Hiawatha Spring 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.

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.

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

Packet Pick-up:

Pre-race packet pick-up will be offered for participants on Friday, June 06, 2025.  Location: RnR RV Center - 23203 E Knox Ave, Liberty Lake, WA 99019 - 3:00pm-6:00pm
---
Race Day packet pick-up will be available at the Taft Parking lot (See Parking information below).  Packet pick-up will start at 5:15am PST on race morning. Please arrive early so you have 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.  Shuttle buses will begin at about 5:15am on race morning or whenever the first bus fills up.  Priority will be given to 50K runners on the first couple buses.

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

Race Start Location:

East Portal (See Parking information below. All runners will need to ride the shuttle from Taft parking lot.)

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

Parking:

Runners need to park at the Taft Parking lot off Exit 5 on I-90 and take the shuttle to 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. No runner parking spots at East Portal - all runners will need to ride the shuttle from Taft.

---


Spectator shuttle bus tickets will be $10 cash and payment can be taken at the Taft Parking lot.

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

Start Times:

Remember Start times are in PACIFIC TIME since most of the trail is in Idaho.  All 50K runners will start at 6am.  All 25K, 15K, and 10K runners will start between 6:30am - 9am.  Runners will select their start wave based on availability.  Early start wave priority will be given to longer distance runners with all distances starting by 9am.  Runners will be able to self select their start time in closer to race day.  Start wave selection will  be based on estimated finish times with the runners needing the most time to finish starting earliest.  We ask that you arrive at the shuttle bus at least 15 minutes before your start.  The shuttle bus will be doing trips all morning between the Taft parking lot at exit 5 off I-90 and the start line.  This is only about a 5 minute bus ride (2 miles).

Start time selection help, click here

6:00am - 50K (Runners needing 6:30hrs or less)

6:30am - 25K (Runners needing 4:00hrs or more)
6:45am - 25K (Runners needing 4:00hrs or less)
7:00am - 25K (Runners needing 4:00hrs or less)
7:15am - 25K (Runners needing 4:00hrs or less)

7:15am - 15K (Runners needing 4:00hrs or less)
7:30am - 15K (Runners needing 4:00hrs or less)
7:45am - 15K (Runners needing 3:00hrs or less)
8:00am - 15K (Runners needing 3:00hrs or less)

8:00am - 10K
8:15am - 10K
8:30am - 10K
8:45am - 10K

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

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.

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

Gear Drop:

Gear drop is available for ALL runners after the first tunnel.  25K, 15K, and 10K runners is at Aid Station One at Roland Trailhead at Mile 2. 50K runners is located at Mile 4.  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. This gear drop is primarily for dropping off jackets and warm clothing.  DO NOT drop off your headlamp as you will need it later.

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

Special Needs Bag - 50K ONLY:

50K Runners will be allowed to drop one shoe box size bag or smaller at the Taft Parking lot BEFORE boarding the shuttle bus.  This bag will be transported by race officials to the Pearson aid station (Mile 16) for 50K runners ONLY.  Runners will need to supply their own bag and label it with their bib number if they are planning to use this service.  Please do not place anything of value in this bag.  Many runners use this bag for simple comforts they may want at Mile 16 of the race (special sports drink, anti-chaffing gel, extra socks, peanut butter and jelly sandwich, etc.).  THESE BAGS WILL NOT BE RETURNED!

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

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.
---
There will be toilets open on the course every 3 to 4 miles.
---
50K: There will be NINE Aid Stations located along the course. Runners will have additional sweet and salty options near Adair and Pearson (50K turnaround).
---
25K: There will be SIX Aid Stations located along the course. Runners will have additional sweet and salty options near Adair.
--
15K: There will be FOUR Aid Stations located along the course.
---
10K: There will be TWO Aid Station located along the course.

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

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 November 15, 2024 - June 08, 2025. Virtual runners complete and submit their information anytime between May 30 - June 15, 2025 to the virtual results page located here.  Virtual runners will have their items mailed to them shortly after the live race (June 08, 2025). Runners can choose to earn a 50K, 25K, 15K, or 10K badge.

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

Parking & Start Line Maps:

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

Cutoff Times 50K and 25K:

25K Runners: 25K runners are required to finish in 4 hours and 45 minutes (before 12:30pm).  There are not actual time checkpoints on course for the 25K, 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 at the 15K turnaround point. 

50K Runners: We are sorry, but the 50K is not for walkers and has strict time cutoffs.  50K runners are required to finish in 6 hours and 30 minutes.  There will be two strict checkpoints along the course to ensure finishing in a timely matter.  The first time cutoff is at mile 10.25 at the 25K turnaround.  Athletes will need to be past this checkpoint by 8:15am.  If an athlete arrives at this point after 8:15am, they will be turned around by a race official and moved into the 25K race distance category.  The final time checkpoint is at the Pearson turnaround at mile 17 on the 50K course.  All athletes must reach the Pearson turnaround before 9:40am.  Athletes reaching the Pearson checkpoint after 9:40am will be placed on a shuttle bus and transported back to the Roland side of the Taft Tunnel where they will need to walk or run back through the Taft, Tunnel to the finish area at East Portal.  These athletes will be given a DNF.  Click here for course maps and additional cutoff information.

