What an incredible loop! I started at the Deer Park Campground at 6:21 AM. I camped with the Cowgill trail running group the night before and started a little before most of the group so that the FKT could be an option if I was feeling good. Christian Canham kept me company for about the first 12 miles which made this a supported effort. We saw Michael Tappel come flying through near the Obstruction Point Trailhead and he went on to set the men's FKT! It was also cool to know that so many other people were out running the same loop that day and going through the same journey.
When looking at the elevation profile beforehand, I wondered why everyone ran this counterclockwise and ended with a 3000 ft climb but after running it on a hot summer day it made more sense. The first half is much more open and exposed which gives you gorgeous views but would feel hot in the afternoon sun. You also get the steeper climbs and descents over with in the first half. There's a lot more shade in the second half when you run along the Dosewallips River and the Gray Wolf River. That final climb was mostly in the shade which I was very thankful for. I was also very thankful for all the water sources along the route. I was constantly refilling my flask and drinking through a Katadyn befree filter but still felt pretty dehyrated by the end. I made the mistake of not filling up before that final climb as there was no water along that section and I had to ration the water I had left.
Overall this went really well though! My main goals going into this were to keep moving with few breaks and to be efficient with water stops and pole transitions (poles were SO helpful for the climbs) as I get ready for a longer FKT attempt in a couple weeks, and I was stoked for that to all go well and help me get the FKT!