Guest post: 2014 Bigfoot Fun Run Race Recap

This recap was submitted by Run Oregon reader and previous race director Kelly Uhacz. Feel free to Submit a Guest Post in the “Contact Us” tab if you are wanting to recap your experiences as well! The Bigfoot 5k and 10k Fun Run in Yacolt, Washington will always be a special race for me.  My wife Sara and I co-founded the race in 2010 and we were the co-race directors for 4 years.  Every race director dreams of participating in their own event.  This year, we both ran the 10k event and the Town of Yacolt organized the event.  Bigfoot wandered around the start area and was only too happy to pose for photos and high five finishers.

Huber Timing handled the chip timing and supplied a great start/finish arch.  They had a Conestoga Water Wagon at the Start/Finish area.  Coolest water station around!
The first mile was flat and fast.  We passed Mayor Carothers volunteering at the 5k turn around.  At about mile one, we started up the hill I’ve heard so much about over the past 5 years, a moderate grade for nearly two miles.  The grade steepened as we neared the 10k turnaround and water stop and were greeted by 3 happy volunteers.

We started back down the hill, speeding along with the help of gravity.  As I passed the Mayor again, he encouraged me along and gave me a high five.  The course takes a side trip on the way back that includes a deceptively flat looking hill to the second water stop. After the side trip, it was on to the finish at the Yacolt Town Hall. The leaders and final finishers were escorted by the Clark County Sheriff with lights flashing.

I was very happy to see how well organized the event was and how many volunteers were out on the course to direct and encourage the participants.  The course was well marked. The event starts and finishes at Yacolt Town Hall which provides a warm, dry area before and after the run and real restrooms (with short lines).  There was ample food and water and race results were available immediately after the run.  The top finishers received great trophies!  The goodie bags were full of coupons and donations from local sponsors and everyone received an official Bigfoot Fun Run t-shirt and finisher’s medal. I’m looking forward to running the 10k again next year.

Race results can be found here!