Tiger Claw is a stellar new race from The Ginger Runner, set in the Issy Alps about 20 minutes from Seattle. It is a very innovative format, allowing runners to choose the order of three different loops as they climb Tiger Mountain three times, all descending on the same trail. Over all, it covers 22 miles and about 8000' of gain (For metric people, that's about 36km, and 2400m.).

These are hard, technical trails. Often steep, very little flat ground. For me it was hike up, run down. This took me almost seven hours to complete (there's a 9 hour time limit). Despite the 22 mile distance, from an effort perspective, this is very much like a hard trail marathon or 50k. Three days later my quads are still *destroyed*!

The race was amazingly well put together. The direction and communication were spectacular. The Aid stations were stocked. There were great views of Mt. Rainier and the Cascades. The T-shirt is stellar. There was a free raffle at the Expo! This was a truly remarkable race. One of the best I've ever had the privilege to run. Only negative is the parking situation, which is out of their control, of course. There's a small lot you have to carpool (and get there early) to park in. Otherwise it's roadside parking a quarter mile away.

But don't be fooled: this is a brutal series of steep technical climbs and challenging, hard, loooong descents. Be prepared to hurt. If you're not a trail runner yet, don't make this your first attempt.