Hiawatha Fall Trail Run

Experience a trail running adventure on the Route of the Hiawatha with a scenic out-and-back course featuring towering forests, rugged peaks, and historic train tunnels.

Become a sponsor, get exposure, and elevate your brand.  We are always looking for new race sponsors. We offer a variety of cash and in-kind sponsorship opportunities. 

CLICK HERE to learn more about sponsorship.

.   

     .   

Contact Email:

info@nsplit.com

------------------------------------------------------------

Contact Text:

208-806-1311

------------------------------------------------------------

Mailing Address:

Negative Split
PO Box 4221
Spokane, WA, 99220

------------------------------------------------------------

Start / Finish: 

All race distances will start from East portal which is about 2 miles from Taft, MT by vehicle.  Taft, MT is at exit 5 on the Montana side of Lookout pass along I-90.  There is limited parking near the Start/Finish area. Runners may park at East Portal on a fist come - first serve basis. There is overflow parking at the Taft parking lot off the I-90 exit and shuttle buses to the start line area will be available if needed.  Look for signs as you exit.

***Please read the athlete guide page regarding the construction detour at exit 5 affecting eastbound traffic

------------------------------------------------------------

All Courses: 

All courses are out and backs.  This is primarily due to not being able to shuttle bus over St. Paul Pass.  There is also NO CELL PHONE SERVICE at the start, finish, or along the course.  The route is run on a railroad grade that is not steeper than 1.5% along the route.  Runners will get a good warm-up running the slight downhill grade before turning around to finish strong back up the gentle grade.  A 1.5% grade is the equivalent of 80ft of elevation change over a mile of the route.

------------------------------------------------------------

Lights Are Mandatory!

All distances will run through tunnels that are very dark when you are in the middle.  If you do not have a headlamp or flashlight with you, you will not be allowed onto the course.  Headlamps are also available for purchase during registration and you will be given your fully functioning light at packet pick-up with batteries.  If you are bringing your own light, we strongly recommend a light with 500 lumens or more.  Please make sure your light has a fresh set of batteries and we recommend turning your light off when you are not in the tunnels to preserve battery.  The tunnels are dark!

**Please note that map elevations are not accurate due to the limitations of gps mapping with measuring through tunnels.

------------------------------------------------------------

Marathon: (26.2 miles)

Highlights: 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel, 16 total tunnel sections, 14 trestles, waterfalls, scenic views, 9 aid stations
-
The marathon will start out running through the famous Taft Tunnel for the first 1.6 miles. Runners will then exit the tunnel at Roland and hit their first aid station and a self service gear check near mile 2. As they continue past tunnel 21, runners will hit a second aid station near moss creek. After tunnel 24, runners will start to cross a series of trestles. As runners make their way toward Adair they will hit another aid station with a vault toilet just after the aid station. Runners will continue on past another aid station after tunnel 28 and then reaching the turnaround aid station before tunnel 29. All marathon runners must be to the turnaround aid station before 11:30am. Runners will then make their way back along the trail the same way the came. After hitting the Roland aid station for the last time, runners will enter the Taft tunnel for the last 1.6 miles as they run toward the finish at east portal. The Marathon course will finish at East Portal.
-
Marathon: Runners are required to finish in 5 hours (before 2:00pm). This assumes a Marathon runner averages roughly an 11:20 min per mile pace. If you plan to finish in over 4.5 hours, sign up for the Early Start option.
---
Marathon - Early Start: Runners are required to finish in 7 hours (before 2:00pm). This assumes a Marathon runner averages roughly an 16:00 min per mile pace.

------------------------------------------------------------

Half Maraton: (13.1 miles)

Highlights: 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel, 8 total tunnel sections, 6 trestles, waterfalls, scenic views, 5 aid stations
-
The Half Marathon will start out running through the famous Taft Tunnel for the first 1.6 miles. Runners will then exit the tunnel at Roland and hit their first aid station and a self service gear check near mile 2. As they continue past tunnel 21, runners will hit a second aid station near moss creek. After tunnel 24, runners will start to cross a series of trestles. After Trestle 220, runners will hit an aid station the half marathon turnaround running back along the trail the same way they came. After hitting the Roland aid station for the last time, runners will enter the Taft tunnel for the last 1.6 miles as they run toward the finish. The Half Marathon course will finish at East Portal.
-
Course cutoff time: 4:30 hours (roughly 18:40min/mile).

