Mad Meadows 50
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Event overview
Mad Meadows 50 is a trail race near Leavenworth, Washington, held on October 11, 2025. The event offers two distances:
- 50K
- 50 Mile
The race starts and finishes at Grouse Creek Group Campground on Chiwawa River Road. The 50K reaches elevations over 6,000 ft and the 50 Mile tops out over 7,000 ft. Reported elevation gain is 6,000 ft for the 50K and 11,000 ft for the 50 Mile. The event is organized by Evergreen Trail Runs and is held on lands managed under a special use permit with the Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest.
Course and logistics
The course is remote and contains long climbs, steep and technical sections, and sections of smooth singletrack along the Mad River and through Mad Meadows. Routes split early: 50K runners climb toward the Minnow Creek trailhead and rejoin the 50 Mile course at Chikamin Aid Station; 50 Mile runners continue farther down Chiwawa River Road, climb to Basalt Pass, traverse Garland Ridge, and use an out-and-back to Chikamin before shared sections. Notable features include north-facing talus slopes with old-growth larch trees, Alder Ridge descents, and 4.5 miles of singletrack alongside Chiwawa River Road near the finish.
Aid stations are placed at defined mile points: 50 Mile at 7, 13, 22 (water only), 26, 35, 44; 50K at 4, 9, 17, 27. Drop bags: 50 Mile at Basalt and Chikamin; 50K at Chikamin. Required gear: 50 Mile - headlamp, light rain/wind jacket, 2 L water capacity, course GPS; 50K - light rain/wind jacket, 1 L water capacity, course GPS. The race is cupless; limited emergency cups are available. Pacers are not allowed. Crew access is allowed only at designated aid stations. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.