, remote, and challenging 50K+ and a 25K on an active volcano (Mt. St. Helens) in Washington state. The 50K course runs on the single-track Loowit trail, circumnavigating the entire mountain. Racers scramble over large boulder fields, cross rivers, run through the blast zone, up and down steep drainages – some with rope assists, as well as through dense forest – all with ever-changing views of the volcano. The volcano race is 32 miles, but feels more like a 50-miler (and your finish time will probably be similar to 50-mile race). In all, this Mt. St. Helens race has approximately 7,400 feet of elevation gain and 7,400 feet of loss. This race is no joke and is most enjoyed with previous mountain racing experience. It’s tough, but good thing, so are you!
The 25K gives runners a real Mt. St. Helens volcano race experience without having to run all the way around it. This course includes some of the iconic features of the longer race – boulder fields, the Loowit trail, jaw-dropping views of the mountain and the surrounding Cascades, and lush forests. There’s 3,300 feet of gain and loss. This route is also hard, and we mean that.
Both races start and finish at the Marble Mountain Sno Park.
50K:
$155 (Feb 1 – 14)
$175 (Feb 15 – Apr 14)
$185 (Apr 15 – Jul 25)
25K:
$90 (Feb 1 – 14)
$110 (Feb 15 – Apr 14)
$120 (Apr 15 – Jul 25)
The above is only Go Beyond Racing’s registration fee and does not include Ultrasignup’s processing fees, any taxes, or add-ons you select. Those are included in the prices on the Ultrasignup site.
Pre-order optional race shirts/merchandise during registration, available through 7/1.
2025 Registration Opens February 1st
For the 50K only: Due to the remote, mountain environment and incredibly challenging aspect of this course, there is a strict requirement to have completed at least a 50K trail race or the Volcanic 25K prior to race day. You will enter the link to your previous race result during the registration process.
Please note that there are no transfers to other runners and no refunds. If you need to cancel your registration and it’s more than 30 days prior to the race, you will receive a 50% credit toward a future Go Beyond Racing race. If your cancellation is 30 days or less from race day, there is no credit. By registering, you agree to this Cancellation Policy.
Do you want to race but can’t afford the entry fee? We can help with our Trail Mix Fund.
You will pick up your bib at the start/finish line the morning of the race. Photo ID is required to get your bib.
The 50K pick up is from 5:30 – 6:30 a.m. You will need to show your mandatory required gear prior to getting your bib.
25K pick up is from 6:00 – 7:15 a.m.
There is BBQ’d meat and veggie burgers for all runners and volunteers at the finish, with camp chairs all around. Beer from Cascade Lakes Brewing, hard cider from AVID, sparkling waters, and chocolate milk is available for racers and volunteers. Families can purchase food too for $8 cash/$10 card. We hope you will stay and enjoy the fun.
All finishers earn a Volcanic pint glass. The top 3 men, women, and non-binary finishers will receive some very nice products from our sponsors. We also give out age group awards three-deep. There are many raffle prizes that are given away at the post-race festivities by our great sponsors.
Allow 2 hours from Portland and 4 hours from Seattle to get to the start/finish at the Marble Mountain Sno Park in the Mt St Helens National Volcanic Monument.
From I-5:
If you are interested in carpooling, you can post here to find or give a ride. This is a Google spreadsheet that is viewable to anyone with the link, so only post what you want public. Carpooling can earn you $5 cash and a $5 drink gift card from Nossa Familia Coffee – read about this program here.
We’ve had it all at this race. Super toasty to super cool and wet. Be prepared for anything – it is a volcano race afterall. Here’s the forecast for the area near the first aid station: weather
If you or if you know of someone who would be interested in volunteering for this Mt. St. Helens race, please sign up by clicking the green Volunteer button on the registration page.
Camp Lug-A-Chug. This is tough and any coach would tell you not to do this the weekend before your race so this is best left to friends and family of racers or just friends of Go Beyond Racing. It involves carrying as much water as you can or want to up a 4.5-miles, 1800′ of gain trail (and then back down with an empty pack). It is really an epic day or two of working hard. You can find details on our Facebook event and on our Calendar on the website.
We’re all over social media and we share unique information on each channel. Connect and get involved:
Volcanic 50 on Facebook.
Go Beyond Racing on Facebook
Instagram
In addition to the rules specific to this race, we do have a few rules that apply to all Go Beyond Racing races. Be sure you are familiar with them.
Need help getting ready for this race? Talk to our friends at Wy’east Wolfpack. They provide excellent coaching and training services and know a lot about Mt. St. Helens.
This race is granted by a Special Use Permit through the Forest Service and Mt St Helen’s National Volcanic Monument. In accordance with Federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.
We acknowledge that this race occurs on the traditional homelands of the Cowlitz Tribe.
