4 running events in Skagit County, Washington

This run is a celebration of what Northern State has to offer with the new trails built by the Skagit Trail Builders!

This event is a one man operation. There is no clock, no bibs, no times (everyone but me wears a watch), no aide stations, and best of all NO FEE!

Yes, there will be the traditional mass start at 10 AM and a finish line will be marked. I will start the race and lead you up to the trail system then turn around a position the sandwich boards for directions to the finish. Yellow for 10K/Orange for 4 Mile.....two different finish lines!

The idea is for runners of all abilities to gather to come experience the beauty that Northern State has to offer by running on two handcrafted bridges over Hill Creek then through the towering Cedar, Douglas Fir, and Spruce trees.

After the race, runners can enjoy the fellowship with those who ran with you while sharing the beauty of what you had just witnessed! Treats will be provided by Starbucks and Skagit Runners.

The course will be well marked with mile markers in place, And yes, both courses are accurate!

No Dogs or Strollers. Sorry but the trail is too narrow.

PS: Remember this is a public trail system. I will put up warning signs a week before the race but more than likely there WILL be people and dogs on the course. Can't do anything about that.

Shout out to Starbucks for bringing coffee and Skagit Runners for providing cookies for all!

FORGE Backyard Ultra

• Run a 4.167-mile loop every hour on the hour for 12 hours

• Complete all 12 loops and you'll have run 50 miles

• Miss the start or don’t finish in time? Your FORGE is over.

Everyone is celebrated but we will have winners: Male and Female 1. fastest total time & 2. final loop winner

Space is limited. Secure your spot today.

Date: June 6, 2026

Location: Trails and dirt roads south of Swinomish Casino, Skagit County, WA

Start Time: 7:00 AM

All Runners will receive:

• FORGE running hat

• FORGE hoodie

• FORGEd custom medal(finisher prize)

• Day of race food and snacks, Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel.

FORGE is a race built around a unique and growing format known as the "backyard ultra." Unlike traditional races where runners aim for a set distance or time, backyard ultras follow a simple but demanding structure: runners complete a 4.167-mile loop every hour, on the hour. Whatever time remains after finishing a lap becomes their rest period before starting again at the top of the next hour. This continues until the event reaches its predetermined duration—in FORGE’s case, 12 hours.

The format is gaining popularity worldwide because it removes the pressure of speed and replaces it with a test of endurance, pacing, and mental toughness. Fast runners and steady runners line up together every hour. Everyone starts at the same time, and the race unfolds differently for each participant. Some will aim for a personal-best distance, while others will push to complete all 12 laps.

One of the most unique aspects of this style of racing is the community it creates. The time between laps—when runners gather, recover, and prepare for the next start—becomes a shared experience. Conversations happen. Encouragement is exchanged. Whether you’re completing your first backyard-style event or chasing a new personal milestone, you’re not doing it alone.

At its core, FORGE is about stepping into a challenge and discovering what you’re capable of. There’s no finish line waiting for you at a set distance—just another lap, another opportunity to push forward. It’s an event designed to be hard, but also to be welcoming, rewarding, and deeply memorable.