The Grand Ridge event returns to Issaquah, Washington on November 7th, offering a variety of distance options for runners looking to cap off their trail-running season with some serious mileage in the Cascade foothills. Located at Grand Ridge Park, participants will start from the Highpoint Way Trailhead and follow the Issaquah-Preston Trail. The park features lush green forests thriving thanks to abundant rainfall, providing a scenic backdrop of golden fall colors across fern fields and mossy trees. Race morning usually sees clear skies with comfortable temperatures around 60°F (15°C), making for pleasant trail conditions. Since its inception in the year 2000 by the Washington Trails Association, Grand Ridge has become an integral part of Issaquah’s running community, drawing hundreds of participants annually who come to enjoy the trails and support local environmental initiatives. The race aims to highlight the beauty and importance of preserving these natural spaces for future generations. The course is designed with two distinct loops: one loop covering 5 miles (8 kilometers) that starts from Highpoint Way Trailhead before climbing rocky, technical switchbacks up Grand Ridge. For longer distances like half-marathoners who run a modified half-marathon route totaling approximately 14 miles and marathon runners completing the full distance of 26.2 miles, there's an additional loop to cover more ground. The course includes detours through Flowing Fir Trail for scenic variety. On race day, expect firm but slightly soft trail conditions with UV index levels around 1.4 (low), making it comfortable underfoot even as the sun rises early in November morning hours. Temperatures hover between 50°F and 68°F during the event window, ensuring a cool yet invigorating run. The Grand Ridge race offers several distance options including a challenging 50K ($115.00), half-marathon (21.1 kilometers for $75.00), full marathon (42.2 kilometers priced at $95.00), and the shorter but equally engaging 5 Miler (8 kilometers with an entry fee of $40.00).
Registration can be completed online through [https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132241](https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=132241) where participants will find details on deadlines and fees for each distance. Bib pickup is available at the Issaquah Community Center located on NE Gilman Boulevard, open from 8am to 5pm two days before race day. On November 7th, runners should arrive early as start times vary by distance with all events originating near Highpoint Way Trailhead in Issaquah, Washington. Age requirements are flexible depending on the chosen distance; participants under 14 years of age must register for the Kids Race (fee not specified). The Grand Ridge event concludes the Evergreen trail-running season in Issaquah, offering runners a final opportunity to enjoy miles of meticulously maintained trails through deep forests and golden autumn landscapes.
Races Offered
50K
Nov 07, 2026
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Distance —
50K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:30
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$115.00
1/2 Marathon
Nov 07, 2026
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Distance —
21.1K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
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$75.00
Marathon
Nov 07, 2026
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Distance —
42.2K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
07:45
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$95.00
5 Miler
Nov 07, 2026
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Distance —
8K
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
09:30
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$40.00
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for November in Issaquah.
thermostatTemperature
4.7° / 11.3°
wb_sunnyFeels like
1.5° / 8.8°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
4h 24m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
7.3 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
9.5 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Low
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Low (1.4)
humidity_mid
Humidity
83.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
08:13
nightlight
Sunset
17:32
About Issaquah
Learn more about the host city, Issaquah.
Issaquah is a city of 40,000 people (2019) in King County in the Puget Sound region of Washington State. Its historic downtown is a popular base for hiking in the foothills of the Cascades.
