I’ve run a handful of Daybreak Racing’s lineup and there’s no denying they host some of the best trail runs in the area. The courses are wonderfully scenic and invariably challenging. The swag is beautiful and the entire event is run like a well-oiled machine. It’s a real treat to be at the start (and finish!) line of their races. Next up on their calendar is the Wy’East Howl on July 16-17th, which starts and ends at Mt. Hood Meadows with a 100K, 50K, or half marathon option (the half is on Sunday, so there’s an opportunity for a double feature!).
All races will have gorgeous mountain views and runnable singletrack trails through the Pacific Northwest forest, as well as some wildflower meadows and backcountry ridgelines.
In addition to the dreamy trails, included in the registration is a post-race meal and drinks, as well as a custom finisher award. You’ll also get live music, professional photography, parking, and the usual amenities. Registration does not cover a race shirt, hat, or other add-ons but these are always available at the finish line for race-day purchase if you change your mind after registering.
The 100k starts at 5:00AM and is a lollipop loop course with an 18 hour time limit. It will be as challenging as it is gorgeous, with 10,500 feet of ascent and descent. There will be 8 aid stations with 3 offering drop bags and crew access. Pacers are allowed beginning at mile 52.
The 50k is also on Saturday and will be run in two waves, with shuttles leaving at 6:45 and 8:15 AM. There is a 10 hour time limit for this point-to-point course, with shuttles taking runners out to Surveyor’s Ridge East of the mountain. Runners will make their way back to Mt. Hood Meadows to finish. There will be four aid stations and about 5,750 feet of ascent and 4,700 feet of descent.
The half marathon is on Sunday begins at 8:00AM. There is a 5 hour time limit and the course will take runners on a loop on the volcano with subalpine forest and wildflower meadows. Racers will also pass Umbrella Falls and will enjoy views of the Cascade Mountains. The half has about 2,550 feet of gain and loss.
RV and car camping is available within the bounds of the paved parking area at Mt. Hood Meadows on Friday night and Saturday night of race weekend (there are no soft surface camping areas). There is an overnight use fee, reserved and paid directly through Mt. Hood Meadows in advance, and drive-up with no reservation, payable at the Mt. Hood Meadows main lodge.
Land Acknowledgement: Daybreak Racing honors and recognizes that we gather for this event on the traditional lands of the Molalla, Kalapuyan, Chinookan Clackamas, Wasco and Wishram, and Northern Paiute peoples and other Sahaptin speakers who have occupied and stewarded these lands for countless generations.
For more race details like maps, elevation profiles, aid station locations, etc. check out their website. And be sure to follow them on social media (Facebook | Instagram) to see their other incredible races coming up throughout the rest of the summer and fall.
Details:
Date: Saturday, July 16th (100k starts at 5:00AM, 50k shuttles start at 6:45 AM) and Sunday, July 17th (Half Marathon starts at 8:00 AM)
Location: Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, Mount Hood, OR
Cost: 100k: $205 | 50k: $150 | Half Marathon: $100
Register: On UltraSignup here
