Summary: Affectionately known as the SOB, this race is basically an out and back, starting and finishing at the Mt. Ashland Lodge, Oregon, with many miles on the Pacific Crest Trail, and a couple sections where runners take a slightly different trail back than on the way out, covering both trails and dirt roads. With a starting elevation of around 6500 feet, the course has 4 big climbs and descents throughout, with a high point of over 7,000 feet, and boasts fantastic views of Mt. Shasta, the Marble Mountains, and Mt. Eddy. Other distances offered are 15k, 50k, and 100k. The overall gain is ~7,000 feet, with average temperatures hovering in the 50s for the low and nearing 90 for the high, so it’s likely to be warm!

Lessons Learned from Race Reports

Warm temps in the past, along with exposed sections, which can mean it gets harder to eat – take advantage of the ice at the aid stations to cool down and cool down the core temperature
With a starting altitude of 6500, you’re likely to feel some altitude effects coming from sea level, especially with several 1000ft + climbs
Mile 22 to the turnaround is mainly uphill – tough mentally for a lot of runners to go uphill to the turnaround
Practice power hiking – very likely you’ll hike the hills in the second half the race, at the least
Likely cool at the start, but warms up quickly
Be conservative the first half, especially with it being an out and back course, it makes coming back the same way that much harder if you’re pooped at the halfway point

Elevation

Total gain/loss: 7,000/7,000

Ft/mile gain: 140

Total climbs: 4 major of about 1000-1400 feet

Longest climb: From miles ~8-15, gain ~1300 feet, and from ~27-33, gain ~1500 feet

Steepest climb: From miles ~21-24, gain ~1400 feet

Course map/Elevation profile

Aid stations

Total aid stations: 13 total, 9 full, 4 water only

Furthest distance apart: 7.5 miles (there is water between)

Locations: Miles 4.9, 9.1, 12.5 (water only), 14.5, 19.1 (water only), 22, 25, 28, 30.1 (water only), 35.5, 37.5 (water only), 40.9, 45.1

What’s available: Most aid stations will be stocked with electrolyte drink, gels, water, potatoes, chips, cookies, pretzels, candy and other ultra goodies. Willamette Meridian, Siskiyou Gap, Jackson Gap, and Wards Fork Gap are full service aid stations. Wrangle Gap (miles 12.5, 37.5) and the road 2025 crossing (19.1, 30.1) are water only.