------------------------------------------------------------

10K (6.2 Miles):

Highlights: 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel, 2 tunnel sections, waterfall, scenic views, 2 aid stations, self service gear drop
-
The 10K course starts out running through the famous Taft Tunnel for the first 1.6 miles.  Runners will hit an aid station near Roland at mile 2.  They will continue on for a little over another mile before turning around.  After turning around, runners pass the Roland aid station one more time, and will re-enter the 1.6 mile long Taft tunnel as they head back toward the finish.  Please be aware that the 10K run completes a total of over 3.2 miles in the Taft Tunnel.

When & where is packet pick up?
Packet Pick up will be available race morning!! Packet pick-up will be available at the Taft Parking lot (exit 5 off I-90 on the Montana side of Lookout Pass). Packet pick-up will start at 5:30am PST on race morning.  You will have plenty of time to park, get your packet, and board a shuttle bus to head to the start line. The shuttle bus is only a 5 minute ride to the start. 

Where is the best place to park?
The race will start and finish at East Portal which is at the town of Taft, MT. This is at exit 5 on the Montana side of Lookout pass along I-90. All runners will need to park at the Taft parking lot off the I-90 exit and take the race shuttle (2 miles) to the start. Look for signs as you exit. There are no parking spots at the actual start area at East Portal for runners. 

Can my family ride the shuttle with me? Can my family watch at the finish line?
Yes, spectators are allowed to ride the shuttle but they will have to pay a $9 CASH one-time fee for the shuttle bus round-trip morning of race. The $9 shuttle bus fee is good during the event only. 

Is my family allowed to ride their bikes as I run? 
Bicycles are strongly encouraged to wait until 10:30am to ride the trail on Sunday, June 11th due to congestion in the Taft Tunnel.

Does my registration get me a full day pass to Hiawatha to enjoy afterwards? 
Yes, your registration will get you a full day pass to ride the Hiawatha trail after you run. Your bib number will be your 'ticket' onto the shuttle bus. Remember - all spectators will have to pay the $9 cash only shuttle bus fee & purchase there own Hiawatha trail ticket. 

Are spectators allowed on the course? Best places for them to watch?
Due to the off the grid nature of this event and limited parking areas, spectators will have the following options…

- Volunteer on the course at a turnaround station or aid station 
- Ride the shuttle bus with your runner ($9 onsite CASH only)
- Purchase a Hiawatha trail pass and ride the course. The course is not open until 8am for cyclists

What happens if I miss the shuttle / my start time? 
If you miss the shuttle bus or your start time don't worry, your race is chip timed and if you are late for your start, you will still get to run and get an accurate time.

Can I run / start with friends?
Yes you are able to start & run with friends - you will just need to select the same start time. 

Is gear check available? 
Gear check is available at all start lines. In an effort to reduce waste, we ask runners to please bring your own bag to put your belongings in. We will provide a tyvek hospital type wrist band to label your bag with your bib number.  You will need your bib number showing when you drop off and pick-up your bag. Gear check is only available for athletes wearing bib numbers. 

What is a gear drop? 
Gear drop will allow runners to "drop" a sweatshirt or similar gear at the first aid station to be picked up on the way back to the finish line. Gear drop is available for all runners after the first tunnel, which is aid station one at Roland trailhead at mile 2. We are not transporting gear after the event, all leftover gear at the gear drop will be donated. You are responsible for picking up your own gear dropped at the gear drop aid station. 

How long is the tunnel? 
The Taft Tunnel that all runners will run in is 1.6 mile - headlamps are required. Read below.

Is a headlamp required? 
Yes headlamps are required for all distances. All distances will run through tunnels that are very dark when you are in the middle. If you do not have a headlamp or flashlight with you, you will not be allowed onto the course. Headlamps are also available for purchase during registration and you will be given your fully functioning light at packet pick-up with batteries. If you are bringing your own light, we strongly recommend a light with 500 lumens or more. The tunnels are dark!

What is the elevation gain?
The route is run on a railroad grade that is not steeper than 1.5% along the route. Runners will get a good warm-up running the slight downhill grade before turning around to finish strong back up the gentle grade. A 1.5% grade is the equivalent of 80ft of elevation change over a mile of the route.

Do you offer a printable course map?
Yes, you can find a printable course map HERE.

Will there be a post race meal or finisher food at the finish line? 
Yes, we will have a post race meal & finish food snacks. 

