Small race preview: CGRC Stevenson to Carson Ridge Run 10 Miler

The Stevenson to Carson Ridge Run 10-Miler is put on by the great people at the Columbia Gorge Running Club. Formerly a 15k (9.3-mile run), the 10-Mile course is no less challenging, with elevation gain of around 1,800 feet ... similar to the Backyard Half. Actually, this run is great practice for the Backyard Half or any hillclimb race. Usually, this event is called the "Carson to Stevenson Ridge Run" and runs the OTHER direction - this year the event is going to be running the other way! "The hard way," according to the CGRC website. Tee hee hee.

Here are the details:

When: Saturday, May 17, 2014

What time: 9a

Where: Exhibit Hall at Skamania County Fairgrounds, at 650 SW Rock Creek Drive in Stevenson, Wash.

Register: Click here for the PDF entry form and mail it in ahead of time, or register DOR starting at 8a

What’s cool: This is a point-to-point course. That in itself is cool. But it’s also got an epic downhill over the last few miles. The year I ran this (as Kelly Johnson, in 2010 … in case you want to verify my story!) my slowest mile was somewhere around 16:00 and my fastest was a sub-7 pace.

Carpooling is recommended, but if you’re flying solo, there will be shuttles leaving from the finish area (Backwoods Brewing, located at 1162 B Wind River Road in Carson, Wash.) at 7:30. The race then starts from the Skamania County Fairgrounds at 8a.

Proceeds benefit the Columbia Gorge Running Club Scholarship Fund, offering opportunities to runners throughout the Gorge.