Race: Oregon Coast 30k
Runner: Marc
Date: 10/8/17
Location: Yachats, OR
Results: 4:05:26, 48th out of 230 runners
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Gorgeous course
Chance to explore the Oregon Coast for a weekend
Very runnable hills with sections of carpet soft trails
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
There was a long stretch of pavement at the beginning to get to the trails, and at the end to get to the finish, about 3 mile worth on each side. The long road section at the end felt super tiring after being on the trails. Also, not their fault, but it’s a looong drive from Seattle. Given perennial I-5 traffic, plan for at least 6 hour drive home after the race.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing too weird, really. No medal at the end, just a pint glass.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I went out a bit fast due to the flat start, but managed to hang in there through the first 2 hills, and only faded a bit on the last one. The weather this year was beautiful, making everything a real treat.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
The 30k shares most of the course with the 50k, but is run a day later. If you don’t care for the 6-7 mile beach run at the start of the 50k, then race the 30k!
If you can save a little energy for the flat run at the end, you’ll be rewarded. I passed a number of folks in the last few miles, and if I’d had more energy, could have made up a lot of time there.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The hills are surprisingly runnable for the most part, and the downhills can be really fast. The hills go by quickly, so you can push pretty hard without blowing up.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
It’s super beautiful, especially when the weather is nice. The view of the ocean from the bluffs above Cape Perpetua is amazing!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I’d give it a 3 of out 5. There was just under 4000 ft of climbing, but each climb was only about 1000 ft, so they were short. It’s rooty and rocky in some places, and the few stairs are super slick, so be careful!
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was super-duper well run! They have the race down to a science.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The 50k gets the fastest racers, so the 30k is a little more low-key.
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.
Races sell out fast, so be sure to get on the list to be notified when the race opens. As I said earlier, long drive from Seattle. I made hotel reservations late, so Yachats was sold out. Stayed in Newport, about 25’ away, and it was fine. The 30k starts late at 10AM, which in a way was nice, since there was no need to wake up super early. Downside is you won’t get home until around 9PM, depending on traffic.
Aid Stations
Standard stuff.
Weather and typical race conditions
It’s the coast; expect sun, clouds, rain or fog, sometimes in combination. It’ll never be too hot or too cold, at least!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Make sure your running shoes are ok for a bit of mud and for pavement. Bring a variety of clothes for different temps; hard to guess what you’ll need until race morning.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Yes
Awards
No medal, but there was a nice metal pint glass.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5.
Great course, hilly enough to be challenging, but not so much that you end up hating life. The long road sections at the beginning and end weren’t my favorite, and the food at the finish was a bit limited, but those are minor gripes about an awesome race.