Refer A Friend... Earn Money:

Say Whaaat? We love our runners and we love our runners that talk about our race! We want to reward runners that get their friends and family to register. Refer 5 friends and earn a $25 refund back from your registration. Keep referring friends and run for free!

------------------------------------------------------------

How To Start:

When you register for the race, you will get a confirmation email with a referral link in it. Share that referral link to your friends and family. Each time someone registers with that link, it will be tracked. Once 5 people register from that link, you will receive $25 back on the credit card you used to register. Don't stop there, keep referring friends and we will refund you $25 for every additional 5 friends that register.

Effective June 10, 2023
Refunds, Transfers, and Deferrals: 

Distance Transfers:

A participant may transfer their registration to another distance that is not full within the same race at any time before the end of packet pick-up (i.e. 5k to 10k). If there is a price difference between the distances, the participant is responsible for the increased cost of the new registration compared to the previous amount paid for their registration. The race will not issue a full or partial refund if the participant is stepping down in registration cost (i.e. half marathon to 5k). All distance transfers can be completed from the online registration page under your profile.

------------------------------------------------------------

Live and Virtual Transfers:

All  live races will also have a virtual race option for participants choosing to participate virtually for any reason. Participants may transfer between live and virtual events if they are not full at any time before the end of packet pick-up. If there is a price difference between the virtual and live race, the participant is responsible for the increased cost of the live race compared to the previous amount paid for the registration. The race will not issue a full or partial refund if the participant already paid a higher registration fee and is stepping down in price. All event type transfers can be completed from the online registration page under your profile.

------------------------------------------------------------

Person to Person Transfers:

Person to person transfers will be allowed at any time before the end of packet pick-up for a $10 fee. Person to person transfers are limited to the swag available at the time of the transfer. Shirt sizes are subject to quantities on hand at the time of the transfer. A person to person transfer can be completed from the online registration page under your profile.

------------------------------------------------------------

Race to Race Transfers: 

Participants will be able to transfer their registration to another Negative Split produced event that is not full for a $30 fee plus any price changes to the new event. Race to race transfers are only allowed once per registration and must be used less than 365 days from the original race date. Race to race transfers are limited to the swag available at the time of the transfer. Shirt sizes are subject to quantities on hand at the time of the transfer. If there is a price difference between the two races, the participant is responsible for the increased cost of the new registration compared to the previous amount paid for the registration. The race will not issue a full or partial refund if the participant already paid a higher registration fee and is stepping down in price.

------------------------------------------------------------

Deferrals:

Deferrals to the following year are not allowed. Participants are encouraged to either participate in a different distance, virtually, or in a different race.

------------------------------------------------------------

Refunds:

Due to the long-term nature of planning for events and the many pre-sunk costs upfront for the race organization, refunds will not be allowed.

Live Race Results

The live race will be timed by Negative Split Event Timing with chip timing.  Each participant bib will contain a timing chip stuck to the back of the bib.  The timing chip will record your start and finish times based on when you cross the timing mats.  Please make sure your bib number is visible and on the outermost layer of your clothing and facing forward to guarantee the best chip reads while crossing our mats. Similarly, your bib number is used for photo identification for your race photos.

------------------------------------------------------------

Virtual Race Results

The Virtual Run sign up is available between March 20, 2025 - September 27, 2025. Virtual runners complete and submit their information anytime between September 19, 2025 - October 05, 2025 to the virtual results page located here.  Virtual runners will have their items mailed to them shortly after the live race (September 27, 2025). Runners can choose to earn a Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K badge.

------------------------------------------------------------

Photos

View your race photos here!

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) is doing work on I-90. The construction should have limited impacts on drivers exiting I-90 trying to get to the race.  For any drivers leaving the race going home to the west (toward Spokane and Coeur d'Alene) there is a detour in place that has drivers going east into montana 5 exits - down to Exit 10 Saltise, and then go under the interstate and get back on I-90 going West Bound. 

Runners traveling on I-90 from the east (Missoula, Helena, Saltese, MT) should not have any detour issues arriving or departing the race site. Runners traveling on I-90 from the west (Spokane and Coeur d'Alene) will not have any issues getting to the race, but can expect about a 15 minute longer return trip home due to construction.

MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) is doing work on I-90 and the East Bound Exit 5 at Taft is CLOSED.  There is a detour in place that has East Bound drivers going past Exit 5 - down to Exit 10 Saltise, then go under the interstate and get back on I-90 going West Bound to get off at Exit 5 Taft, MT from the West Bound side.

Runners driving East on I-90 (From Spokane, CDA, etc) to get to the race please plan for it to take you an extra 15 minutes to get there due to the construction and detour. 

Runners traveling West on I-90 (from Missoula, Helena, Saltese, MT) should not have any detour issues and can get off I-90 at Taft - Exit 5. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Where To Stay: 

Although, there are no places to stay in Taft near the run start, there are plenty of places to stay within a short drive.  We recommend looking for a hotel or bed and breakfast in Wallace, ID.  There are also numerous campsites in the area.

The Hiawatha Fall Trail Run is part of Negative Split's trail race series.  No day of race registration is allowed. Shirts and Medals are only guaranteed for participants registering more than 10 days before the race. Shirts and Medals are on a first come first serve basis for those registering less than 10 days before.

Registration Includes:

• Stylish finisher t-shirt
• Custom finisher medal
• Chip timing
• Exclusive runner only Hiawatha trial access during the race (no bicycles)
• Shuttle bus access to and from parking areas as needed
• Gear check
• Well supported aid stations along course
• Finisher food

Upgrade your swag by adding a commemorative hoodie during registration.

------------------------------------------------------------

Pricing:

This race will be run following the closure of the Hiawatha Trail to bicycles.  Our race will be the only users of the trail this day. Sign-up early so you don't miss out!

Marathon

• 03/20/25 - 04/30/25: $85
• 05/01/25  - 06/15/25: $100
• 06/16/25  - 07/31/25: $115
• 08/01/25 - 08/31/25: $130
• 09/01/25 - 09/27/25: $145

Half Marathon

• 03/20/25 - 04/30/25: $75
• 05/01/25  - 06/15/25: $90
• 06/16/25  - 07/31/25: $100
• 08/01/25 - 08/31/25: $110
• 09/01/25 - 09/27/25: $125

10K

• 03/20/25 - 04/30/25: $60
• 05/01/25  - 06/15/25: $70
• 06/16/25  - 07/31/25: $75
• 08/01/25 - 08/31/25: $80
• 09/01/25 - 09/27/25: $90

Virtual Run

• 03/20/25 - 09/27/25: $45

The Virtual Run sign up is available between March 20, 2025 - September 27, 2025. Virtual runners complete and submit their information anytime between September 19, 2025 - October 05, 2025 to the virtual results page located here.  Virtual runners will have their items mailed to them shortly after the live race (September 27, 2025). Runners can choose to earn a Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K badge.

------------------------------------------------------------

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

MDT (Montana Department of Transportation) is doing work on I-90 and the East Bound Exit 5 at Taft is CLOSED.  There is a detour in place that has East Bound drivers going past Exit 5 - down to Exit 10 Saltise, then go under the interstate and get back on I-90 going West Bound to get off at Exit 5 Taft, MT from the West Bound side.

Runners driving East on I-90 (From Spokane, CDA, etc) to get to the race please plan for it to take you an extra 15 minutes to get there due to the construction and detour. 

Runners traveling West on I-90 (from Missoula, Helena, Saltese, MT) should not have any detour issues and can get off I-90 at Taft - Exit 5. 


------------------------------------------------------------

Packet Pick-up:

Pre-race packet pick-up will be offered for participants on Thursday, September 25, 2025.  Location: RnR RV 3:00pm-6:00pm (23203 E Knox Ave, Liberty Lake, WA)
---
Race Day packet pick-up will be available at the Start/Finish area at East Portal.  Packet pick-up will start at 6:30am PST on race morning.  Please arrive early so you have time to park, get your packet, and board a shuttle bus if needed to head to the start line. The shuttle bus is only a 5 minute ride to the start.

------------------------------------------------------------

Race Start Location:

East Portal (See Parking information below)

------------------------------------------------------------

Parking:

Runners need to take Exit 5 on I-90 and take the road to east portal for the start.  If you are typing the location into google maps please use "Taft, Montana" for the most accurate directions.  You can also use 47.417972, -115.602181. Parking spots will be available at East Portal. There is limited parking near the Start/Finish area. Runners may park at East Portal on a fist come - first serve basis. There is overflow parking at the Taft parking lot off the I-90 exit and shuttle buses to the start line area will be available if needed.

