Trail running has a reputation of being only extreme distances like 50k to 100 miles, but the Hot Springs Trail Run has a variety of distances to fit your trail racing goals. Pink Buffalo Racing has expanded this year’s event to include three distances: 18 miles, half marathon, or 5 miles. All three events are point-to-point races along the McKenzie River and ending at Belknap Hot Springs.
Despite being in the wilderness, runners will not have to fend for themselves. Aid stations will be well stocked with water, electrolyte drinks, KIND snacks, hard candy, sandwiches, chips, and salt capsules. The weekend even comes with a continental breakfast the morning of the race containing bagels, bananas oatmeal, and coffee, and a complementary spaghetti dinner the night before the race! Both Friday and Saturday night, a pre-race dinner will be served including spaghetti (meat or vegetarian sauces available), zucchini spaghetti, salad, bread, and water/soda. Participants eat free, and guests eat for $16.
Races are chip-timed, and participants must finish within the required timeframe. Course limit for the 18 mile race is 5 hours (16:40 pace), half marathon is 4 hours, and 5 mile is 90 minutes. After the race, participants will receive a complementary lunch, access to showers, and one hour in the hot springs pool.
Even if you’ve never done a trail race, come dip your toe in with one of the shorter distances, (and then submerge yourself completely in the hot springs)!
What: Hot Springs Trail Run
Distance: 18 mile, half marathon, and 5 mile
Where: McKenzie Bridge, OR
- 18 mile starts at Carmen Reservoir Trail Head
- Half marathon starts at Trail Bridge Trail Head
- 5 mile starts at Deer Creek Trail Head
- All races finish at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge & Garden, 59296 Belknap Hot Springs Rd, McKenzie Bridge, OR
When: Saturday, May 11 and Sunday, May 12
Packet Pick Up: Bibs can be picked up 45 minutes before each race start, or can be picked up in advance at Belknap Hot Springs Lodge & Gardens in the dining hall during the following times:
- Friday, May 10th, 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
- Saturday, May 11, 7 am – 9:15 am
- Sunday, May 12, 7 am – 9:15 am
Start Time:
- 18 mile – Saturday, May 11th at 9:00 a.m.
- Half marathon – Sunday, May 12th at 9:00 a.m.
- 5 mile – Sunday, May 12th at 10:00 a.m.
Cost:
- 18 mile – $75
- Half marathon – $65
- 5 mile – $45
- Shirts – $24
Registration: Online no later than May 9th at 8:59 a.m. Early registration recommended as races often sell out.