3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Great trail culture vibes, stunning views, and runnable single track trails
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
No weird factor! But you could run the 50M on Saturday and the 50K on Sunday. One person tackled the challenge.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I was able to run the entire course with fairly even pacing throughout. 50K PR given runnable trails without a ton of vert
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Get there early! Parking is limited. No crewing allowed so be prepared with hydration/nutrition though aid stations well stock with your basic needs.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
It’s a fast course with some climbing but the entire race is on runnable single track. Even pacing is ideal for this course.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
I ran it sight unseen. The kind of race you can do well at without seeing it first. Great trails!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Absolutely beautiful race course on clear day. Mt. Hood is stunning. Lots of mountain, forest and lake view along the entire route.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
All single track but very runnable throughout. Less than 3K of total vert and runnable trails makes for the opportunity for a fast race and PR.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
GoBeyond Racing does a tremendous job. Super well organized and post race party vibes. Definitely experience the trail culture of an iconic PNW trail race in a beautiful area.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Strong local runners from Oregon/Washington.
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.
Tons of camping nearby and hotels/Airbnb’s in the Mt. Hood vicinity. I was on the waitlist and eventually got it. 50M race on Saturday is lottery and the 50K is sign up with waitlist.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Aid stations and the volunteers were tremendous!
Weather and typical race conditions
The trail is primarily shaded throughout so makes for ideal conditions though it can be extremely hot in this part of Oregon in mid July.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
No crew allowed so carry what you need.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
No crew support allowed or needed but able to spectate and see runners at several of the aid stations.
How’s the Swag?
T-shirts, stickers, beer mugs. Full age group awards
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4 and half stars. Highly recommend for a local trail race in a beautiful area
Finished! (8:55, but the course ran 1.5 miles longer than advertised)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Location, location, location. Wy’east Wonder is a point-to-point course that basically runs south to north just east of Wy’east (aka Mt. Hood) on a ridge line between 4,000-6,000 ft above sea level. On good or better weather days, the mountain views are stupendous.
It’s a very runnable course. Multiple people recommended this as a first ultra, part of why I picked it. Everything other than the precipitous descent over the last 2.5 miles was either double-track fire road or mostly well-packed single-track. Although speed demons may not love that many of the descents have lots of turns.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Prepare well for long gaps between aid stations, and honestly, the course needs at least one more. The gap between the first and second aid stations ran 1.5+ miles longer than listed due to some last-minute construction on a nearby forest road, and while the race organizers announced at the start line that the cutoff at the second aid station was extended, they did not really mention the mileage. I was told at the second aid station that many runners were coming in much later than expected because of this shift.
Plot the course on Footpath, or Gaia, or whichever reliable GPS service you use offline. Don’t just rely on GoBeyond Racing’s .gpx file. There are some easy-to-make wrong turns. GoBeyond did an okay job marking turns, but they need more proper “RACERS + [ARROW]” signs. Make sure you keep an eye out for those orange agility cones.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Prepare for the shuttles. Because this is a point-to-point, know that you’ll be bussed from race central to the start (25ish minutes), and that there is a shuttle from the finish line back to race central (short ride, about 7 minutes). If you don’t have crew, make sure to drop finish line change of clothes and anything else you want on the tarp, as directed at the start.
Plan for a net downhill course and save your quads for the end. You will make a techy, switchback-y 2000-foot descent in the last 2.5 miles.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This course is an excellent adventure. My primary goal was to finish, and I was well-coached and well prepared to ignore my HR/pace/cadence data, run by feel, meet people and take tons of pictures. I had a great time.
I had a particular focus on making sure I carried all my own gels and portioned electrolyte mix, plus full restocks of everything in my crew bag for the 22-mile mark. Can’t emphasize this enough: know how you sweat and what you need for hydration. Aid stations are staffed by amazing volunteers, but they’re far apart and it’s worth making sure you have what you need for nutrition and hydration (plus a little extra just in case) in your vest/belt.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Already mentioned this and, worth emphasizing:
Know your body and plan for that gnarly descent at the end.
Plan for the second section to run long
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
1000% yes.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I was told that it was a good choice for first-time ultrarunners like myself, and I’d mostly agree. Very runnable up until about 29.5 when you make your final turn and start the descent. About two-thirds of the descent is totally runnable, but it’s all switchbacks, so don’t expect to be able to set it in down-hill gear and charge it.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
I give GoBeyond a B+. They had to extend the cutoff twice, once right before we started +15 min, and again once they realized how much longer the course was running into the second aid station. I’m both grateful for that and got briefly worried that I’d made a wrong turn when the aid station didn’t show up within a half mile of what I was expecting.
Also, as mentioned above: needs more signage. A few more direction signs in the ground would go a long way from keeping runners off of nearby fire roads.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Wasn’t my focus.
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.
Nope! Just keep an eye on GoBeyond’s registration dates and plan ahead.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Know how you sweat. Bring your own electrolyte mix. Plan for the long gaps.
Weather and typical race conditions
Late June is a terrific time to be around Mt. Hood.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nope!
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not really, but there’s lots of hiking to do and beautiful orchards to explore while they wait.
How’s the Swag?
Totally fine. Provided by Territory Run Co.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3.5 stars! I had an absolute blast. Easiest way to bump up to 4 or 4.5 is to improve signage and pre-race comms about course changes. This race would definitely be a 5-star race for me with another aid station.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Well organized, great volunteers, and incredible scenery
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Some light rappelling and lots of bouldering over lava fields, plus an aid station where all of the water is straight out of a glacier fed spring staffed by astronauts (a play on the moonscape of the blast zone you’re running through at the time)
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Great first 20 miles, but made a hydration mistake (skimped on electrolytes) and had to fend off some fairly bad muscle cramping for the last 12+ miles.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Time on course beforehand is helpful to practice orienteering over sections where you navigate through boulder fields with no trail.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Switching to 100% electrolyte hydration, especially on hotter days
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
There is no good place to drop given remote location, which is good and bad.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Awe inspiring.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Yes. It has a prerequisite of a prior 50k or previously having run the 25k.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
GoBeyond is fantastic and did a great job—well organized.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes, field is fairly deep considering smaller size (200ish runners, necessitated by USFS permit requirements)
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.
