King’s Mountain is one of the most rewarding, if challenging hikes in the Portland area. Between some grueling elevation gain and technical ascents, the payoff feels even more worth it when you finally reach the top. When Go Beyond Racing first announced that they had a race that covers not only King’s Mountain, but the additional Elk Mountain traverse loop, we here at Run Oregon knew it was going to be an epic adventure.
This year, the 2022 Elk-Kings Trail Races (the “OG Tillamook Forest Race”) will be offering runners two course options on October 15th. While those runners who enjoy to suffer might be upset that there is no Mountain Marathon option this year, the 50k has been revised and there is still a very difficult 25k to look forward to as well.
The 50k route has been updated to include a climb up and over Elk & Kings Mountains, just as the 25k course did and still does. Both of these courses should be incredibly scenic as well as challenging. You can also pretty safely assume the race staff will be just as friendly, supportive, and generally awesome as they are at all Go Beyond events.
And let’s face it, you’d probably need all the support you can get with the work of summitting not one but two mountains for a total elevation gain of 5,800 feet on the 25k. Technical, steep single-tracks, small scrambles, and rocky and sometime slick trails will take runners over Elk and Kings Mountains, while the new upgraded 50k course, mostly on single track along the Wilson River, Elk Mountain, and Kings Mountain trails, will treat you to 7,500’ of elevation gain as well as a couple of technical additions (also called “mountains” in some circles.) Go Beyond strongly encourages you to run the course prior to race day so you know what you are getting yourself into.
Go Beyond will host a barbecue with burgers and Impossible burgers following the race for participants and race swag will be available for purchase. (You might also get a really cool race photo out of the deal.)
Details:
- What: 2022 Elk-Kings Trail Races 25k/50k
- When: Saturday, October 15th, 2022. The 50k begins at 7:30AM and the 25k begins at 9:00AM. (Shuttle to 25k at 8:15AM and 8:35AM)
- Where: 45500 Wilson River Hwy, Tillamook OR. Parking is limited and tight at the Jones Creek Day Use Area, and carpooling is encouraged!!
- Cost: 25k is $100 and 50k is $120
- Register: Here
- Packet Pick-Up: The Smith Homestead on race day, 6:30-7:15AM for 50k and 7:45-8:15AM for the 25k