------------------------------------------------------------

Start Times:

Remember Start times are in PACIFIC TIME since most of the trail is in Idaho.

7:00am - Marathon-Early Start (Runners are required to finish in 7 hours - before 2:00pm)
9:00am - Marathon (Runners are required to finish in 5 hours - before 2:00pm. If you plan to finish in over 4.5 hours, sign up for the Early Start option.)
9:30am - Half Marathon
10:00am - 10K
2:00pm - Courses Close

**Start times subject to change as we get closer to the event.

------------------------------------------------------------

Gear Check:

Gear check will be available for ALL runners at the start line at East Portal after you get off the shuttle bus.  In an effort to reduce waste, we ask runners to please bring your own bag to put your belongings in.  We will provide a tyvek hospital type wrist band to label your bag with your bib number.  You will need your bib number showing when you drop off and pick-up your bag.  Gear check is only available for athletes wearing bib numbers.

------------------------------------------------------------

Aid Stations / Nutrition:

THIS IS A CUP FREE EVENT! RUNNERS MUST BRING THEIR OWN CUP OR BOTTLE TO FILL AT OUR AID STATIONS.
---
There is absolutely no littering on course. Please throw it away in garbage receptacles or pack out trash.
---
Aid Stations will be equipped with water and sports drink, GU gels, and gummy bear chews. Water will be provided at the starting line.
---
A limited supply of First Aid will be located at all Aid Stations on each course, and at the Finish Line.
---
Marathon: There will be NINE Aid staions including additional sweet and salty options at Aid Station near Tunnel 28 and the Turnaround.
---
25K: There will be SEVEN Aid Stations located along the course.
--
10K: There will be THREE Aid Station located along the course.
---
There will be toilets open on the course every 3 to 4 miles.

------------------------------------------------------------

Awards:

Due to the staggered starts and lack of cell service, Awards will be distributed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place overall for Male and Female for each distance.  No Age group awards will be given.  Awards will be announced after 12:30pm once everyone has finished.

If you are not able to stay for your award, they can be shipped to you for a $10 shipping and handling fee.

------------------------------------------------------------

Virtual:

The Virtual Run sign up is available between March 20, 2025 - September 27, 2025. Virtual runners complete and submit their information anytime between September 19, 2025 - October 05, 2025 to the virtual results page located here.  Virtual runners will have their items mailed to them shortly after the live race (September 27, 2025). Runners can choose to earn a Marathon, Half Marathon, or 10K badge.

------------------------------------------------------------

Cutoff Times:

Marathon: Runners are required to finish in 5 hours (before 2:00pm). If you plan to finish in over 5 hours, sign up for the Early Start option.
---
Marathon - Early Start: Runners are required to finish in 7 hours (before 2:00pm). If you plan to finish in under 4.5 hours, DO NOT sign up for the Early Start option as aid stations will not be available at the earlier times.
---
There are not actual time checkpoints on course for the Marathon, but instead race officials will monitor athletes to make sure they are meeting the time requirements.  Race officials will educate athletes if they start to fall behind and give athletes 2 warnings before making a decision to pull an athlete from the course or turning the athlete around before the turnaround point. 

Half Marathon: Runners are required to finish in 4:30 hours (before 2:00pm). This assumes a Half Marathon runner averages roughly an 18:40 min per mile pace.
---
There are not actual time checkpoints on course for the Half Marathon, but instead race officials will monitor athletes to make sure they are meeting the time requirements.  Race officials will educate athletes if they start to fall behind and give athletes 2 warnings before making a decision to pull an athlete from the course or turning the athlete around before the turnaround point. 

------------------------------------------------------------

Gear Drop:

Gear drop is available for ALL runners after the first tunnel, which is Aid Station One.  We are NOT transporting gear after the event, all leftover gear at the gear drop will be donated.  You are responsible for picking up your own gear dropped at the gear drop aid station.

------------------------------------------------------------

Headlamps:

Every runner will need to run with a headlamp - a cell phone or flash light is not adequate enough to run through the tunnel.  We will be monitoring the start line & you are unable to cross the start line without a headlamp.

------------------------------------------------------------

Course Support:

There is ZERO CELL PHONE SERVICE during the event - we will have bike patrol throughout the course and volunteers at aid stations with communication systems & first aid supplies if needed.  Turnaround volunteers will also be equipped with communication systems.

------------------------------------------------------------