Few things excite Oregonians more than when our beloved mountain is out, so what better way for ultramarathoners to channel that enthusiasm than by running a 50-mile or 50k race on Mount Hood? Organized by Go Beyond Racing, the Wy’east Wonder celebrates the natural beauty of the mountain, starting by using its original name given by the Multnomah tribe of Native Americans. Both races are point-to-point and primarily follow Gunsight Ridge and Surveyor’s Ridge, and the views are nothing short of spectacular.
Overall both courses have net negative elevation, but don’t fool yourself into thinking runners will simply coast downhill. The 50M course has 7,082 feet of gain and 10,012 feet of loss, and the 50k course has 4,193 feet of gain and 7,122 feet of loss. Aid stations will be stocked with GU gels, electrolyte drink, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, pickles, chips, and cookies, but this event is cupless so runners will need to provide their own.
Additionally, Wy’east Wonder is a UTMB qualifier, so runners can earn three points for the 50M and two points for the 50k. Running these races does more than just advancing your health and future running goals. A portion of registration fees goes to plan, build, and maintain trails with the 44 Trails Association, and another portion goes to help student athletes of the Hood River Valley Cross Country & Track Teams.
With an event this beautiful, no wonder it fills up quickly. Registration for 2019 has already hit capacity for both the 50M and 50k, but runners can register for the waitlist in case any openings become available. The Wy’east Wonder races are both scenic and challenging, so if the stars don’t align on the waitlist this year, be sure to keep this event on your radar for 2020!
What: Wy’east Wonder
Distance: 50 miles, 50k
Where: The race starts at Bennett Pass Sno Park and finishes at the Oak Ridge trailhead, right near Parkdale, Oregon
When: Saturday, June 15th
Bib Pick Up:
- Saturday, June 15th from 5:00 a.m. – 7:30 a.m. at the start line at Bennett Pass Sno Park
Start Time:
- 50M – 6:00 a.m.
- 50k – 8:00 a.m.
Cost:
- 50M – $140
- 50k – $115
Registration:
- Both races are already sold out, but runners can register for the waitlist online for no charge and only pay if a space becomes available
