The beauty of Smith Rock State Park is indescribable. There’s a reason trail runners, climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, campers, bird watchers, and fishermen and women flock here during every season. It’s simply gorgeous.
If you love Smith Rock as much as I do, put Alpine Running‘s inaugural Run the Rock event on your calendar. It will be on Saturday, November 11, 2017 – I know I’ll be there! The day will feature a half marathon, a 50K, and a 50M, all of which will have plenty of incredible views.
Half Marathon | Start time: 8:30 AM | Price: $55
13.1 miles with 90% on singletrack and roughly 2,700 feet of elevation gain. Runners will have 3 aid stations for this course.
50K | Start time: 7:15 AM | Price: $95
You’ve heard of Misery Ridge, right? If not, I won’t spoil the surprise for you, but read the name again and train accordingly. This course has about 4,500 feet of gain and loss with ~85% on singletrack with 4 aid stations. There is one cut-off time: aid station 4 (mile 25) at 3 PM. Sorry, no drop bags or pacers for this distance!
50M | Start time: 7:00 AM | Price: $115
The 50M course will be twice around a 25-mile loop with about 6,500 feet of gain. Runners will get about 80% of this course on singletrack with 7 aid stations. There are 2 cut-off times: aid station 4 (mile 25) at 1:30 PM and aid station 6 (mile 38.75) by 5 PM. Drop bags are allowed at AS4, which is the start/finish aid station. Sorry, no pacers allowed!
**Please note that Alpine Running has gone cupless, so be prepared at the aid stations to have your own cup / bottle / bladder / etc. Also, no dogs allowed on course due to permit conditions!**
Runners can pick up their packets on Friday night at FootZone in Bend from 2 – 6 PM or on race day starting at 5:30 AM. Remember to bring $5 to pay for parking at Smith Rock.
Registration includes a post-race meal from East Meets West Fusion, beer from Good Life Brewing, and a custom award for each finisher. The top 3 male and female winners will receive prizes as well.
The beneficiary of this event is the Redmond High School cross country team – they’ll be volunteering at 2 of the aid stations on race day!
Register on Ultra Signup here! Also, if you are a veteran or an immediate family member of a veteran, please email the race director and you will receive a 25% discount off registration.
You can visit the race website for aid station distances, elevation profiles, and more. Also, stay up-to-date by following their Facebook page here. See you at Smith Rock in a month!