Manastash Ridge Trail Run

5k, 7-mile, Half Marathon, 50k

Manastash Ridge is on the eastern cusp of the forests that blanket the Cascade Mountains, so it is covered by a mix of open land with grass and sagebrush and stands of pine forest. This area is well-loved by runners, hikers, and mountain bikers, and there is an extensive network of trails with a variety of surfaces, from smooth and flowy mountain bike trails to old jeep roads that are being reclaimed by plants. The terrain is mostly moderately sloping ridges and valleys rising to the ridge from the run start and finish point on the south side, but the Half Marathon and 50k runners will get to climb the steeper northern slope of the ridge, with breathtaking views of Ellensburg and the Kittitas Valley.