All images // Ryan Thrower

There’s something exciting that happens in the Japanese Gulch each year that you might not know about. Elite athletes and newbies alike converge on Adam Braddock’s home, which backs Japanese Gulch, to find out who will be the “Last Person Standing” at the end of the day. Competitors run a 2.18 trail loop until they can no longer run. 

Last year’s winner ran 39 miles, but some just ran a few loops. At the end of the day, there’s not much disappointment though. New friendships have been forged and bellies are full. 

I caught up with race co-directors Nick Pembroke and Adam Braddock to learn more about the Gulch Countdown.

HOW IT WORKS

Runners must complete the first trail loop in 32 minutes to be able to continue running. 2.18 miles is very doable in 32 minutes if you’ve done any running. The next loop needs to be completed in 31 minutes. A minute gets dropped off each loop. As runners miss the cut off they are awarded a DNF or Did Not Finish cookie. Everyone gets a prize. Near the end of the race, the time to complete goes down 30 seconds per loop for the elite runners.

SOME FUN STUFF

The race takes most of the day and DNFers hang out in Adam’s yard and eat some of his wife Josie's vegan chili and other good stuff. Friendships are made on the trail and afterward in the front yard. If you tough it out and continue on, you’ll have support cheering you on even if you came by yourself. 

HOW IT GOT STARTED

There’s some great trails in the Japanese Gulch so it’s a great place to run. Abram Elwell started Japanese Gulch Runners with some Boeing co-workers and friends including Nick and Adam. As things go with runners, they always are on the lookout for the next challenge. 

Gulch Countdown was inspired by Big's Backyard Ultra where the last person running is the winner. Big’s runners run for days. The current Big’s record is 354 miles in under 4 days. 

But that’s not what Gulch Countdown is about. They imposed the loop timing to make sure the event can be completed in a day. Newbie runners and ultra runners alike are welcome. People in their retirement years compete. Some have never run on a trail. There are trophies for both men and women winners. And cookies for the DNFers, of course. 

ARE YOU UP FOR THE CHALLENGE? 

There are still a few spots for this year’s race. There are also volunteer opportunities to help monitor tracking runners, serve food, monitor the racecourse or just cheer on the runners. 

Take a look at this great video by Ryan Thrower to see the Gulch Countdown experience: 

Gulch Countdown
June 18, 2022

 Linda War Bonnet represents south Everett on the Live in Everett Team. When she isn’t working, she is running the Westmont-Holly Neighborhood Association. You might spot her walking her dog in the Holly neighborhood.