Race: Gorge Waterfalls 50K
Runner: Simon Pollock
Race Date: 04/13/2025
Location: Cascade Locks, Oregon
Result: 8 hours, 37 minutes and 5 seconds, 290th out of 360 (including 50 DNFs)
Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/athletes/21476246
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- Scenery: As advertised, there were so many waterfalls and beautiful views of the Gorge.
- Course profile: It’s fun! And better yet, the course gets more and more runnable as you work your way back (even for us back of the packers).
- Organization and event weekend: Daybreak Racing and Freetrail put on a really well-run, fun weekend in town. It was awesome to be a part of the trail community hanging out all weekend. I would encourage anyone running the 50K on Sunday to arrive a couple days early to enjoy the vibes!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Just one area: the start was late and felt rushed. Part of this was because the start area was difficult for shuttle buses to access. However, driving 10 miles west of the start area without communicating that the buses would turn around was nerve-wracking. The late arrival made for a horrible bathroom line wait after 45 minutes on the shuttle and 300+ people crowding the lines. Though runners were encouraged to join the wave they selected at sign-up, a number of us in Waves 3 and 4 had no recollection of being able to select one. This also made for a chaotic first climb with multiple full stops on the trail.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
The second to last section of the Gorge Waterfalls 50K course is an out-and-back on the Pacific Crest Trail. It’s a beautiful trail, but expect to dodge runners ahead of you as they zoom back down into Cascade Locks #2 aid station. This is my major (only?) real piece of feedback for Daybreak on the course. I personally didn’t hate the idea of the out-and-back, but some guidance from Jeremy (the race director) and the team for how runners should observe right of way would have been nice. It would be good to clarify whether the correct etiquette is always ceding to uphillers, or asking slower runners to step of the trail.
One other note: you’ve only got one spot for a drop bag at this race, so either bring crew or train with the on-course fuel.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I had to throw my time goals out in the first 6 miles or so, but once I did that, I stuck to my race plan and process goals. As a result, I moved up a ton of spots, and even improved my splits for the latter 20ish miles. I problem solved for a side stitch, a brief calf cramp, and some warmer temperatures. In my previous two 50Ks, I mostly went out conservative and stayed that way. My plan for the Gorge Waterfalls 50K, regardless of actual splits, was to race myself and take some risks. I definitely did that!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Be ready for some *very* technical trail, especially the descents in the first 8-mile section of the Gorge Waterfalls 50K. You climb almost 2,000 feet in the first two miles, before descending almost immediately! It’s not just slippery or steep stuff—there are a number of sections with sharp rocks. My best advice is to wear what you need to protect your feet, prepare yourself to handle that terrain, and practice on the course (if you can) ahead of time.
And a warning for trail runners who abhor road: there’s a decent amount of pavement in this course. Personally, I enjoyed the reprieve after the super-techy stuff, and was able to move up a bunch of spots on the two miles of gentle road rollers. But if you’re a trail purist, this might be a dealbreaker for you.
Take note of the time cutoffs. I don’t think these cutoffs are particularly aggressive, BUT I’ve done other races with a much more generous approach. Even though nine hours may seem pretty generous for a lot of folks, you’ve got nearly 12, 000 ft of elevation change (~5900 up and 5900 down) and that includes the aforementioned technical first section. Plan accordingly: if you’re in the back of the pack, you’ll have your work cut out to make the first time cutoff at the Wahclella aid station.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Check out the above notes about technical trails, footing, paved sections, and time cutoffs.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
YES, it more than lived up to the hype! (see image to the right)
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Sure is! Again, if you’ve read this far, you’ve already got a feel for the challenge.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Other than the aforementioned start line stuff—which was somewhat out of Daybreak’s control—yes, the Gorge Waterfalls 50K was very well run. There was great communication beforehand, a super thorough website, and an easy-to-use new race weekend app!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, top class competition! The Gorge Waterfalls 100K race served as the qualification race to make Team USA for the 100K World Championships, so, unsurprisingly, great runners showed out! Course records fell across all races distances and divisions.
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.
This race sells out! If it’s on your bucket list, don’t wait to sign up.
We booked an AirBnB right in Cascade Locks two months out. It seemed like there were a few hotel/motel options in town, with plenty more across the river in Stevenson or 20 minutes east in Hood River. Camping is popular too. That said, I can’t recommend staying in town enough. We were easy walking distance to the Cascade Locks aid station and the Marine Park Pavilion finish line which made for a great atmosphere!
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The four 50K aid stations were well staffed, well run, and well stocked with: Neversecond gels and hydration drink, water, soda, PB&J sandwiches, cookies, various fresh fruit options, potato chips, gummi snacks, trail mix, and basic first aid supplies. Shoutout to all the Wy’east Howl and Cowgill volunteers!
Weather and typical race conditions
It was 62ºF and sunny this past weekend, but this race happens in April in the Pacific North West, so be prepared for any and all conditions! Also, don’t count on anything other than wind coming down the gorge.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
It’s not a road shoes course!!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
For a longer trail race, yes. While there is no aid station access for spectators at mile 8 (Ainsworth), there’s lots of opportunity for support at Wahclella (mile 15) and Cascade Locks #1 and #2 (same spot; outbound is mile 20 and inbound is mile 28). The finishing area is a great spot to hang out at too with full on trail party vibes.
How’s the Swag?
Great, high quality stuff from Territory Run Co., especially the hat. Instead of the standard medal (which, let’s face it, we all have too many to know what to do with), finisher’s receive a sweet, custom jar that you actually want to keep! You also get a voucher/ticket for food and beverages at the finish area (and the food is actually really good!).
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I give the Gorge Waterfalls 50K 4.5 stars out of 5. You can always count on Daybreak Racing and Freetrail to put on a great race weekend! Take a look at more of their races here.
Check out this article to learn more about other Daybreak Racing’s great events: Wy’east Wonder 50 Mile Race Report. And there’s still time to sign up for the Wy’east Trailfest on August, 9-10th if you’re interested!