While the inevitable fading of long, warm summer days has me feeling a little down, I do enjoy fall runs. And even though I’m hanging on with every ounce of my being to the last few hours of summer, I am looking forward to one fall staple: the Molalla River Trail Race put on by the Molalla Running Club. I ran this race for the first time last year and was instantly addicted. I didn’t waste any time getting registered this year. In fact, I registered in August.
What do I like about this race? Here are just a few of my favorite things . . .
Trails – The race is run on the trails of the Molalla River Corridor. Just 20 minutes outside of Molalla and you are out in nature with no traffic, exhaust, etc. The trails are well maintained and the area is beautiful – especially in the fall.
Hills – OK, so it’s a love-hate thing. I enjoy the challenge of a good hill and I curse that hill at the same time. This race has a killer hill lovingly referred to as “the wall.” This 500 foot, 3/4+ mile hill is a doozy. It did reduce me to a walk in no time at all last year, and I was winded just power-walking it! That reminds me, I should probably start my hill training. 😉
Big Foot – Who doesn’t love Big Foot? Rumor has it, that there have been Big Foot sightings in the area. I can verify that last year Big Foot was out on the trail high-fiving runners. There’s a good chance it could happen again!
Big Foot at the 2016 Molalla River Trail Race holding my running groups’ unofficial mascot – Goldy, who is wearing a finisher medal and beanie.
Distance Options – This race has multiple distance options. A 5K, which is open to both walkers and runners, a 10K, and a half marathon. (The half has a challenging 1500 feet of elevation gain.) Click here to view the course map.
Reasonable Start Times – I am not an early morning person, so I appreciate a race that doesn’t start at the crack of dawn. With start times between 9:00 and 9:30 A.M. – I can go for that.
Beanie – Last year instead of a race shirt, we got a race beanie. It was great to get something different and the beanie was awesome! It was lined, comfy, and super warm. I used it a ton during the winter months last year. I’m looking forward to getting another great beanie again this year!
Atmosphere – There is something different about the atmosphere at a trail race. I don’t know what makes it feel so different from a road race, but everyone seems a little more relaxed and friendly when they are out in nature. There tends to be more chatter and friendly interaction among runners. I look forward to enjoying time out on the trails with other runners.
Finisher Medals – If you run for bling, you’re in luck – all distances will receive a finisher medal. Top finishers for each distance will also receive some extra bling.
No Parking Chaos – Like most trail races, there is limited parking near the trail head. However, there is plenty of parking at Foothills Community Church in Molalla and shuttle buses will start running from that location at 7:15 A.M. to get you to the race start on time. They will also be transporting you back to your car afterwards.
Non-Profit – 100% of the proceeds from this race go back to community and the trail system.
This year there will be post-race care available from a local chiropractor in addition to the aid stations out on the course. Don’t delay in registering. Numbers are limited per race to 150 for the half marathon and 175 each for the 5K and 10K.
I am excited to lace up my trail shoes and see you and Big Foot out on the trails!
Molalla River Trail Race Details
Date: Saturday, October 15
Times: 9:00 A.M. – Half Marathon
9:15 A.M. – 10K
9:30 A.M. – 5K
Location: Hardy Creek Trailhead, Molalla
Shuttle buses/Parking area: Foothills Community Church, 122 Grange Ave., Molalla
Entry Fees: $50 – Half Marathon
$45 – 10K
$35 – 5K
Race Website: Click Here
