For the past few years, I’ve been determined to participate in the Siuslaw Dunes 20M race hosted by Daybreak Events. The inaugural event in 2020 coincided with the onset of the COVID pandemic, which thwarted my plans. Subsequent attempts were also thwarted by personal injury, a disruptive windstorm that led to the race’s cancellation, and an unavoidable work conflict.
However, in 2024, everything aligned perfectly. I was prepared both physically and mentally to take on the challenge, and what a remarkable year it turned out to be.
Although I intended to write this review shortly after the event, my plans were disrupted by a vacation that required my immediate departure the following day. Consequently, my review was delayed. However, this delay has provided me with the opportunity to consistently reflect on race day and emphasize why it left such a lasting impression on me. It’s an experience I’ll never forget, and one that I wholeheartedly recommend others to participate in.
While some may hesitate to make the trip to Florence for an early morning event, I wholeheartedly encourage them to seize the opportunity. Personally, I found it to be an incredibly rewarding experience. I opted to stay overnight at Honeyman State Park, which is conveniently just a 2.5-hour drive from Salem. Securing a camping spot for only $21 allowed me to comfortably sleep in my SUV, although tent options were available for those inclined.
The park’s proximity to the race start, just a literal 5-minute drive away, made for a convenient and stress-free morning. Additionally, for those looking to fuel up the night before, I highly recommend stopping by Homegrown Brewery in Florence—a fantastic local spot serving up delicious brews.
Waking up after a restful night’s sleep, I was greeted by fantastic news—the weekend weather forecast promised an epic experience. Blue skies adorned with a comfortable 53-degree start and a peak temperature of 71 degrees awaited us. What a treat! As the 50k runners departed from the main staging area for their out-and-back route, us 20-milers were shuttled out via bus to embark on our exhilarating one-way journey back.
Following some initial instructions, the starting parking lot area opened up to a delightful few miles of the Three Mile Lake Trail—a blend of enjoyable single-track trails adorned with intermediate rolling hills. Surprisingly, one could hardly discern they were running so close to the coast.
Around the 2.5-mile mark, the scenery took on a more surreal quality. As runners looped back north via the Tahkwnitch Three Mile Tie Trail, the introduction of sand running added a unique dimension to the course. Reflecting on it now, this segment lulled me into a false sense of security about the remainder of the race.
Feeling strong early on, I approached the sand dune section with confidence—its relatively hard-packed surface and manageable climbs and descents led me to believe I could conquer the entire event with similar dunes (famous last words indeed).
This stretch also marked the beginning of encounters with flooded trail portions, necessitating a stoic march forward through the water. The race organizers even accommodated the 20M runners with drop bags to change shoes or socks if needed, recognizing the challenge posed by the knee-high or higher puddles, some of which required minutes to navigate.
Surprisingly, rather than dampening spirits (pun intended), these watery obstacles added a touch of camaraderie to the race. It was heartening to witness the smiles on everyone’s faces as we collectively tackled the challenge, transforming what could have been a discouraging setback into a memorable and enjoyable experience.
After replenishing ourselves at the first aid station around mile 6.7, we resumed our journey along the trails. Soon, we encountered a creek crossing where courageous and remarkable volunteers used paddleboards to ferry runners across the deep water. Yes, you read that right—paddleboards! It was a truly unforgettable experience.
The adventure continued with even more stretches of sand and puddles along the Oregon Dunes Loop Trail, before emerging onto the beach for a brief yet exhilarating mile of running on hard-packed sand, under clear blue skies with waves crashing nearby.
However, this idyllic beach run was shorter than expected, or perhaps simply shorter than desired in the moment, as we soon veered onto the Waxmertyle Trail, which led us to Aid Station 2 near the Stagecoach Trailhead.
Embarking on the Lagoon Trail, which treated us to stunning lakeside vistas, we ventured into what can only be described as an off-road adventure of a lifetime. At this point, I was roughly 13 miles into the race and feeling surprisingly good, despite my shoes being more sand-filled than I would have preferred (though thankfully less than I had anticipated) and having navigated more flooded trails than ever before. Nevertheless, my spirits remained high as I embraced the challenges ahead.
And then…
Beauty and chaos intertwined seamlessly along a captivating four-mile stretch, as we embarked on what might be one of the most surreal passages of sand in the state. Initially, the rolling white sand hills inspired awe, evoking a sense of being lost in a desert oasis. However, the allure soon gave way to reality as we faced the daunting prospect of traversing 3.75 miles of nothing but sand.
Endless hills of sand loomed before us, each peak revealing yet another valley to conquer. Amidst this vast expanse, the sight of distant runners served as a poignant reminder of our smallness in the grand scheme of things – specifically this race.
As the sun beat down, the 70-degree temperatures that had initially seemed comfortable now intensified, with the sand’s reflective surface amplifying the heat. Despite the physical strain on my ankles, calves, and blistered toes, there was a strange reluctance to bid farewell to this unique landscape upon reaching Honeyman State Park. Although relieved to leave the sand behind, emotionally, I found myself torn, knowing that this four-mile odyssey would be etched in my memory for years to come.
A final aid station appeared just a couple of miles from the finish—a welcome sight that proved invaluable in replenishing depleted reserves. As I approached the finish line, exhaustion mingled with jubilation. After indulging in electrolytes, water, and a tantalizing array of catered food, the temptation to bask in the mild sun and steal a quick nap was strong. Yet, a lingering fear of becoming immobile if I remained idle too long urged me to keep moving.
Reflecting on the race in the weeks that followed, I am certain that this is an experience that must be savored firsthand. Unlike anything I’ve ever encountered, it holds a special place among my most cherished running memories.
Final Notes:
- Despite the mixture of marked trails and extensive sand sections, I was thoroughly impressed by the course markings. Perhaps benefiting from trailing behind several other participants in the 20M race and those tackling the 50k out-and-back, the combination of flags and man-made foot trails made navigation surprisingly straightforward.
- The aid stations were outstanding, offering a variety of sustenance and providing invaluable encouragement along the way. Their support was truly top-notch.
- Looking ahead, Daybreak Events has some exciting races lined up. The upcoming Gorge Waterfalls event, though sold out, promises to be spectacular from April 12-14. For those still looking to participate, the Tillamook Burn on May 10-12 offers an opportunity not to be missed. And mark your calendars for June 1-2, when Daybreak Events returns to Florence for the Cape Mountain races. While the location remains the same, these races promise a different trail experience without the sandy dunes. Be sure to check them out!
