New in 2021 on the docket for our friends at Daybreak Racing is the Kalapuya Crest 50 miler. Running on the old trails in the Oregon Cascades, the race will start and end at Crescent Lake Resort (~75 minute drive from Bend; 90 minutes from Eugene; 60 minutes from Crater Lake), and circumnavigates Sawtooth Mountain in its lollipop course. With about 6,800 feet of ascent and equal descent, it’s a fairly moderate course – but it wouldn’t be a proper Daybreak race without a sneaky climb or two and some good technical trail. But if you’ve run an event of theirs before, it’s not for nothing. You’ll be rewarded with views up and down the Pacific Crest from Mt. Theilsen, the Crater Lake rim and Mt. McLoughlin to the south, Diamond Peak and the Three Sisters to the north, Cowhorn Mountain and the Central Oregon high desert to the east, and if that’s not enough, the glaciated gorges of the Willamette River headwaters to the west and North Umpqua River headwater to the southwest.
The race director’s description paints a nice picture:
These old trails in the Oregon Cascades Recreation Area stretch across the Pacific Crest of the Cascades into the Calapooya Range, together forming the geographic and cultural boundaries of the west, south and eastern regions of the state. Starting and finishing on the shores of shimmering Crescent Lake, the course crosses over the Pacific Crest twice, circumnavigates the old volcanic peak of Sawtooth Mountain, and features dozens of pristine turquoise lakes, alpine meadows, talus gardens and volcanic pinnacles… and it wouldn’t be a Daybreak race without a few remote, rowdy mountain climbs, all-time views and spirited volunteers.
There will be six aid stations that are all crew-accessible, however, be sure to read the website carefully for directions and driving tips.
Run Oregon knows and loves Daybrack Racing events and can attest to how they are quality, well-organized, incredibly scenic, and challenging events. The courses are always well marked, the aid stations are great, and I haven’t been to a race yet where they didn’t have beer (or chocolate milk) at the finish line. We are excited for this inaugural event, and encourage you to check out their other races throughout the year!
Details:
Date: Saturday, September 18, 2021
Time: 6:00 AM
Location: Crescent Lake Resort
Price: $160
Registration: On Ultra Signup
As always, be sure to check out Daybreak Racing on Facebook and Instagram!
