I’ve recently come to the conclusion that trail races are a lot more enjoyable than road races. Both have their pluses and minuses and trails end up taking a lot longer to reach the final destination, but the journey cannot be beat. I have added the Haulin’ Aspen Trail Marathon, which is Central Oregon’s ONLY full marathon that’s run on trails, to my bucket list of races to run someday. Trail Runner Magazine voted Bend “ #1 Top Trail Town” in 2013 and featured Haulin’Aspen as one of the top races, so I can’t think of a better excuse to run this one.
This year, the 2018 Haulin’ Aspen Half As/Half/Full Trail Marathon is on August 11th. The “Half As” distance is 6.5 miles if you are looking for less commitment than the half or full marathon. Choices are a good thing, especially when it comes to trail races.
This race, which benefits Bend Endurance Academy, is a points qualifier in the Trail Runner Magazine Trophy Series and it’s also part of the Oregon Half & Full Marathon Series. The trails will take you through Wanoga Sno-Park at an elevation of 5500 ft and the views will be incredible. The terrain will be single track, double track, and forest service roads. View the course here.
The 2018 Haulin’ Aspen medal is pretty unique!
The swag for this race is awesome too. You’ll get a customer finisher medal and a Haulin’ Aspen Buff when you register and the shirts, available for purchase, have a great new design this year. There will also be a limited supply of shirts on race day and there will be a tank style for $20 as well.
Stick around after the race for some delicious craft beers on tap and some yummy food to refuel. It should be a great race worth remembering!
Details:
What: 2018 Haulin/ Aspen Half As/Half/Full Trail Marathon
When: August 11th, 2018. Full starts at 7:00AM, Half starts at 8:00AM, and Half As starts at 8:30AM.
Where: Wanoga Sno-Park, Cascade Lakes Highway, Bend
Register: Here
Registration Cost: $75 for Marathon, $50 for Half Marathon, $35 for Half As (6.5 Miles.) Register 6 or more people to get a 20% discount.
Packet Pick-Up: Footzone Bend from 3:00PM-7:00PM on Aug 10th and 6:00AM at Wanoga Sno Park on Race morning.
