If there’s anything that makes me feel sane, it’s getting out into the woods and surrounding myself with nature. Daybreak Racing has some great races on the agenda, and the 2023 Rogue Gorge sounds a lot like heaven on Earth. It’s in fact been on my radar for a while now.
The Rogue Gorge offers runners three distance options and will be held over the weekend of October 14th and 15th. No matter which distance you pick, the views on these single track trails, surrounded by old growth forest, will certainly be epic. Union Creek is only a little over 20 miles from Crater Lake and the historic Rogue River will be a stunning backdrop to this race.
The 50k, which will occur that Saturday at 8:00AM, is considered a relatively fast out-and-back course that travels the rim of the Upper Rogue Wild & Scenic River for the whole course. You’ll have 31 miles of 3000 feet of both ascent and descent, with 4 aid stations along the way.
The half marathon, the website promises, is a FAST one. The half begins at 8:00AM on Sunday that weekend. The course is a hair over the 13.1 mile mark (13.4 miles,) and runners will have 900 feet of ascent and descent, plus 1 aid station at mile 7.
Finally, the 12k, also on Sunday, offers a lollipop loop of about 330 feet of ascent and descent. This race will occur at 8:30AM after the half distance takes off.
Your registration fee for this event will get you a real life and fully marked race course courtesy of the race director, professional timing, aid stations, and photography from James Holk. In addition to a custom finisher’s medal, race shirts and hats from Territory Run Co will be available for purchase and will feature the race logo. They must be picked up at race check-in or packet pick-up.
Day of race parking opens at 6:00AM at the Union Creek Day Use Picnic Shelter & Amphitheater (carpooling is encouraged) and bib pickup will be from 7:00AM to 7:50AM. The race begins at 8:00AM and the final cutoff for finishing the race will be at 4:00PM. Parking will closed at 5:00PM.
The Union Creek campground adjacent to the race staging area will be available the night before the race and is first come first serve. Year round camping is also available at Joseph H. Stewart State Recreation Area, about 20 miles south of Union Creek on Hwy 62. You can also check out the Union Creek Resort, which offers rustic cabins, a general store, and Beckie’s Café which will serve up some delicious pie! Additional options are also located in nearby Prospect.
Daybreak will be hosting typical post-race meals, beverages and live music. Stay after your run and cheer on your fellow runners. There will also be a raffle with some awesome sponsor swag. The top three men and women will also receive awards.
If you’d like to help get the trail ready for the race this year, check out the volunteer opportunities here. Daybreak always appreciates the help!!
Lace up and get out on those trails, safely of course!!
Rogue Gorge $75-125
Details:
- When: October 14th and 15th, 2023
- Where: Union Creek Day Use Picnic Shelter & Amphitheater, Union Creek, Oregon
- Packet Pickup:
- October 13th from 6:00PM-8:00PM @ Union Creek Picnic Shelter. BYO camp chairs and beverages.
- You can also pick up your bibs day of race at 7:00AM.