No special handshake, but options for hotels are limited near race. Drivable morning of from Portland area. Also regularly sells out, so always good to get in early (February), though waitlist is also usually an option.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They have to hike everything in for 5 miles to each aid station, but considering, good standard ultra fare (if no frills). Gu gels and drinks, plus pickles, chips, pb&j, etc.
Weather and typical race conditions
Wide variety—everything from mid 80s like this year to snow and cold, and sometimes both.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
There are minim gear requirements (jacket, emergency blanket, whistle, and ability to carry water). Beyond that, if particular on nutrition plan on carrying it with you as there aren’t really any good places for crew to meet.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not really.
How’s the Swag?
Minimal included in registration, but nice Nike and Territory Run swag available.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
It kicked my butt and think that’s a pretty common sentiment (though was also my first ultra). Not another course like it and definitely an experience. 4.5/5 stars.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The Course: it was so beautiful and just the perfect blend of technical and fast. Really beginner-friendly route that ends with a gorgeous loop around a stunning lake!
The volunteers, staff & organizers – it’s very well organized, very well marked, and super high energy. Aid stations (2) are well run, with lots of fuel options at Aid Station # 2. The post-race party is so much fun.
No medals! I loved the commemorative beverage glass instead of the medal! They are handing to you as you cross the finish line filled with cool water (though in my drowsy state, this was quite risky to be handing me a glass, hah!)
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
No cell service – if it’s your first time in the woods racing, if you’re at all concerned about being connected, make sure you download your map and music, and share tracking links or anything else that needs to be shared AHEAD of the race. There is no service at the start or anywhere throughout the course.
Lodging – closest lodging is about 45 mins away in Welches, where I stayed. If you want to be closer, you’ll have to camp. Otherwise, get your morning timing right (fueling, bathroom, etc).
Car parking / bag check – I had a crew so they held my stuff, but if you’re alone, I didn’t really see an option to check a bag or leave personal belonging. Perhaps this is just a city thing, or most people probably leave things in their cars. But car parking is along the road leading up to the start at the Ranger station, so depending on how far you’ve parked, it might be a decent back / forth to go and leave things in the car before the race. Plan ahead.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s Oregon – weird comes with the territory 🙂
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I was in a really good groove for the first 5 miles of the race which was where all the incline / vert was. I was really happy with how I managed my start, breathing through the uphills, leaning into the downhills and staying focused to get through the first half before pushing the gas on the back half. Unfortunately, and unbeknownst to me, I was racing with COVID, which would show itself at mile 8, the part of the course that flattens out and is mostly a lake-side loop and the part of the course where I had strategically planned to really kick and go for my time goal (originally 2:30-2:40ish). Calf cramps, heavy fatigue, and a massive headache had me thinking I was dehydrated, but it turns out (via a positive test the next day) that I was actually battling the onset of COVID. When I knew the hard running was out of the picture, I reset my expectations of what the race experience meant to me. So when I needed to pause on running and take a walk break, I allowed myself to do that with grace, and I took in the beauty of Mt. Hood, which I possibly would have missed had I been running. Something I’ve discovered about myself since training with Coach Matt for trails is how much I love being in nature, whether I am running or simply walking, and how to give myself grace. I hadn’t expected to be particularly zeroed in on either of those things on race day, but I’m glad I had them in my back pocket!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Pay attention to course markings! The organizers do a good job of calling this out, but because there is both a Mt Hood 25K and 50K happening at the same time, there are a couple places where the course intersects. Make sure you’re staying on the right course.
Make sure you know which course markings the organizers are using! Pink ribbons were hanging from branches, but those weren’t for our race!
Download the GPX map and upload it to Strava if you’re racing with your phone and want extra security.
Bug spray – bring it and use it. You’re in the woods!
Total newb / rookie error but I forgot to bring a change of shoes. If you plan on jumping in the lake (and you should!), don’t forget a change of shoes (/clothes).
The town of Welches has a good variety of lodging, dining and grocery store options. The Mt Hood Oregon Resort is owned by Best Western and is the most central to that town. There is another Best Western, called the Best Western Mt. Hood Inn, that is about 15 minutes closer to the start than the Mt. Hood Oregon Resort, but it’s kind of on its own and it’s still going to be 30+minute drive to the start – I’d recommend staying at the Mt Hood Oregon Resort and reap the benefit of being in a town if access to coffee, dining, and other things are important.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
The biggest red flag for me was that I wasn’t hungry for fuel, and when I forced myself to take in my 1st gel, I could hardly get it down it made me sick. This was unusual because I had practiced – and nailed – fueling the entire training cycle. I should have taken in almost 6-7 gels during that race. That day I only took in 2 because I was so nauseated by them. That convinced me that I needed to reevaluate my race strategy.
Trust your body – when you sense that something is off, it probably is.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
First 6 miles has all the incline and is as technical as it’s going to get. Conserve, and then cruise for the remainder of the race!
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
There are a few pockets where you get the scenic Mt. Hood view across the lake and that’s really gorgeous, but you have to stop to veer off to the shoreline to see it. The Mt. Hood 50K course runs the Pacific Crest Trail and has ALL the views. The 25K does not run the PCT, so you’re inside the forest and then running a lake / bike trail. It’s beautiful in that nature is beautiful, but it’s not a jaw dropping stunner of a course as some might expect when they think of the Pacific Crest Trail. A couple people I spoke to didn’t realize that the 25K was mostly along the bike trail – I think they had the PCT in their minds as the kind of scenery they’d be exposed to.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
No. It’s really manageable for a beginner. I saw a lot of people with road shoes on and they were just fine on the technical parts. Of course that comes with its own set of risks, and a trail shoe is definitely better suited, but for the most part, it’s a really accessible course.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
It was really well run. You can tell the organizers not only have a lot of knowledge, but also a lot of passion for the community, its safety, and its racing experience.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I think the 50K and 50M have stronger fields. The 25K felt really hyper local and not super competitive.
