Y’all know I love me some coastal racing. I was stuck in the middle of the country for most of my life, and now I crave the powerful sounds of the ocean and the scenic overlooks to push through hard trail runs. If you’re like me, queue the old legs up for a rugged 10-miler in Cape Lookout State Park (about halfway between Pacific City and Tillamook) at the 2015 Race to the Cape on March 8, 2015.
Thanks to Ascherl Industries, sponsor of the race, for this image.
The race– considered an approximate-distance fun run to the end of Cape Lookout and back– is part of the Trail Challenge Series Organized by Ascherl Industries, a local race organization headed by Rich Ascherl. The course follows the North Trail in the park until it intersects with the Cape Trail, then goes along the Cape Trail to the end of the Cape and then turning back around to cover the same course all the way to the starting area. There is one water station at the intersection of the two trails, which runners will pass twice on their out-and-back. More detailed course map here, and elevation chart here.
Surprisingly, even though the race is only limited to a teeny tiny 50 participants (and the Portland Running Club reported in 2013 that only 15 people actually showed up to race), there will be finisher medals for all everyone who races and awards to the fastest three runners. Snacks and drinks will be provided at the finish, along with the camaraderie typical of small but difficult trail races.
WHEN: March 8, 2015 @ 10:00 am
WHERE: Cape Lookout State Park, 13000 Whiskey Creek Road, Tillamook, OR 97141
$$$: $30. What a steal!
PARKING: Bring $5 for a State Park parking pass unless you have a State Park annual parking pass.
PACKET PICKUP: Day of race, at the race.
WHY: Gorgeous, cheap coastal trail race with a medal. What more could you want?
