RICHLAND, Wash. — When weather permits, Badger Mountain Trailhead Park is a beehive of activity for Tri-Citians who love the outdoors.

This week, the trails will be more competitive than usual, even if the forecast of rain holds true.

On Friday morning, the trail system in Richland will once again serve as site of the Badger Mountain Challenge — region's only ultramarathon. The 100-mile competition starts at 7 a.m.

On Saturday morning, other long-distance runners stride in the shrub-steppe by competing in either a 50-kilometer run (7 a.m.) and a 15K (8 a.m.)

Last year, 22 entered the 100-mile inaugural Badger Mountain Challenge, and 16 finished. Kevin Douglas of Mount Vernon and Terry Sentinella of Anacortes each finished it in 20 hours and 49 minutes to tie for first. And Herald sports writer Katie Dorsey was there to see them arrive as their headlamps helped the Puget Sound men find the finish line.

Race organizers continue to encourage sponsors and volunteers to help, and the event's benefits are many. It not only helps provide funding for trail maintenance, but this year it also will be raising money to establish two $1,000 scholarships for Tri-City high school students.