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.
The 50M is a lottery. The 50K and 25K had a waitlist a few months before the race, so definitely act on it if you’re considering racing! And you can’t change distances once they are sold out. (A friend was supposed to race the 50K, got covid a month out, asked if she could switch to the 25k, and she couldn’t).
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
I’ve never seen an aid station with so many snacks! There are 2 aid stations, Mile 6 which has fluids, and Mile 12 which has fluids, snacks, pickles, etc. Both were well-run and well-staffed.
Weather and typical race conditions
Really beautiful conditions and perfect weather. It was probably just about 50 degrees on race morning, and maybe inching into the 60s as we got started. Sunshine was dappled thanks to shaded routes. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
There are no bottles or cups at the aid stations – you must have your own vessel, so definitely recommend a hydration vest or bottle depending on needs.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It’s a very spectator-friendly start but there aren’t many other opportunities for spectating aside from the 2nd aid station and the start/finish.
How’s the Swag?
I was really happy to get a water glass instead of a metal. They have swag for sale as well. It’s bare bones, but the swag isn’t a motivator for me!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 stars out of 5, totally recommend it for others!! I plan to go back next year and get my fair shot at the race I trained for!
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
Race Organization – Go Beyond Racing does an outstanding job organizing races.
Course – Great Single track trails with constant views of Mt. Hood and the Hood River valley. Clouds and fog disrupted the views on my race day but the views are typically amazing.
Volunteers – The local volunteers in the greater Portland area put always show up to support local races. Make it fun at every aid station.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Due to high snow levels this year our course was changed. The course was supposed to be a net downhill, 4k of gain and 6k of downhill. Our course was changed to 5.8k of gain and descent including a steep 2200ft climb to start the race which was also the muddy descent to the finish. Made for a very tough start and finish to the race. But the views of the valley during this section were amazing along with the wild flowers.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing really weird about this one. Interesting fact is that the term Wy’East is what the Native Americans referred to Mt. Hood as.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
Race nutrition went really well and was mentally strong throughout. Race day was windy and rainy on the upper ridge sections of the course so was happy to stay strong during these sections.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This course is usually a point to point run and net downhill. Beautiful single track trails. Be prepared for snow as usually there is some snow in the higher section. Weather can be all over the place. I got a cold, wet, windy day but next year it could be 80 deg and sunny.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I chose to stay in Hood River the night before the race. It was 20 minutes from the start. I would stay there again.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
Since my course was different than the usual course, I will just say that the last downhill could be muddy, be prepared with shoes that have some sort of traction. Road shoes not recommended.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, Mt. Hood National Forest never disappoints.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Tougher than anticipated. I didn’t get to do the net downhill course, but even that has some slower sections than would be anticipated from the course profile.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Go Beyond Racing is a professional organization, this is not a hobby for them. They care about all the runners and take time to get to know each runner. It feels like a family now that I have done many of their races.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
They get a pretty good field of Portland and Bend speedsters.
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.
Easy race to get into. Everyone can pretty much get in. I signed up 6-7 weeks in advance of race and made it a training run for another race.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
They carried my gels of choice and many real food options. Tons of volunteers to assist the runners get in and out quickly.
Weather and typical race conditions
It can be sunny, or cold and wet, be prepared for any conditions.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
I would have a light jacket for the higher sections of the course. Maybe gloves if it is windy.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
Not really, difficult navigating. One aid station is easy to get to and finish line is extremely family friendly. While you run there is plenty of cool things to see for your crew in the area.
How’s the Swag?
They give out finisher glasses for each of their races. They make buying shirt optional which is nice, no one needs more race T-shirts.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
I oddly enjoyed that there were no vistas during this year’s edition of Wy’East. It allowed me to fully focus on running instead of gawking at views which I am very prone to doing!
The community of racers! I met some amazing people out on the course and experienced more camaraderie than I ever have before. A racer and I spent 26 miles together and alternated who was on pacing duty. It became a team sport. She was also kind enough to help me change shirts when my hands lost dexterity due to cold and swelling.
I really liked the mantra I developed during my low point at mile 20. It had a different feel than any of the others I’ve used in the past and was inspired by Scott Jurek. I kept chanting “I like to hurt. I like to hurt. I like to hurt” in my head hoping I would start to believe it. I think I convinced myself!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
The final 2-3 miles of the race was a heinously steep descent and had an incredible amount of slick mud. I’m not sure how I managed to stay upright!
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It was weird that there was an insane amount of snow on the traditional course! For this reason, the race was re-routed 7 days before we toed the line. Instead of a point to point with a small loop the course became a double loop lollipop with an short out and back. The new route added 2000+ feet of vert to the course with no change in cut-offs increasing the difficulty.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I am normally a conservative racer and prefer to take minimal risks out on the course. However, after examining the course changes with particular attention to the additional 2000+ft of vert I decided I had two choices. The first option was to play it safe and run like I normally do which would likely result in flirting with cut-offs. Stressful. The other option was to race out of my comfort-zone and take risks in order to not be against cut-offs while still running smart. Also, stressful! After contemplation I decided to use the re-route as an opportunity to challenge myself to run harder and take more risks than I ever have in a race. Approaching the course with this mindset was the highlight for me.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Wearing split shorts on a wind blasted, frigid ridge was not the optimal choice! Otherwise, there is not a lot of flat terrain on the course. You are either going up or down. This includes steep grades, rolling terrain and some long gentle inclines.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
I learned how to adapt mentally to course re-routes. When I examined the course changes and discovered that I would almost be running a completely different and much harder race than I’d signed up for I was petrified. I felt under-prepared and under-trained for the event and fixated on that for about 24 hours. However, dwelling on this fact wasn’t helping me, so I decided to focus on the training I did have, my cumulative mountain experience and looking at this race as an opportunity to dig deeper than I ever have. I left the notion of the previous course behind completely and focused on strategizing for the new challenge.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
That descent to the finish is STEEP and it is also on the traditional course. I suggest leaving poles in the final drop bag.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
I did get a short glimpse of Mount Hood and I suspect that under clear skies the mountain views are incredible from the ridge. The forest running is lovely this time of year with the vibrant green understory and the open meadow at the beginning/end of the course was freckled with colorful wildflowers.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The terrain is not technical, except for the mud! However, I would say that this year the course was difficult. The additional vert with no change in cut-offs combined with the adverse weather conditions made this race gnarly in all the best ways.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Wy’East Wonder was extremely well organized. This is impressive considering the major re-route that occurred just a week before the start. It is also worth noting that the race directors took the time and effort to re-route the course instead of cancelling it. This was incredibly generous and kind of them!
