For those seeking a tough early-year challenge, the race at Tiger Mountain delivers intense difficulty. Competitors tackle a 50k distance with around 8,500 feet of elevation gain across the rugged trails of the Pacific Northwest. The course features steep ascents followed by technical descents, offering a demanding experience for even the most experienced trail runners. The Tiger Claw Double, a 50-mile option, amplifies this challenge with nearly 17,000 feet of vertical gain. Runners face three distinct climbs of varying lengths and challenges, allowing them to choose their order for tackling the loops. The ascent to West Tiger 2 via the Cable Line tests climbers with a 2.5-mile trek that boasts a 2,500-foot gain, before enjoying a more relaxed hike back to the trailhead.