It’s no secret that runners want to be challenged. That’s why they keep running. If you’re looking for a hilly run, you’ll find that and more at the 40th Annual Mt Ashland Hillclimb Run in Ashland, OR on August 12th. This is one of the races with the most elevation gain of any continuous hill climb in the continental United States, with a total of over 5,600’ of climbing. So brace yourself for screaming quads and calves!
Still in? This 13.3 mile starts in downtown Ashland’s Lithia Park and climbs dirt roads and trails to finish on the Mt. Ashland summit. There will be cut-off times enforced on race day to ensure the event keeps moving along safely. The first cut-off (around 7 miles in,) will be at 10:15AM to Four Corners. The second cut off (around 11.3 miles,) will be at 11:30AM at Bill Gap. Finally, the last cut-off will be at 12:15AM at the Lodge. All runners are responsible for getting back to Ashland after the race, though there is an option to sign up in advance for a free bus ride.
Proceeds from this race will go to the Ashland Woodlands and Trails Association, which is a private, non-profit group that helps Ashland maintain and preserve the woodlands and trails.
T-shirts are not included with registration but will be available for purchase for $22 when you sign up for the race. Please be aware that there will not be a lot of extras available to buy on race day, and a lot of people were disappointed last year that the shirts sold out before they were able to purchase one. No t-shirt orders will be placed after June 1st.
Please be aware that this is a tough race, even for seasoned runners. There is over 5,600 feet of elevation gain and the weather is all over the map. The course is mostly remote forest land and stopping anywhere and turning around will be very difficult. If you need to drop out of the race, you MUST report it to an Aid Station captain so there is no need for a search & rescue (which you could be liable for paying for.) It could also be problematic and time-consuming to get a vehicle to come get you somewhere out on the course, even at an aid station. Cell reception will also be a bit dicey at times. Be prepared!
If this challenge sounds like something you would be up for, sign up soon! There is no waiting list available and once all the spots are taken, that’s it. It’s guaranteed to be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Details:
What: Mt Ashland Hillclimb Run
When: August 12th, 2017 at 7:30AM
Where: Winburn Way in front of Sesame Asian Kitchen at Lithia Park.
Register: Here
Registration Cost: $40. No refunds, transfers, or rainchecks.
Packet Pick-Up: Day before race from 3:00PM-6:00PM at Rogue Valley Runners (161 E. Main St., Ashland) or race morning from 6:30AM-7:15AM. ALL runners must check in the morning of the race even if they have already picked up their race packets.