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Yes! Elite runners competed in this race which was awesome to briefly witness during the out and back.
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.
I signed up right when the registration opened. It didn’t fill overnight, but it didn’t take long to fill (maybe 2 months?). It’s a popular race so the earlier you sign up the better. Campgrounds fill quickly on summer weekends so booking those well in advance in also recommended.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
The aid station fare seemed standard to me, though I did not partake in anything except water. Volunteers were always available to help with anything and everything. One volunteer was kind enough to pick up the sock I dropped because there was a real danger of me never straightening back out again if I bent over at mile 40!
Weather and typical race conditions
This race is known for being a pleasant late spring race with stunning views of Mt. Hood. This weekend’s race felt was more reminiscent of stormy November. The forecast featured freezing rain, thick mist, blustery wind and cold temperatures. Very different!
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Poles would have been awesome during the final steep descent to take some pressure off the legs and keep balance in the slippery mud.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It is somewhat spectator friendly. A shuttle needs to be taken to the start/finish. This is true even without the re-route. Spectators/crew can also meet racers at the Aqueduct Aid Station. This year racers passed through three times. On the traditional course runners come through two times.
How’s the Swag?
The swag is a traditional tech t-shirt and they also provided an assortment of stickers. There is no metal for this race. Finishers are given a glass of water with the race name etched in at the finish.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
I’d give this race a 10/10! Keep in mind I am judging this by the re-route and not the traditional course.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a coach with Team RunRun. To learn more about her or to work with Coach Dandelion, check out her coaching page.
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The race course and scenery was stunning – Great views of the valley and snow capped mountains (Smith Rock State Park outside of Bend, OR)
Race organization was top notch, volunteers amazing and post party atmosphere a super fun vibe
Trails were in great shape and runnable
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Only downside of the course is spectators/crew can really only see you and the start/finish. The straight downhill start and uphill finish is a monster after 30 miles (I don’t think Walmsley could run up this to the finish!)
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Not weird, but you have about 170 feet to descend/ascend from the start/finish before you hit the main trails in maybe a third of a mile. They had a staggered start (runner every 5 seconds) and you must walk solo (safety precaution) across a foot bridge before you reach the main trail.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This is only my 3rd race longer than a marathon (one 50K and one 50 miler prior) so still have so much to learn. I felt pretty good heading into race day and was curious to see how it would go. Translating marathon pace/effort to trails continues to be my biggest area of opportunity. I’ve consciously practiced hydration and nutrition and don’t think I could have done much more. I consciously tried to hold back in the early miles and walked many of the uphills in an effort to conserve energy. I ran a good solid pace up until about mile 22 and then just didn’t have any legs. I felt fine and don’t think it was hydration/nutrition related, and though the sun came out and it was warm, it didn’t feel too hot. I just couldn’t get myself to run with much (if any) pace. Wasn’t a total walk but was very very slow! The last 6 miles or so are very runnable with a long descent and mainly flat sections and I lost a whopping 16 places from the last aid station (26.5 mile mark) to the finish. While humbling to be passed by so many people near the end, I did set a 50K PR and was certainly pleased with the day and the overall experience of the race.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
It can get lonely in the middle miles on this course to try and find people to run with nearby if possible.
Try and save something for the end. Last aid station is at 26.5 miles and basically flat/downhill from there to the finish.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Pacing, pacing, pacing. Figure out how to push myself on tired legs while not overdoing training. A hard balance.
Appreciate Keith’s help/training and look forward to growing as a trail runner.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
The first few miles are super smooth with some gradual uphills so be careful not to go to hard. The last 5 miles starts with a big descent and then basically flat until the uphill finish at the very end. The climbs were tough, but most of the elevation was spread out over say 3 sections with no massive long climbs like you might find in a true mountain race. Given the course is challenging for spectators, you could find yourself all alone in sections. Was nice to find people to run with during the middle part of the course where you are out of Smith Rock State Park and very few people around.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
The course is stunning and hard to describe the beautiful landscape. Smith Rock State Park is known as the birthplace of American sport climbing.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
The course is pretty runnable, not overly technical and while ~4,700 of elevation doesn’t sound too daunting, it is a challenging course and given not much tree cover, you are exposed to the sun. Some sections of the trail were a bit sandy but a good mix of terrain from flats to uphills to downhills.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
My first event with Go Beyond Racing. They certainly know what they are doing. Well organized. Great volunteers, fun atmosphere.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
Seemed like it. Bend is a popular place for elite level type runners. Ian Sharman was the overall winner and he’s well known in the Trail running circles.
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.
The race is popular but I do believe runners were able to sign up in the weeks leading up to race day. The 50K is run on Saturday and on Sunday they had a 15 mile and a 4 mile option. Free kids races were conducted each day as well. Smith Rock State Park is in Terrebonne, Oregon which is about 35 minutes north of Bend. Bend is a popular town but has several hotel and Airbnb type options as well as nearby camping. Great destination race. The park is extremely popular and busy, parking is offsite with a shuttle the last mile or if you have a spectator, you are able to park near the race start for a daily use fee of $5.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Volunteers were great. Everything you would want/expect from aid stations to support your hydration and nutritional needs.
