JOIN US ON A VIRTUAL RUN ACROSS OUR HOME STATE

As many of you know, Washington is the most amazing state in the Union. We’ve got big cities, islands, beaches, deserts, gorges and trees. So. many. trees. We grow more potatoes than Idaho, too.

The Evergreen Challenge is a six month virtual running journey that will take you across this amazing place we call home. Local businesses, handmade local swag and much more.

Subscribe for updates on registration and more!

PICK YOUR CHALLENGE

Click on the drop down menu on the right to see the three distance options.

Elwha: 284 miles // Kulshan: 430 miles // Tahoma: 682 miles

SWAG

Postcards to mail your grandma along your route, a tshirt to brag about your run, or a kick-ass WA art piece to display on your wall.
You will not be disappointed with your swag earnings.

Washington Wall art measures approximately 7″ x 5″ and comes with a durable varnish finish. It’s hand-made in Anacortes, Washington of cedar, birch and walnut. 

Registration

Who does this benefit?

A portion of every registration will be donated equally to our three non-profit partners. In addition, you can opt to make an additional donation to any or all of our charity partners during registration. 

Artists’ Gallery

The Evergreen Challenge has collaborated with a group of Washington artists to bring you a collection of 5×7 postcards commemorating some of the most beautiful spots our state has to offer. Learn more about the artists here.

Ali Hancock - Whiskeyjack Designs

Ali Hancock has been on a journey with art since she was young. Throughout her upbringing in the Colorado front range she explored different mediums including drawing, painting, photography, and pottery. 

Ryan Thrower

Always attempting to tell a story in a single frame, sometimes succeeding. My photos are collected favorites from trail races, alpine adventures, traveling, and more.

Paige Branam

I’m pursuing a career as an artificial intelligence engineer during the week, and exploring the mountains of the pacific northwest on the weekends. I hope that my photos inspire a sense of wonder and appreciation for the beauty of this world.

Red Umbrella Designs

We’re Red Umbrella Designs, a female owned and operated illustration and design studio based in Seattle & Twisp, WA. We make products inspired by nature that help people find joy, purpose, & value in their everyday lives.

Claire Giordano

I am an environmental artist creatively telling the stories of science, climate change, and the modern experience of nature.

Design by SML

SML is a husband-and-wife creative studio, founded on the vision to create pieces that fit into your lifestyle, enrich your home, and stay around for the long haul. Each of our products are handmade in Seattle from authentic, locally sourced materials, and built to be cherished for a lifetime.

Erin Eggert

I spend as much time as I can playing in the mountains – sun, rain, snow. I’m a happy camper! Post-hike, you’ll find me doodling or painting with a delicious pint of IPA or mint chocolate chip ice cream by my side.

Elizabeth Person

Elizabeth Person is an illustrator based in Everett, Washington. Using pen and watercolor, she sketches from life and creates “illustrative infographics” featuring Northwest themes and geography. 

Discover WA Music

Okay, so you probably actually have heard of most of these aritsts. But still! Maybe there's a new one. And if "Even Flow" doesn't get you going, then nothing will. 

Thank you to our Sponsors!

How It Works

How do I track my runs?

Use Wayfinder! Our custom online app for tracking your miles, that automatically syncs with Strava. 

What's the timeframe?

The six month timespan of the Evergreen Challenge starts on July 1st and ends December 31st. If you start after July 1st, you can still participate–you’ll just need to catch up a little bit!

What are the routes?

Check them out here. You can also view them on alltrails.com here: Elwha, Kulshan and Tahoma

How do I track my progress?

After you register, you’ll receive an email with instructions on how to log your miles and see your progress.

When will I receive my swag?

At different times! We are spacing out the deliveries to keep something to look forward to. The approximate schedule will be:

Early August: Postcards and any add-on purchases
Early September: Long Sleeve Tech Tee
Early December: Finisher Wall Art + Evergreen Challenge Patch

Do I have to run? Is walking okay?

Why of course not! Walking is definitely okay. Feel free to walk the whole time. This is about covering the distance, however you see fit.

Who/what does this benefit?

We have three charity partners for this race: Washington Trails Association, Mountains to Sound Greenway, and Outdoor Afro. When you register, you can opt to make a donation to any or all of these charities. In addition, we will donate a portion of every registration equally to the three non-profits. How much we will donate really depends upon how many people sign up–the more people that sign up, the more that we can donate. 

What do I get for my registration fee?

You’ll receive a long sleeve tech tee, 5×7 postcard pack, custom embroidered iron-on patch, our wooden wall art commemorating Washington, the online mileage tracking, plus a portion of your entry will go to our three charity partners.

Note that the number of postcards you get is proportional to the distance you select–the longer routes get more postcards!

 

Do I have to live in Washington to participate?

Not at all! Everyone in the US and Canada is welcome to participate.

Are there prizes?

Maybe! We are working on it. 

Can I count miles that I run in another virtual run or race?

Absolutely yes!

What is the sizing like on the shirts?

The shirts are sized gender specific. You can view a sizing chart here. 

Does this count towards the Orca Running "R-Pod" medal?

You bet it does! More info on the R-Pod medal here.

Not heard of the R-Pod medal yet? Run any 3 Orca Running races in a year and it’s yours!

 

Do I need to match the vertical gain of each route?

Nope! You’re just logging miles. Get as much vert as you like, but you’re not required to hit any required number.

Where do the names of the routes come from?

The names of the routes come from Native names given long before white settlers came to the state. Tahoma is the Native name for Mt. Rainier, Kulshan is the Native name for Mt. Baker, and Elwha (which means ‘strong people’ in Klallam) is the name for a Coast Salish tribe, and is also the name for the Elwha River, which had it’s dams removed in 2012 and was the largest dam removal in US history. 

What happens if I can't finish my route?

The best-laid plans can go awry! If you’re not going to make it to the end of your route, we encourage you to switch to a shorter distance. To do so, click here. If you’re already doing the Elwha route and you think you’re not going to make it, send us a message and we’ll let you know what your options are. 

Will I have to manually enter my mileage everyday?

No! You will be able to sync from Strava for your daily mileage. 

How can I switch distances?

It’s easy! Just follow the instructions here. There is no cutoff for changing distances.