We’re back for 2025!
The 2025 Gulch Countdown was held on Saturday, August 23. Thank you for an inspiring day! We’re so proud of all of our runners for showing up and giving it their best. Congratulations to Last Man Standing, Jace Hinesly, and Last Woman Standing, Avery Gottesman! Results are available on UltraSignup: click here. Photos are compiled in a Google Photos album, download and share as you please! click here.
The 2024 Gulch Countdown was scheduled for October 19 but was cancelled due to hazardous winds that brought trees down onto the course.
2023 Gulch Countdown photos by Somer Kreisman.
Imagine a race that is open to all ability levels, designed to allow a pace conducive to socializing, yet also designed to challenge even the strongest of runners until there is only one runner left standing. Whether you are looking for a fun trail race to run with your friends or a race to push your limit and discover what you’re made of, this race is for you.
We were featured on the Live in Everett blog in 2022. Check out the write-up by Linda War Bonnet. You can also watch a overview of the race by Ryan Thrower.
What is the Gulch Countdown?
The Gulch Countdown is a simple 2.18-mile loop in the forests of Japanese Gulch. Surrounded by lush ferns, knobby trees dripping with moss, and giant cedars, the rolling hills of the Gulch give you the feel of the mountains without leaving the backyard of Mukilteo. The Gulch Countdown is a timed race, but not in the traditional sense.
How does it work?
The Gulch Countdown is run as a series of 2.18-mile loops, with the first loop having a 32 minute cut-off. Those who finish ahead of the cutoff can use the remaining time for rest and aid. All finishers within the cut-off then start the next loop together, running it within 31 minutes. With each additional loop the cutoff is reduced by 1 min. After 12 loops – a marathon distance – loop times decrease by 30 seconds until only one runner remains – the Last Person Standing.
2024 Sponsors
Race sponsors: McClain Insurance Services and Adam Braddock Real Estate.
Follow us on Instagram @gulchcountdown
From a past Last Person Standing…
“The inverse proportionate race format is a brilliant and much more interesting twist on the Big Backyard style of racing. It allows for the perfect blend of endurance and speed and I hope that Abram has started a new trend!”
– Zach Szablewski (1st at Gulch Countdown, 19th at Western States 100)