Weather and typical race conditions
Turned out to be a nice day post some rain/sprinkles at the start and I even got quite sunburned. In May, in this part of Oregon, be prepared for all types of weather. Rain, sun, cold, heat …all conditions could come into play during the race. Weather changes quickly in Mountain towns this time of year. Most of the course is exposed so not much tree cover/shade at all. If its sunny, you will feel it (I certainly did). The trails were in good condition and not overly technical but did have a few sandy spots to manage through.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next runner?
Nothing special other than to be prepared for various weather conditions throughout the day.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
The race course is not friendly for spectators unless they want to run quite a few miles. You do see other park users. The first 5-6 miles and last 4-5 miles are conducted within the State Park.
How’s the Swag?
The logo beer mug at the end was great swag. And nothing like a second beer mug that says 2nd Place 50-59 year old division to make you smile!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
5 star race. I would highly recommend this race. Bend is a super fun town to spend a few days, Smith Rock State Park and the race course is runnable, with stunning scenery, great organization and volunteers, and a fun after race party vibe. Great destination race.
“This was my first attempt at the 100-mile distance, and I was worried about cutoffs. I really wanted to get that buckle! I was thrilled that I was able to finish strong and get that buckle with a little over 2 hours to spare. I’d been around 1.25-1.5 hrs ahead of the previous cutoffs (miles 26, 55, 70), so I was really glad to expand that a bit in the home stretch. I think I paced myself fairly steadily, and I had enough left in the tank to run in the last 10k or so. I wound up passing people that I hadn’t seen since the earlier part of the race.”
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
1) Scenery for first 26 miles
2) Volunteers and aid stations
3) Well-organized event, well-marked trails, nice buckle
(sorry, that’s more than three)
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
-I got a bee sting in the first three miles.
-I fell early in the race (but that was my fault and could have happened anywhere).
-More portapotty locations (at aid stations on roads would be nice); there were 3 locations, but my GI doesn’t like ultras.
-The part that repeated (30M on the PCT) wasn’t as scenic as I’d hoped, but maybe I was just tired.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
It’s not weird, but there’s zero cell coverage anywhere (start, finish, major aid stations), which makes it a bit tricky to plan with crew and pacers. And the one-lane forest road to the start/finish is a little dicey.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
This was my first attempt at the 100-mile distance, and I was worried about cutoffs. I really wanted to get that buckle! I was thrilled that I was able to finish strong and get that buckle with a little over 2 hours to spare. I’d been around 1.25-1.5 hrs ahead of the previous cutoffs (miles 26, 55, 70), so I was really glad to expand that a bit in the home stretch. I think I paced myself fairly steadily, and I had enough left in the tank to run in the last 10k or so. I wound up passing people that I hadn’t seen since the earlier part of the race.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
This was my first hundred, so I don’t have any pro tips to share. Just the usual stuff: don’t start too fast, keep eating, drinking, and always moving forward. Avoid chairs and warming tents! I never sat down except in the 4 portapotties along the course.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Pacers and crew are awesome! Line them up early and have backups too. Have more liquid calorie options that I can suck down quickly when I don’t feel like eating anything; baby food pouches are helpful for drop bags, they’re bulky to carry. (Because I planned to eat a good portion of real food, I found I didn’t really bring enough gels once I couldn’t stomach solid food after about mile 40.)
Double-check batteries and lighting in advance; I forgot the proper battery for my Kogalla light and had to use a USB pack, which died after about 3 hours. I had backup, but it wasn’t nearly as bright.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s well-marked. The first 26 miles is the most scenic part (I think), unless you can run miles 55-70 in the light. 11k elevation change doesn’t sound like a lot over 100M (and isn’t compared to many mountain races), but it still adds up. Most of the race is between 3000-5000ft elevation (high point at 5700ft), so the weather and temperatures can vary quite a bit throughout the race.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Yes, though most of the “Mountain Lakes” are in the first 26-mile loop, except for Timothy Lake (miles 55-70), which I ran in the dark. The lakes are gorgeous! The race bills itself “One of the country’s most beautiful 100-milers.” I’m a jaded Northwesterner because we have so many spectacular places here, so I thought the 30 miles that repeated on the Pacific Crest Trail (miles 26-55, 70-100) were not that amazing. Pretty enough, but kind of the standard PNW forest with occasional views. The start/finish at Olallie Lake with Mt. Jefferson behind it is stunning!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
For me, yes. 100 miles is tough. For a mountain/trail 100, it’s probably comparatively “easy” – that’s why I picked it as a good first one. But it was still plenty challenging for me, and it has quite a few rocky/rooted areas that aren’t particularly runnable, especially when being careful not to fall. (In typical fashion, I fell on the road part instead—just when I let my guard down.)
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Go Beyond Racing puts on awesome races. I have been very impressed by all of them. Well-organized events, well-marked courses. I also appreciate how they reduce waste by having a cupless race, incentives for carpooling, and reusable mugs at the finish line.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
I think it’s a regional draw (mostly OR, WA, BC, ID) and doesn’t attract the big-name racers. (CR is 16:15 for men and 16:24 for women.)
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.
It’s a popular race with a lottery entry, capped at 170 spots. I think you register in January and the lottery drawing is the first week of February. I think in 2018 (when they instituted the lottery, I think) and 2019, the waitlist has cleared, so you can probably get in if you train and are willing to wait. I started at #37 in February and got in in late July. Trail work (8 hours) is required by Sept 1, so do that early. It was a scramble for me to complete when I got in off of the waitlist with an already-booked August calendar (but I should have done it before I got in).
If you can book the Olallie Lake Resort (at start/finish) right away, that would be awesome. There’s nothing else near the start. We stayed in Government Camp on Mt. Hood, which is about 1.5hrs away (though 30mins from the big aid station at mile 55/70).
