TRR Coach Chris Poole shares his insights about this awesome Oregon road race in his Cascade Half Marathon Race Report.
Race: Cascade Half Marathon
Runner: Coach Chris Poole
Race Date: 01/18/2026
Location: Turner, OR
Results: https://eclecticedgeracing.overallraceresults.com/event-summary/1088
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- I absolutely love the small town vibes and the scenery of the race. The race is set out in farming country in Turner, OR, just south of Salem. Often times in January it is either raining, sunny, or at times even snowy. This year, it was 30 degrees and sunny at the start!
- Each race is very flat. The course is a very simple out and back, and the lack of turns makes it very easy to maintain your pace without having to exert additional effort.
- Competition! This race is usually very competitive for the faster runners, but still has runners competing of all abilities so that you are not alone during the event.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
My one pain point- lack of porto potties on the course. They have 2 porto potties set up approximately 2 miles in, and then at the turn around point at 6.5 miles. You hit the porto potty again at 11 miles. I had an incident where nature called, and I had to hobble a couple miles until I reached the 11 mile porto potty. That was the only part of the race that did not do it for me!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The “Weird” factor (But in a great way!)- They serve post race baked potatoes, chili, and tortilla chips! After spending a lot of time in the cold for the half marathon, it made for an enjoyable way to refuel.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My personal goal was to go under 1:16. My first 5K was in 17:53, and first 10K in 36:05 which had me on pace comfortably to be able to achieve my goal time. Even after I took my nature break after 11 miles , I was able to get back and run 5:51 miles for the last 2 miles as comfortably as I could. Although I didn’t hit my goal time due to those circumstances, I came out of the race knowing that I have the capabilities to dip under 1:16 in the half marathon this year. To be in this level of fitness in January , with goal races taking place later on this year I was very happy!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Make sure to consciously back off the first mile effort wise. It is pancake flat, and very easy to get sucked into the race day atmosphere and go out harder than you intended!
If you tend to need the bathroom frequently, and sometimes nature calls during the race no matter what, keep in mind that their are only 3 locations (2 mile, 6.5 mile, and 11 mile) for porto’s. Do what you need to do before hand to prepare!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I usually have a supplement I take before races to help with my nature movements. Will make sure I don’t forget that!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
No ground breaking knowledge to have for the race. Just look at the map and take mental note of where you are at in the race when you make your turns.
That can help mentally break the race down into segments, and not feel like a certain stretch goes on for ages!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It is a GORGEOUS course! Usually sunlight is out for the race, very cold temps make the farm fields glisten with frost in the morning which was such a welcome sight while taking part of the course.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not a tough course at all, very flat and runner friendly! Wide country roads and excellent traffic control
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
The race is very well run! The race director this year also runs the Salem 70.3 Ironman competition each summer, so is very well organized.This is one of the oldest Half Marathons in the state of Oregon, and have kept their modest race setup over the years. Makes for a very great participant experience.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Strong field (Albeit a couple strong runners for faster people to run with). I ran with an ON pro trail runner in the half. There are usually local run clubs that bring their elite race teams to this event. There are also plenty of people at multiple paces which help the race feel not lonely and have people to run with.
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.
Very easy for me to get to the race. 50 minute drive down. The race had it’s largest turnout this year (550 total participants), so if you are coming from out of town, hotels are very easy to find and usually inexpensive for this time of year
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Very basic aid stations. Water, gatorade, and bananas
Weather and typical race conditions
Usually between 25-32 degrees at the start, and warms up slightly to the end.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I would just recommend gloves, and any cold weather gear you usually would run in! I run super hot, so just wear gloves for the race. Others were bundled in tights, long sleeves, arm sleeves, and beanies. To each their own!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
VERY SPECTATOR FRIENDLY for those who are willing to drive to certain points to cheer. Otherwise, the course is just out and back.
How’s the Swag?
A basic dry-fit long sleeve tee. However, the artwork on it is very cool, retro looking and plays into the low cost vibe of the race
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I give this a 9/10! Docking 1 point only for the lack of porto potties. Highly recommend to anyone in the area who is interested!
Chris Poole is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about him or to work with him, check out his coach profile.
