Race Preview: 2017 Miller Woods Give a Little 10k (McMinnville)

A few months ago, I kept noticing that Run Oregon blogger, Brian Bernier, had a Strava timeline full of zigzags and slower paces (though still super fast) than what I was used to seeing from him. When I asked him where his course was, he highlighted the Miller Woods Trail. I vowed that I would come out and check it out when I had time. That timeframe was boosted by the Miller Woods Give a Little 10k, a trail race near to McMinnville.

Miller Woods itself is just a stone’s throw from Yamhill County’s main city, and has over 130 acres of single track and fire road trails. I had no idea it even existed, and the pictures I have seen seem to showcase some awesomeness backcountry. The 10k course will loop through the trails and climb (and descend) almost 1000 feet.

Professional timing (Eclectic Edge) will be on site, and there will be a variety to do afterwards: fire pit, food, and raffle prizes galore! The race will be limited to 200, but even with this small number, parking will be scarce. You can choose to purchase a parking pass for $5 (there are only 60 vehicles allowed), but if you forego this or miss out, they are offering a free shuttle to get to the starting line. Shuttles will leave at 8:15 and 8:45am and arrive at the starting line at 8:30 and 9:00a, respectively. Shuttles will head back down to parking at 1230p.

Follow their Facebook event here.

For those of us who have our racing sometimes limited due to having to take care of kids, the event is putting on an outdoor adventure program for kids 5-12, so that they can stay occupied while you get your race on.

The race is raising money to build bathrooms in the park, and are also partnering with a local nonprofit (the Give a Little Foundation) to put on the event.

Miller Woods Give a Little 10k (McMinnville)
When: Saturday, October 28, 2017 @ 930am
Where: Miller Woods Conservation Area
Register: Online here; $35