Last year was a year of firsts for me, including my first 50 miler on this very course. It is a course I have grown to love for many reasons, and it never ceases to amaze me with how tough, and yet how beautiful this area is. Run The Rock trail races were started in 2017 by my friends at Alpine Running, and in just a couple quick turns of the calendar, the race has grown significantly, turning into a full weekend event. For many runners, this offers the chance to stay the weekend and take part in one race while a friend or family member does a different one, or even the same one. Or, tackle a double event yourself, doing one race on Saturday followed by a different race on Sunday!
The courses for Run The Rock are all iconic, in that they all feature something unique to Smith Rock State Park. The 50K starts out by taking runners over Misery Ridge. The 50 miler runs you by Monkey Face, Gray Butte and Pine Ridge…twice! And new for 2019, the 20 miler course starts and ends at Skull Hollow campground, and is the only event that will take you to the top of Gray Butte! But come prepared to climb, because every course at Run The Rock has some elevation gain.
For instance: Half marathon = 2,500’ gain. 20 miler = 4,300’ gain. 50K = 4,500’ gain. 50 miler = 6,700’ gain. Every course will test you, but there are well stocked aid stations out there, including many that will be staffed by local high schoolers from Redmond High, for which this race benefits. This is definitely a race you should add to your running wish list.
When: Saturday, November 9th = 50 miler (starts at 6am) and 20 miler (starts at 8am). Sunday, November 10th = 50K (race starts at 7am) and half-marathon (starts at 8:30am).
Cost/Register: 50M = $145.00, 50K = $125.00, 20M = $100.00, Half = $85.00. Register online at UltraSignup
