2016 in Review: Run Oregon’s most memorable races – Part 1

Matt: In 2014, I completed my first marathon at the Foot Traffic Flat. I vowed on that day to be done with the 26.2 mile distance. It wasn’t that I couldn’t handle it, it was just that I didn’t feel like putting in the training with a young family. In the beginning of 2016, my running was going really great for the first few months – so much so that I had an epiphany to try another full – and that idea led to the 2016 Eugene Marathon. I didn’t really do much “real” training aside from increasing my mileage, and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. I had raced the Eugene Half in the past, but the Full really took the cake. It made me realize that with a little work and commitment, that full marathons aren’t too far out of my grasp.

Drew: My most memorable race in terms of overall wow factor would have to be the 2016 Silver Falls Half. I had never even been to the park so I had no idea what to expect, especially regarding the waterfalls. From the initial check-in to the after-party, the entire event was well-organized. The course was a worthy challenge that was made more memorable by the friends I went with and the ones I ran into at the race. It seems obvious now, looking back, as to why this race was rated as one the best half marathon courses in Oregon. The course was truly stunning. Running underneath massive rock formations with water pouring overhead was humbling and yet super exhilarating at the same time!

Rachel: My most memorable race was the 2016 Uberthons Freedomthon 5k which took place in Beaverton on the 4th of July. This race was memorable for me not because it was my first time running it, and not because I had a standout performance (I definitely did not). The Freedomthon was memorable because both my 10-year-old son and 12-year-old niece took part in the event with me, which is something that has never happened before. I ran the 5k, my niece ran the 1 miler, and my son ran the kids’ race. My son and niece were both so excited about their accomplishments and of course excited about the post race pancakes. My son especially loved having the opportunity to dunk someone in the dunk tank. For those not familiar with Uberthons events, they are always fun and family friendly.

Anthony (AKA: The Beerded Runner): Oh so many race memories to choose from but I think I would have to say my favorite was from the start of an attempted 50k at Siskiyou Out & Back (SOB). The race started at the Mt Ashland Ski Lodge and I got there early for a gorgeous sunrise view of Mt Shasta a place I have visited a few times growing up. Bonu: One of my favorite solo running moments of 2016 was getting to the top of Stevens Pass Ski Resort looking at the gorgeous Cascade Mountain Range.