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
I had to carry all my own food due to my delicate GI needs (celiac disease), but they seemed very well stocked. I was grateful for the broth in the night hours! They had GU gels and hydration, which I’m not a fan of. It looked like they had quesadillas, sandwiches, and the usual ultra fare. The night aid stations had festive lighting, costumes, and music, especially the Timothy Lake Dam – wow! The volunteers were awesome!
Weather and typical race conditions
I think it varies a lot from year to year. It’s the autumn equinox weekend in the Oregon mountains, so it could be summer, fall, or winter – or more than one season in the weekend! I think we generally lucked out with weather this year – no snow on the course. It was about 38 degrees F at the start (8am Sat), but it was clear, sunny, and quickly warmed up to the 70s. It cooled off once it got dark, maybe in the 40s at the higher elevations and 50s around Clackamas AS/Timothy Lake (mile 55-70, overnight for me). It started raining by mid/late morning, but it didn’t get hard until after I finished (noon).
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
I found poles to be helpful, especially for the climb back up to Olallie Lake in the last stretch of the race. But I carried them for the whole time and used them sporadically even in the early parts, on more technical sections. When I left Olallie Lake (mile 26), I needed to dress for the heat of the day as well as the transition into night (warmth, light)… so I basically needed to carry all the things for that 30-mile stretch to my next dropbag/crew spot. (My friend didn’t have her jacket with her, and she got really cold in those last few hours.)
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
It’s a beautiful area, but pretty much the only place to see runners is the start/finish/mile 26 (Olallie Lake) and mile 55/70 (Clackamas Lake)… and it’s about a 1.5hr drive on slow roads between them.
How’s the Swag?
I love my buckle!! And a finisher’s pint glass. They also have long- and short-sleeve tees (technical and non), hoodies, beanies, etc. available for pre-order and for sale at the race.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
4.5 stars – yes, I would definitely recommend it to others.
Summary: Starting at the Clackamas Lake Ranger Station, runners do two out and backs, first heading North 14.2 miles to the Frog Lake Aid Station, then turning around, passing through the Clackamas Ranger Station at mile 28.4, and heading South for another out and back. The course is almost entirely on the Pacific Crest Trail, and is heavily shaded with soft, good footing, with some technical sections of rocks and roots. Other distances run are a 50k (on Sunday, so runners can run the 50/50) and a 25k.
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
Cupless race, so be sure to have your own bottles and/or bladder
Nearest hotels are in Government Camp, OR, which is 21 miles from the start/finish. Lots of camping options nearby (search for Timothy Lake)
While the race is described as not very technical, expect it all to be technical, then be pleasantly surprised when you get smoother sections of trail
With the course being out and backs, be prepared to be passing people on the single track sections. With it at least being a small field, it’s not too troublesome
If you’re camping, be prepared for mosquitos!
Even with how shaded the trails are, it’s still going to warm up if the sun is out, so make use of the ice at the aid stations
With shade and warmer temps, it’s easy to get overheated without noticing, and then your stomach goes sour, so be aware of keeping cool in order to keep fueling
2nd half is inevitably harder because, well, you’ve already run 28 miles, but also because there are 3 sizeable climbs and descents left. If you’ve run too hard too early, the second half will be that much more difficult
Be mentally prepared to go through the mile 28 aid station efficiently, as it’s the start/finish, and you don’t want to be tempted to drop out
Lots of scenery to look at throughout, just be sure to keep one eye on the trail so you don’t fall while you’re checking out Mt. Hood 🙂
Elevation
Total gain/loss: 5,630/5,630
Ft/mile gain: 113
Total climbs: 2x1000ft, 1×600, 1×500, 2×400, countless rollers smaller climbs
Locations: Miles 6, 9.2, 14.2, 19.2, 22.4, 28.4 (the start/finish), 33.7, 39.2, and 44.7
What’s available: Standard ultra fare, including but not limited to GU gels, GU electrolyte drink, chips, PB&Js, pickles, gummy bears and other salty and sweet snacks.
Crew access
Access Locations: Miles 0, 9.2, 19.2, 28.4 (the start/finish), and 50 (finish). Miles 9.2 and 19.2 are the same aid station, as runners hit 9.2 on the way out and 19.2 on the way back, then go through the start/finish at mile 28.4 before beginning another out and back, which is not accessible by crew.
“Lessons for others: Lights – My 150 Lumen Petzl, fine for the Burke Gilman, didn’t stand a chance against the fog and darkness of the wilderness. I lost a couple of places at night because I couldn’t see where I was going too well. Smile and enjoy the run. Things will go wrong, or unexpectedly. Work around them.”
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The Course – Beautiful PNW Forest that winds through mountains, and around lakes. The scenery is mesmerizing.
The Aid Stations – Friendly, helpful, fun volunteers that were encouraging! My crew missed me (more than once, but more on that later) at the 55 mile mark, and one of the volunteers paced me for 15 miles!
The Community – The Facebook group was a friendly, chatty place even before the race started. It spilled over onto race day, and the race itself. Great group of people all around this race!
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
Could use a few more markers. I am always nervous that I missed a turn, or got off the trail. It was always a little longer than I am comfortable with between markers.
Crew Location – With 16 aid stations, it was sometimes 25 or more miles between crew locations.
My Crew – I had to wait 35 minutes for them at the Aid Station at mile 26. I would have just ran off, but I needed my warmer gear, as it would be nightfall before I saw them again.
Then at Mile 55, they were late again. I took off with aforementioned volunteer runner.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Nothing really too weird.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I fueled early and often. I took in about 300-400 calories every hour. I made sure to drink water. I paced it out nicely. Hiked the uphills, ran the flats and downhills. Sub 24 hours for my first 100 was well beyond what I expected.
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Lights – My 150 Lumen Petzl, fine for the Burke Gilman, didn’t stand a chance against the fog and darkness of the wilderness. I lost a couple of places at night because I couldn’t see where I was going too well.
