Updated 3/2/18
UPDATE:
Calling skyrunners and mountain runners! New for this year, we have added a Mountain Marathon to the Elk-Kings Trail Races. These are tough races already, with a 50K that runs along the Wilson River trail in the Tillamook Forest, and a steep and technical 25K that goes up and over both Elk and Kings Mountains. Now, you can run an even steeper and burlier route, the Mountain Marathon. This 27.5 mile race goes up the back side of Elk Mountain first, then over and up and down Kings Mountain, then back to Elk Mountain to climb and scramble up the front side (the same way the 25Kers ascend it). Then it is over to Kings Mountain again and onto the finish. The Mountain Marathon is worth 2 UTMB points.
ORIGINAL POST:
At the end of August, we announced our 2018 race schedule and alluded to some new races we were developing. We are excited to now share details about those events here.
First, the sad news. We were working on a new race in the Columbia River Gorge this past summer, when the forest fires broke out. The fire destroyed the area where we planning the race. We will have to wait and see how the area recovers and then begin the permitting process for this race then.
Now, the great news! The Wy’east Wonder is our newest ultra and we believe this one could be our prettiest course yet. Both the 50-mile and the 50K courses provide almost non-stop views of Wy’east (the Multnomah Tribe word for Mt. Hood). You’ll make your way from the southeast side of the mountain around to the east and toward the Hood River Valley. The race follows a couple ridgelines (Gunsight and Surveyors) and passes through several prairies and meadows. There is so much amazing single track on this course that you will wish all of your trail runs could be so fun. You can expect the same type of awesome aid stations and on-course support as our other events.
The post-race occurs at the Red Barn Park, in Parkdale, just a brief shuttle ride from the finish line. Parkdale is a small town in Hood River valley that is surrounded by apple and pear orchards. You’ll look down on the valley from the race course.
The Wy’east Wonder is Saturday, June 16, 2018. The 50M starts at 6:00 am and the 50K at 8:00 am. Bib pickup for both occurs at the Red Barn Park and runners will take a shuttle to the start at Bennett Pass Sno-Park. There are seven aid stations on the 50M course and four for the 50K runners.
More exciting news – we’ve added a 25K to our Mt. Hood 50 weekend of racing. Mt. Hood 50 is our oldest race and attracts people from all over the country. It’s our only race with a lottery, so you know it is a popular one. New for 2018, runners can race a shorter course on trails that haven’t had a race on them. The new 25K distance is on Sunday and starts and finishes at the same spot at the 50K. You’ll make your way east first, going around Clackamas Lake on the Headwaters trail and then onto the Old 1916 trail to make your way toward the northern side of Timothy Lake. You’ll loop around that lake and back to the ranger station for the finish.
The Mt. Hood 25K is on Sunday, July 15th, on the same day as the 50K. The start is at 8:00 am and there are two aid stations along the course.
Lastly, we have a race with a new name. The Trail Factor 50K & Half Marathon is now called the Stumptown Trail Runs 50K & Half Marathon. The name Trail Factor belongs to the Portland trail running club, which was the inspiration behind the race five years ago. As both have grown in popularity, there is too much confusion between the trail running club and the trail races. So from now on, if you’re looking for group runs with friends who live in the Portland area, then that’s the Trail Factor trail running club. If you are interested in a 50K or half marathon on the trails of Forest Park over Memorial Day weekend, then check out Stumptown Trail Runs.
We are always working on new races and hope to introduce you to more new events. You can find all of our races, parties, trail work, and volunteer opportunities on our Calendar on the website.