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

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.

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

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

Cell Service: 

There is also NO CELL PHONE SERVICE at the start, finish, or along the course.

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

Start / Finish: 

All race distances will start from East portal which is about 2 miles from Taft, MT by shuttle bus.  Taft, MT 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 shuttle bus to the start line area.  Look for signs as you exit.  There are no parking spots at East Portal for runners or spectators. 

***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.

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

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

50K: (31.07 miles)

Highlights: 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel, 18 total tunnel sections, 14 trestles, waterfalls, scenic views, 9 aid stations
-
The 50K run will start at East Portal and run along the Olympic road through the parking lot for about 1 mile before entering the famous 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel.  Runners will then exit the tunnel at Roland and hit their first aid station and a self service gear check near mile 4.  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.  The first time checkpoint will be at the 25K turnaround at mile 10:25.  All 50K runners must be through this point by 8:15am.  Runners will continue on past another aid station at Falcon and then reaching the turnaround aid station at Pearson, mile 16.  All 50K runners must reach the Pearson turnaround before 9:40am and maintaining a 12:45min/mile average pace.  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.  The 50K course will finish at East Portal.  50K Runners will then take the shuttle from East portal back to the Taft Parking lot.
-
Course cutoff time: 6.5 hours (roughly 12:45min/mile).  We are sorry, but the 50K course is not meant for walkers. The 50K course requires at least a combination of walking and jogging to maintain the 12:45min/mile average pace.

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

25K: (15.5 miles)

Highlights: 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel, 12 total tunnel sections, 6 trestles, waterfalls, scenic views, 6 aid stations
-
The 25K run 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.  After tunnel 26, runners will turn around and follow the same path back.  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.
-
Course cutoff time: 4:45 hours (roughly 18:30min/ mile).  Slower runners, please choose the earliest start times.

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

15K: (9.3 miles)

Highlights: 1.6 mile long Taft Tunnel, 6 total tunnel sections, waterfall, scenic views, 4 aid stations
-
The 15K run 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.  Runners will cross through two more tunnels at and one more aid station at Moss Creek before turning around near mile 4.65.  The will return along the same path crossing 2 more aid stations and 3 more tunnels.  After the Roland aid station, they will enter the Taft tunnel for the last 1.6 miles as they run to the finish.
-
Course cutoff time: 3 hours (roughly 20min/ mile).  Slower runners, please choose the earliest start times.

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

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.

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 November 15, 2024 - June 08, 2025. Virtual runners complete and submit their information anytime between May 30 - June 15, 2025 to the virtual results page located here.  Virtual runners will have their items mailed to them shortly after the live race (June 08, 2025). Runners can choose to earn a 50K, 25K, 15K, 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.

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

Parking & Shuttles:

There is no spectator parking at East Portal near the Start.  We ask that spectators park at the Taft Parking lot off exit 5 on I-90 and take the shuttle to the start.

---

Spectator shuttle bus tickets will be $10 cash and payment can be taken at the Taft Parking lot.

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

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 Spring 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
• Hiawatha trail access for the day of the event
• 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 sells out every year based on the caps set by Lookout Pass and the Forest Service.  Sign-up early so you don't miss out!

50K

• 11/15/24 - 12/31/24: $105
• 01/01/25  - 02/15/25: $115
• 02/16/25 - 03/31/25: $125
• 04/01/25 - 05/20/25: $135
• 05/21/25 - 06/07/25: $145

25K

• 11/15/24 - 12/31/24: $95
• 01/01/25  - 02/15/25: $105
• 02/16/25 - 03/31/25: $115
• 04/01/25 - 05/20/25: $125
• 05/21/25 - 06/07/25: $135

15K

• 11/15/24 - 12/31/24: $75
• 01/01/25  - 02/15/25: $90
• 02/16/25 - 03/31/25: $100
• 04/01/25 - 05/20/25: $110
• 05/21/25 - 06/07/25: $125

10K

• 11/15/24 - 12/31/24: $75
• 01/01/25  - 02/15/25: $85
• 02/16/25 - 03/31/25: $95
• 04/01/25 - 05/20/25: $100
• 05/21/25 - 06/07/25: $105

Virtual Run

• 11/15/24 - 06/07/25: $45

The Virtual Run sign up is available between November 15, 2024 - June 08, 2025. Virtual runners complete and submit their information anytime between May 30 - June 15, 2025 to the virtual results page located here.  Virtual runners will have their items mailed to them shortly after the live race (June 08, 2025). Runners can choose to earn a 50K, 25K, 15K, or 10K badge.

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