Race: Spike Camp 12 Hour
Runner: Coach Emily Keddie
Race Date: 01/24/2026
Location: Mt. Pisgah, Eugene, Oregon
Results: 12 Hours of Mt. Pisgah laps! (1100’/ 3 miles per lap)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
- The community: both the intersection of people from different backgrounds and experience in running, as well as the camaraderie as you pass back and forth and cheer each other on all day. It is a unique and uplifting experience watching people get PRs in distance and elevation all throughout the day, and learning the reasons people are there.
- I got to not only participate myself but also alongside some of the runners I coach, and that was very special. Having helped them prepare for this event and also be there in real life to witness and support them was awesome.
- A friend and former running client brought his son (11 years old) to the event to participate. His son continued even when his dad paused his laps, on his own. He was so proud to be out there crushing it on his own. That was inspiring to see and gave me so much hope to see a kiddo out there experiencing what we all hope to experience at races.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Not a thing. Beautiful day.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Up and down the same hill over and over and over? It’s become more popular and normalized to do such a thing. It’s no longer weird. A cool thing though? After 10 laps (11,000′, 31 miles) you got a bolo tie with a buckle. That was new this year and very cool. It motivated a LOT of people!
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
My throat is so sore from cheering all day long- all the whoops and whewwws and YEAHs! Being overwhelmingly positive and supportive of my fellow racers made the day even better, and I received it right back. I went in this year less competitive than last year- not competitive in fact. My goals were to get a lot of vert, be aware of my hip (I injured it last year and have been rehabbing it), and enjoy doing laps with others. Success on all goals!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Set multiple goals for the day, that are not only related to performance but also experience! Also, make sure you eat and hydrate consistently. Pace yourself. Don’t sit down for too long!
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I did not stay on top of hydration during the first couple of laps- it was cold, which it usually is to start, and I struggle to hydrate enough in the cold. I could have done better at this!
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The course is mostly on a packed dirt/gravel road, with sections of looser gravel and dirt trail near the top. The downhill can be hard on your joints, so be aware of that. At the summit is a bin of ducks – you grab one to bring down to the bottom with you as proof of your lap! Also, the course starts/ends at the bottom of the hill where everyone parks- so you can have your car pretty close by to use as an aid station, so you don’t need to carry too much.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Though on repeat all day, the views from the top are beautiful! On a clear day, snow-capped peaks are visible, and sunrise is a total moment- people hang out on top to watch it.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
1100′ in 1.5 miles is stout both up and down!
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 the two years it has taken place. Everything was dialed.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
There are always some heavy hitters who go for huge numbers- 45+ miles, over 16,000′ of vert for the podium positions. There is no winning or losing in this event though – it is what you make of it, and every lap is meaningful.
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.
Registration is in advance and capped to a limited amount, and it sold out this year! Keep an eye on the Recovery Strong social media handle for information on future events; they are the main sponsor of the event.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
There is a limited aid station at the start/finish, but bringing your own fuel and hydration and operating out of your car makes it really easy for this event.
Weather and typical race conditions
The weather is typically chilly to start (20’s and 30’s), warming up throughout the day into the 40’s.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Although I never busted mine out, poles are helpful. Don’t forget a headlamp like I did for the first 90 minutes!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It’s a great course for family or friends to come out and join for a lap or two, or they can hike the numerous other trails in the park.
How’s the Swag?
Amazing. T-shirts and stickers for participants, a bolo tie and buckle for 10 laps, and winner plaques.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars.
Emily Keddie is a coach at Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with her, check out her coach profile.