Join me at the 2015 edition of the Mary’s Peak 50k and 25k, by Oregon Trail Runs. This event occurs on Saturday, June 20, 2015.
I will never forget my experience racing in the Mary’s Peak 25k event last year, in 2014. It was brutal. The most mentally challenging race I had ever persevered through at that time. So of course, like a lot of us runners do, we look challenge straight in the eye and … want to do it all over again. Yep betcha! And you better believe I am! I’m registered for the 25k Mary’s Peak this year, and I hope you will consider joining me on my (hopeful) take-back of this course!
This course, whether you choose the 50k or the 25k, is just beautiful. Let me touch on some housekeeping points, then I’ll go into some details of the trials.
VIEW! This is the view from the top of Mary’s Peak, so, 50k racers, look what you will get to see! Stunning!
Regardless of which distance you choose, park in Blodgett at the school, which is about 20 minutes west of Corvallis. Both distances will have their own shuttle to take runners to their respective start lines. The 50k shuttle will leave Blodgett at 7 a.m., and for the 25k the shuttles leave at 8:30 a.m. Packet pick-up will be available Friday, June 19 from 3p – 6p at Five Star Sports in Corvallis. Race day packet pick-up is available, but please give yourself plenty of time to get parked in Blodgett, get your packet, and get on the shuttle in time. Day of race registration may be available – keep an eye on @ripleyoutdoors to see if space becomes available (if sold out) due to last minute drop-outs.
Ok! Now to the fun stuff. The courses!For those tackling the 50k, you will have a total of 6,000 feet elevation gain over your journey, with 3,000 feet gain occurring within the first 8 miles. Wow! For 25k participants, we will experience 2,500 feet of elevation gain over our adventure. From past experience, I can tell you this course is stunning, challenging, and quiet (I didn’t have to contend with many other trail users during my race last year). Due to some nasty weather in the area last year, portions of the course this year will be different, but still great, race organizers say! I don’t doubt it one second, Oregon Trail Runs puts on fantastic events. A fully revised course map will be available in June, so be sure to loop back on the Mary’s Peak 50k/25k site for the big reveal.
Mary’s Peak 50k is part of the Oregon Trail Ultramarathon Series
Your entry fee includes the shuttle from the finish line to your respective start time. Amazing running through the Siuslaw National Forest, and Starker Forest, which is private land and trails (that we get to run on!). A technical event shirt (guaranteed size if registering prior to June 5) and a finisher pint glass (the pint glass from 2014 is still my favorite glass ever). There will be live music at the finish. Photographers will be on the course. Fantastic aid stations for both distances, 7 for the 50k and 3 for us 25k participants, which will be stocked with PBJ, electrolytes, water, and lots of other random trail running goodies. Medical support will be available at aid stations. You’ll receive a post race meal and a Ninkasi beer to take home (no beer on the school grounds, sorry!). There is even going to be an after party event held at the Corvallis Summer Solstice Festival. (Note: Visit Corvallis let us know that the “Summer Solstice Celebration was (unfortunately) canceled for this year. We hope to do it next year, though. All of the associated outdoors events are still on, though!”).
I’m anxiously awaiting the new course map reveal! This event was challenging and so rewarding last year, I am excited to come back in 2015 and try to show the Mary’s Peak 25k that I am strong! I hope to see you out there!
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2015
Distance: 50k and 25k
Start Time: 7 a.m. busses depart for the 50k, 8:30 a.m. busses depart for the 25k
Cost: $80 for the 50k, $70 for the 25k (both until 6/14, then price increases if space remains). $15 for tech shirt.
Register: Click here to register
Tentative course map