Smile and enjoy the run. Things will go wrong, or unexpectedly. Work around them.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Smile. Smile. Smile. Roll with the punches. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. Be mindful, be grateful.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It’s really runnable. However, the last 30 miles has some sustained ascents.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
Absolutely gorgeous. Mountains, Lakes, Streams, Forests! What more could you ask for.
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
I don’t believe so. Only ~11000 feet of elevation gain, and an incredibly cushy terrain.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
Very well. Crew directions were a little weird, so if you get a chance, have them drive the course the day before.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
It’s a WS Qualifier, so probably.
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 fills up really quickly. Book your hotels early. We were lucky to get a great Airbnb about an hour away.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Fully Stocked. All the usual stuff and then some! Perogis at two Aid Stations were an amazing experience!
Weather and typical race conditions
Cold, Rainy. It has snowed a little in previous years. It was 54 when we started, and dropped to 27 through the night.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Bright headlamp. It gets DARK in the middle of the forest at night.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There were 7 Stations were crew can be. However, it was recommended that they not try to find the Dam Station, as it was difficult to get to.
How’s the Swag?
Amazing! A pair of Nike Trail Shoes, Finisher Buckle, and a drinking glass!
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Summary: One of the more scenic 100 milers in a remote area in Central Oregon (Olallie Lake), this race is mainly an out and back course with a 26 mile loop at the start and a 15 mile loop at the furthest point out. Along with featuring 60 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail, the course is a mix of singletrack (87.7 miles), jeep roads (12 miles) and pavement (.2 miles), along with a gain of ~10,800 feet. 2017 was a different course due to wildfires, so the gain was ~2,000 feet more, and at least 8 inches of recent snow made for a very challenging race.
Lessons Learned from Race Reports
All aid stations are cupless
Unlikely to have cell service at the race, so if you are meeting people or pacers and/or crew are coming, have a plan for meeting without needing cell service
The area in general has not much more than campsites, so come with all the supplies you need, plenty of gas and food, and give yourself enough time to drive there with really slow, pot-holed roads
First loop has some of the more technical trails
PCT miles are traditionally more runnable, but don’t expect them to be non-technical
Have warm layers for when the sun goes down, as it will be chilly at night
Roads for crew are fairly rough and tough to navigate, especially at night. Make sure your crew knows this going in.
Course is very well marked
Rocks are slick in the morning at the start and the next morning from morning dew or if it’s rained – be careful not to slip
Have a change of clothes in a drop bag for changeover from night to day so you stay warm with the big temperature swings
Likely running through the entire night, so have a backup headlamp and/or backup batteries, as it’s about 12 hours of nighttime
What’s available: Typical ultra food (i.e. chips, PBJ, fruit, cookies, crackers, candy), in addition to S-Caps, water, GU Hydration, and GU gels. There is also warm food available during the night.
Crew access
Access Locations:
Aid Station #2/Powerline (mile 11.4) Aid Station #4/Olallie Lake (mile 26) Aid Station #5 & 16/Olallie Meadows (mile 30 & mile 96) Aid Station #9 & 12/Clackamas Ranger Station (mile 55 & mile 70) Aid Station #11/Timothy Lake Dam (mile 66)
3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?
The course is unbelievably beautiful, which is very well marked. It is also very well run and super well supported. The volunteers are AMAZING.
Not so much – Aspects of the race that didn’t do it for you
This is a double out-and-back course, so if you’re not in the right head space, it could be easy to drop at mile 28 when you pass through the start/finish area.
Weird factor – What’s the weirdest thing about this race?
Elvis was working at an aid station. It was awesome.
Highlights of your race – What did you do well and enjoy about your race in particular?
I love pretty much everything about this race! The course is not super technical and very runnable. Aid stations were well stocked and the volunteers absolutely made me feel like a rockstar. The aid stations are well placed, so it’s never that far to the next one. It was hot and there were ice sponge baths available at the start/finish/mile 28. I met so many truly wonderful people, won a raffle prize (massage ball), and basically had a spectacular experience!
Lessons for others – Share your pro-tips on the race to help the next runner
Pace yourself! It’s easy to get caught up in the magic of the course as there’s a beautiful view and trail that is soft and runable. It’s easy to get going too fast. The harder stuff comes in the last 20 miles or so when the day is hotter. Save something for the back half. The last 5 miles or so is downhill (except the very end), so if your legs have anything left, you can fly.
Lessons you learned that will help you next time around
Fuel and hydrate early and often.
Most important course specific knowledge to know about the race
It gets pretty hot, though most of it is shaded. It’s not uncommon to encounter bees. You’ll also come across lots of hikers as this is on the PCT. Save something for the last 20 miles. It’s easy to get carried away in the first 30.
Aesthetics – Is it a pretty course?
So pretty!!!
Difficulty – Is it a tough course?
Not particularly tough. I think about 5300 ft of vert. Not very technical. Very runnable.
Organized and well run – Did it feel like a well-oiled machine or were they flying by the seat of their pants?
This event is very well organized. The RDs are amazing and they have thought of all the details. I would recommend any Go Beyond event.
Competition – Is there a strong field?
The short answer is yes. However, this race is a lottery so the level of competition kind of varies from year to year.
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.
It’s a lottery. The lottery opens in January or February and I believe they draw 150 names and there’s a waitlist. It’s about 1.5-2 hours from Portland, so no problem finding a place to stay. There are also some smaller but closer towns in which to stay. Carpooling is encouraged and incentivized. There is no cell reception at the race, so download or print out what you need ahead of time.
Aid Stations – Standard fare or anything special to know about the aid stations in terms of what’s available or when?
Fully stocked at each one with a full range of salty and sweet. I cannot speak highly enough of the volunteers. They were all SO fantastic!
Weather and typical race conditions
Hot.
Gear – Did you need anything special or is there anything you’d recommend for the next guy?
Stay hydrated. I would suggest a pack or handheld.
Spectators – Is this a friendly course for your friends?
There are not tons of places for spectators, but the start/finish area is also an aid station, so that’s where you can catch your runner.
