Are you a friend of Mildred? Well you can be! With race registration for this picturesque 9K or 5K trail is a complimentary membership to “Friends of Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park“. Why does this matter? Quick (and I promise this is quick…) history lesson:
In 1983, Mildred Kanipe passed away and left her beloved ranch to the public as a county park. Mildred’s gift included nearly 1,100 acres of land (consisting of pastures, creeks, rolling hills, orchards and forests). With the beautiful land, historical structures were included with a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse, a farmhouse, and outbuildings. She wished the buildings to be preserved, a ranch museum developed, equestrian trails to be available and the land was to remain an animal refuge, the land and plants preserved. The park, open to the public, offers a paved parking area next to Mildred’s house, a picnic area and public restrooms. Mildred’s house was originally built about 1865 and has never been significantly remodeled.
In 2005, due to the financial burden, the Douglas County Commissioners were considering returning the park to the Mildred Kanipe Trust. People organized to help the park remain in the public domain and open to the people, and, The Friends of Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park Association, Inc. (501 c 3, nonprofit tax exempt) was created. We are committed to keep the park as public land for the enjoyment of visitors.
So come on out and check out this beautiful trail race and help support a great cause! This year marks the sixth annual event for the 9K trail run and the 5K run or walk and all proceeds will benefit The Friends of Mildred Kanipe Memorial Park, Association.
The course description sounds amazing:
The Trail Dash route will take you through Oak savannahs, a thick forest of beautiful Douglas Fir, mostly on singletrack trails. Despite the date of July 11th, runners will stay cool as about 70% of the course will be in the shade of trees. This is Oregon and there is plenty of poison oak but we will be inspecting and trimming the trails prior to race to help eliminate direct contact.
You can count on one hill in the 5k and two in the 9k. It’s a fairly technical trail – which means that there will be roots, rocks, and uneven footing. The start and finish are on a wide dirt road.
When: July 11th, 2015
The Race starts at 8:30 AMWhere: Mildred Kanipe Memeorial Park. Start and Finsih is located in the “day use” area. (16513 Elkhead Road, Oakland, Oregon)Registration: Online registration is $30 for the 9K or $20 for the 5K and includes a commemorative t-shirt. But hurry! Online registration closes June 28th. Register on race day for $25 for the 9K or $15 for the 5k (prices are lower because t-shirts not included) from 7:00 am to 8:15 am. Participants receive a complimentary Friends membership.
Website: Click here for race website and registration (available online or forms to mail in).
Run or walk and discover the special beauty and historical significance of the park. If you need more information call the race organizer at 541 849-9155.