Wy’East Wonder 50k Race Report – Josh Bergseng

Race: Wy’East Wonder 50k

Runner: Josh Bergseng

Race Date: 06/12/2022

Location: Parkdale, Oregon

Results: 8:39

Strava Activity Link: https://www.strava.com/activities/7299687069

3 Bests – What aspects of the race did you like the most?

  1. Race Organization – Go Beyond Racing does an outstanding job organizing races.
  2. 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.
  3. 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?

9 out of 10.

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