Group Runs

Group Runs Winter 2026

The Youth Trail Project is excited to host free trail runs open to trail runners ages 8-18. These winter training runs are all about trail exploration, camaraderie, and fun. Hosted by YTP leadership and greater Seattle running coaches, each run will have multiple distance groups to accommodate various paces and ability level. No experience required:

  • Ages 8-18, free
  • Every other from 1/17 to 2/28 on Saturdays at 9:30AM at a different trailhead
  • Open to runners ages 8-18. Different pace groups and distances for all abilities.
  • Group runs led by Youth Trail Project leadership with help from local coaches and adult volunteers.
  • YOU MUST CREATE AN ACCOUNT IN SPOND & RSVP FOR EACH RUN: Spond allows us to track waivers (must be signed by parents!), RSVPs and attendance. We have 50 max youth runners. This is how we communicate run information.
  • Coaching or parent looking to get involved? We love to collaborate and can use route leaders. pnwyouthtrailproject (at) gmail (dot) com

Download the Spond App & RSVP

How do you join YTP, find out the most up-to-date information or RSVP to an event?

  1. Create a Spond account through this link and download the Spond App
  2. Run leaders, volunteers, youth and anyone else looking at attend should create an account
    • 18 or older: Create an account and select the ‘I want to become a member’ option.
    • 17 or younger: A parent must enter their information to sign the liability waiver by selecting the ‘I’m signing up a child’ option.
  3. Enable notifications to you will get updates from us. Updates will also be sent via email and to guardians.
  4. To RSVP to an event, go into the event and click ‘Accept.’ If your plans change and you cannot attend, please select ‘Decline’ and this will notify us.
  5. We use the app Strava for specific GPX routes on trails. You can download this app to see the route and use it in the field if you are worried about getting lost (app not required for participation).

(Routes and info are subject to change, so make sure you check event details in Spond before the event)

 

Saturday, January 17 – Carkeek Park

Parking lot by beaches, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd Seattle, WA, United States

RSVP in Spond App required (join club here)

Carkeek Park is a wondrous city park with views of the Puget Sound, windy singletrack mixed with nice doubletrack, steady but long climbs, and beautiful forests. This is our first winter trail run of the year and will surely be a rust buster for us all!

Saturday, January 31 – Grand Ridge

Parking lot by southernmost Soccer Field, 1907 NE Park Dr Issaquah, WA, United States

RSVP in Spond App required (join club here)

At the base of Grand Ridge you’ll find the Issaquah-Preston Trail, a wide, flat railroad grade gravel path. With a few hundred feet of climbing, you reach the Grand Ridge which has flowy, runnable trails. Route #1 will take you down to the Issaquah-Preston Trail and back up for a nice loop. Route #2 will have you exploring higher up into Grand Ridge through rolling old growth forests.

Saturday, February 14 – Seward Park

Seward North Parking Lot, 5800 Lake Washington Blvd NE Seattle, WA, United States

RSVP in Spond App required (join club here)

Seward Park contains more than 120 acres of old-growth forests. Surrounding the ridge is a flat pedestrian road with great lakeside views. Both routes will weave in and out of the trails and pedestrian road for a fun run.

Saturday, February 28 – Cougar Mountain
Sky Country Trail Head at Cougar Mountain (no parking pass required)

RSVP in Spond App required (join club here)

The short course cover the Cougar 5k course, the final YTP trail race in August. The course has a mix of forest road and windy single track with runnable climbs. The second route explores further into the Cougar Mountain trail network.

Group Runs Summer 2025

WE INCLUDE THIS INFORMATION IN CASE YOU ARE LOOKING FOR INSPIRATION ON ROUTES. HAPPY TRAILS! 

 

Thursday, June 19 – Issaquah HS (Tiger 5k Race Course Preview + Brooks shoe demo)

RSVP here

Route #1 will cover the Tiger 5k course (don’t forget to sign up for the race on 6/21!), and the #2 and #3 routes will explore farther into the trail network while still covering the 5k course.

Thursday, June 26 – Cougar Mountain (Sky Country TH)

RSVP here

Route #1 will cover the Cougar 5k course, which will be the final YTP race in August. The course has a mix of forest road and windy single track with runnable climbs. The second route explores further into the Cougar Mountain trail network.

Thursday, July 3 – Seward Park (Seward Sizzler Course Preview)

RSVP here

Route #1 will do one loop of the Seward Sizzler course. Route #2 will do 2 loops, and hit up Route #3 if you are looking for a little extra exploration!

Parking Area Location: Seward Park Upper Parking Area 

Thursday, July 10 – Squak (May Valley TH)

RSVP here

How high will you go? The trails are well-maintained but steep. Go up until you want to come back down. Route #1 may seem short, but it packs a punch with elevation gain. Route #2, #3 and #4 reach further up on the mountain.

Thursday, July 17 – Snoqualmie Tunnel Run (Palouse to Cascades Hyak Trailhead

Headlamp required for tunnel!

RSVP here

The Snoqualmie Tunnel is a 2.25mi long old railroad tunnel that is open to bikers and runners. The tunnel is completely straight and a wild experience! Runners will have the option to extend the out and back further past the tunnel to add on mileage.

Thursday, July 24 – Grand Ridge (S Playfields Parking)

RSVP here

At the base of Grand Ridge you’ll find the Issaquah-Preston Trail, a wide, flat railroad grade gravel path. With a few hundred feet of climbing, you reach the Grand Ridge which has flowy, runnable trails. Route #1 will take you down to the Issaquah-Preston Trail and back up for a nice loop. Route #2 will have you exploring higher up into Grand Ridge, and Route #3 will combine both these options.

Thursday, July 31 – Cancelled

Thursday, August 7 – Cougar Mountain (Sky Country TH + Cougar Mountain 5k Course Preview)

RSVP here

Route #1 will cover the Cougar 5k course, which will be the final YTP race in August. The course has a mix of forest road and windy single track with runnable climbs. The second route explores further into the Cougar Mountain trail network.

Thursday, August 14 – High Point Trailhead (Cable Line TH)

RSVP here

The last YTP run of the season will be a big vert run. Make it halfway up Tiger Mountain with Route #1 and hard earned views can be earned for those who make it all the way to the top of Route #2!