San Juan Sunsets: An Island Running Retreat for Women of Color
Rendezvous: 0-20 Miles, 3 Days
Aspire is proud to partner with Trail Mixed Collective to increase access to outdoor sports for women of color. Our Sucia Island retreat is open to both those new to trails and running and to those experienced runners who desire to contribute to a vibrant community of women of color on the trails. We are committed to an affirming and inclusive space for all those who identify as women of color.
2024 TRIP DATES:
JULY 12TH-14TH
Description
A one of a kind combination of a gorgeous island retreat, trail running, and intimate community. Sucia is known as the jewel of San Juan Islands – it’s home to tide pools aplenty, remote beaches, abundant sea life and sunsets that defy description. We’re collaborating to bring together a group of women of color interested in, and at all levels of experience in trail running for a weekend of group runs, intimate discussions about inclusivity, community-focused workshops, skills clinics, and an overall supportive weekend of fun.
Add to that delicious meals, a quiver of paddle boards, stunning island sunsets, and life long friendships – it’s a guaranteed incredible weekend.
Course Overview
Friday, Day 1
Boat Taxi to Sucia
We’ll meet at 2:30pm for a 3:00 departure from Island Express Charters in Anacortes, WA. It’s a one hour sail to the beach at Shallow Bay and a short walk to the group camp which will be the epicenter of the weekend. Aspire will serve dinner, libations, and stoke the bonfire, while Trail Mixed leads a conversation on diversity in the sport and personal athletic goals.
Saturday, Day 2
5-20 Miles of Trail Running + Paddle Sports
Sucia is a small island with a network of roughly 12 miles of trails that extend to each of the island’s three rocky fingers. While this isn’t a lot of trail, given the out-and-back style of the terrain, one can easily rack up 15-20 miles exploring every corner of the island. With little elevation gain, the most challenging aspect of running on Sucia is the many distractions of tide pools, abundant wildlife, epic views of surrounding islands, and trails that lead to some of the most beautiful beaches imaginable. We’ll kick off with breakfast and a running skills clinic, chat about trail safety, and spend the day exploring the trails on foot before a sunset yoga session and open mic. We’ll have paddle boards and other water gear that will be available all weekend for exploring the shores and shoals of Sucia and enjoying the island life.
Sunday, Day 3
Morning Run/Paddle, Boat Taxi Home
After breakfast, we’ll enjoy a long morning of runs, paddles, and beach time before eating lunch and breaking camp. Our return cruise home will depart at 3:00 pm for a 4:00pm arrival in Anacortes.
Capacity
30 Runners
Map and Route Information
For topographical route information and a view of the island’s trails, visit our Gaia Map of Sucia Island.
Trip Accommodations
Our Sucia basecamp will be staged out of the Shallow Bay group campground and group shelter. Aspire will provide a lively camp and amenities for a remote but comfortable “glamp” style experience.
Transportation
This trip convenes in Anacortes, WA. Aspire has chartered a water taxi that will transport runners and equipment between Sucia Island and our meet up locaiton.
Course Info Packet
For details about the trails, itinerary information, packing and gear lists, menu and dietary information, safety protocols, and trip policies, we’ve prepared a Trail Mixed Sucia Island Course Info Packet. Share your email with us and we’ll send send you a link to the info.
*Payment plans are available for every trip. Get the info on how to set one up today.
Trip Insurance
Every year we have at least one runner who, due to injury, illness, or personal/familial circumstances, cannot participate in his or her registered trip. While registrations can be transferred, Aspire does not issue refunds. See our FAQ's. We strongly encourage each runner to purchase 3rd party trip insurance that will reimburse the cost of registration in the event that he or she is unable to participate in the event.