How’s the Swag?
T-shirts are offered for sale. They have cool stickers and raffle prizes. Finishers get a pint glass…and glory. There is beer and cider at the finish. There’s also a hearty meal.
The Overall Score – How many stars do you give this race and do you recommend that others run it?
Five stars (out of 5). I highly recommend this race. It would be just a perfect first timer’s 50 miler.
“This course is absolutely gorgeous! It starts and finishes at the lake with a view of Mt. Jefferson. Views are incredible from the first section loop, then you head north on the PCT, which is pristine forest and soft, singletrack. You get views of Mt. Hood before darkness falls. The weather was perfect! Sunny and blue skies on race morning. I think the high temps were 65. It did drop into the 30’s overnight, but not a problem at all. The next morning it warmed up quickly into the 70’s. Although I was hot for the last 10+ miles, it felt good to finish warm and not need to get wrapped up in blankets.”
Location: Olallie Lake. Mt. Hood National Forest, OR
Results: Down to the wire! 29:30
Bests:
This course is absolutely gorgeous! It starts and finishes at the lake with a view of Mt. Jefferson. Views are incredible from the first section loop, then you head north on the PCT, which is pristine forest and soft, singletrack. You get views of Mt. Hood before darkness falls.
The weather was perfect! Sunny and blue skies on race morning. I think the high temps were 65. It did drop into the 30’s overnight, but not a problem at all. The next morning it warmed up quickly into the 70’s. Although I was hot for the last 10+ miles, it felt good to finish warm and not need to get wrapped up in blankets.
This is NOT a technical course. There are rocky sections, but if you run any trails up off I-90, you will be just fine here. It is very runnable and suitable for trail novices.
Course is well marked, volunteers and staff were very supportive.
Things to consider:
This race is REMOTE! There is no cell service, no internet and the roads are rough once you leave civilization off highway 224. Crew will need to navigate tough forest service roads to get to aid stations. AWD vehicle highly recommended!
There are no drop bags for large sections. So, if you are like me and rely on your own fuel, you will be carrying extra weight (I trained for this). *this is why pacers can actually “mule” for you after mile 72.
The nearest town is over 1.5 hours away. Plan to stay near the start by renting a cabin or camping.
Highlights:
Certainly the beauty of the area was a major highlight for me. And the fact that this was my first 100 miler, I was super happy for most it given the lows and pain that you get stripped down to at this level. I trained well and approached this race with a strong mental base, which was applied again and again over the course of the last 70+ miles.
Running with my first pacer, Arya on the Timothy Lake loop miles 55-72 was probably one of my favorite sections. First, I was elated to run with a friend and mentor. Second, sharing the outer limits of my mileage and hitting 100k was momentous! Arya kept me focused and reminded me how strong I had become in training. That helped me stay positive!
I ended up not having a pacer for the last 30+ miles. This could have been a disaster, but instead it’s one of the things I’m most proud of! I mustered all of my stubbornness and fight and finished alone.
The last two things that went very well were my fueling and my feet. Now, I’m sure I’ve said this before, so bear with me! You MUST train your gut! There is no way around it. If you don’t, you will most certainly have GI issues. I spent the last year dialing in my fueling and hydration. This doesn’t mean I was guaranteed no gut problems, but I had ZERO GI issues. Not a single one. Really! I stayed hydrated, I ate every 30 minutes. It was fantastic!
I’m a believer in foot care. During training, during races. I had two small areas of hot spots and a small blister under a callus that we drained and taped up at mile 29. After that, no issues. Drymax socks! The best!!
Lessons:
Smile no matter what! Take in the beauty of each moment and appreciate the privilege of being a part of the ultra running community. There is nothing else quite like it. I can only say that this race changed my life. It pushed me through some of the most painful moments I have ever experienced. It helped me see how strong and resilient I can be when it’s warranted. 100 miles is hard work and there is no way I would have finished if I didn’t have such amazing people in my corner. I injured my knee pretty bad at mile 29, and for a brief second I worried about not finishing. My crew had strict instructions to not let me quit under any circumstances and once I got my knee doctored up, I was determined to keep running no matter what and finish this race. I also had the opportunity to face fears, which now has instilled in me a new level of confidence that I can apply to all areas of my life! Running alone in the dark provided plenty of time for me to reflect on how I want to proceed in my life and why it matters to live your passion and share your joy with purpose and kindness.
This running ultras shit is crazy good stuff!
Difficulty:
Beginner friendly in terms of elevation gain at just under 11,000 feet. It’s still 100 miles. But overall, this is great race to try as a first. Not technical. Mountain weather can be a problem. This race was shut down in 2013 due to a typhoon!! And last year the nighttime temps were less than 20 degrees. The climbs are doable.
Aid Stations:
Pretty darn awesome! But keep in mind that if you go without crew, you will rely on them more or carry lots of food with you. I avoided the warming tents and fires, because I knew I’d have a hard time leaving. Hot veggie broth at 4am is a game changer!
Gear:
Salomon Sense Lab vest. 1.5 hydration bladder. 500 mL soft bottle.
Altra Olympus 2
Drymax medium weight socks
CEP calf sleeves
Garmin 920XT (it lost battery at 19 hours–unacceptable!)
Headsweats cap
Buff wrap
Oiselle team singlet
Oiselle bra
Oiselle roga shorts
2XU compression shorts
Oiselle Burke jacket
Northface neoprene gloves
Petzl Nao and Reactik headlamps
Crew Access:
I was able to see crew at six locations. This was perfect. You can only pick up pacers at miles 55 and 72. The roads are rough, but the longest they had to drive from the start was about 1.5 hours.
The Overall Score:
A+
Hands down a great race. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to try a 100, and as a fast finish for my more experienced friends. You just can’t beat the flowing single track trail on the PCT. And nearly every portion is spectacularly beautiful.
So, what’s stopping you? Are you considering a 100 miler? Go do it!
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Race: 
Race: 
Weather and typical race conditions
