2014 Hagg Lake Mud Runs Preview

Hagg Lake is a man-made body of water between Gaston and Forest Grove.  Nestled in a small valley, it is a snapshot of what makes our area so naturally beautiful.  Relevant to this event, there is a trail that encircles it, doing all the things you would expect a natural trail to do.  Primarily forest, but with some open sections, it varies from hard pack dirt to a literal mud bog.The ORRC Hagg Lake Mud Run is a two day event, with a 50K on Saturday and a 25K on Sunday. The extremely brave, or foolhardy, can even elect to do both.  As of right now, the shorter event is sold out, but there is a wait list.  The longer one still has some spots available. This is a recurring event, and I have heard nothing but good about it from the grapevine.  It is part of the Oregon Trail Series and an ORRC event. The longer course has five aid stations and the shorter, two.  Stocked with many items and a porta potty, it is somewhat disconcerting that they state on the website they do not have painkillers. That may be a good warning of what this event entails.

There can’t be a much better way to wrap up a tough long run in the cold than a cup of hot chocolate.  They have them, and it has extra meaning, as you can get a mug for $5 and all the proceeds will go toward Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter.  This shelter is located in Hillsboro and will allow you to get all warm while helping a little warm and fuzzy creature.

From a personal standpoint, I am entered in the 25K.  I have not done a race longer than a half since I did a full marathon when I was 18.  The last time I tried to run around the lake I stopped a couple miles short because I got hungry.  Hopefully with proper fueling leading up to the event that will not be a problem.  Ideally I will be able to keep it under seven minute pace and run with the leaders, but the main priority is to just finish without bonking.

Runners can also opt for the $60 VIP Package, which will support Banks High School athletics. BHS is providing 10 volunteers on each day of the race, too. The VIP Package includes a parking pass for the Sain Creek Parking Lot, a bottle of wine from Winter’s Hill Vineyard, access to the VIP Porta-Potty, a Hagg Mud beanie, an extra pair of Hagg Mud finisher socks, and a Hot Chocolate for Puppies & Kittens mug.

The vitals:

ORRC Hagg Mud 50k & 25k Trail Runs

When: The 50k is on Saturday, February 15 and the 25k is on Sunday, February 16

What time: The 50k early start is at 7a, regular start at 8a. The 25k start is at 9a

Where: Sain Creek Pavilion at Hagg Lake

Register: The 25k is sold out, but you can get on the wait list. The 50k is $70 – register online here. There is no day of race registration.

Run Oregon Blog founder Kelly Barten is one of the volunteer RD’s of the ORRC Hagg Mud Runs.