Race: Beacon Rock 25k
Runner: Stephanie G
Date: 6/4/2016
Location – Beacon Rock State Park in Stevenson, WA (Columbia River Gorge)
Results – 7th female, 24th overall
3 Bests – what aspects of the race did you like the most
- For this year, the fact that the vast majority of the race is in the shade was great. High of 100 degrees on race day! Also really appreciated that Rainshadow moved the start from 10am to 8:15am to try and combat some of the heat.
- The aid station was absolutely great. The volunteers were super friendly and ready to douse you with water.
- The downhills are really fun and runnable
- Also have to mention the finish area. People hung out all day and it was fun and a great atmosphere.
Not so much – aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
I really enjoyed all of it
Weird factor – what’s the weirdest thing about this race
Nothing really
Highlights of your race – what did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular
I felt like I did well on the downhills and felt much stronger at the top of the last climb than I had in the past.
Lessons for others – share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The climbs are long! The whole race is just two climbs and descents. But with 3800’ of climbing, when you start going up, you know you’re going up for awhile.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
This was my third time running the course (50k once and 25k twice), so I’m not sure I learned much new this time.
Aesthetics – is it a pretty course
A lot of pretty forest, and some really great views at the top
Difficulty – is it a tough course
In line with many other Rainshadow Races
Organized and well run – did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well run
Competition – is there a strong field?
Seemed pretty strong, even on a hot day.
Logistics – Does it require a special handshake, registration a year in advance, hotels all booked? Give us the low down on the nuts and bolts of making the race happen.
There aren’t many places to stay nearby, unless you want to camp at the start. Otherwise, not hard to get a hotel about 30 mins away, either in Washougal or Hood River. The 25k sold out fast, the 50k had spots up until a few weeks before the race. No cell phone reception anywhere in the state park.
Aid Stations
There was only one for the 25k (the course passed by it twice). The volunteers were fantastic.
Weather and typical race conditions –
Usually warm, this year hot!!
Gear – did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
I ran with one bottle for the 25k and was fine. Most people wore packs because it was so hot. I did run into a few people running out of water.
Spectators – is this a friendly course for your friends
The 25k – not unless they want to go for a hike. The 50k passes back by the start line at the halfway point.
Awards –
Top 3 men and women. Also lots of raffle prizes.
The Overall Score – how many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it
5 and yes!
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