When it comes to an early spring race, the leaders behind Mac Forest Trail Runs know there is not a lot of certainty about race conditions:
“Given the time of year, we can’t guarantee much, but this much we do know, there is a high probability it’s going to be wet; you’ll likely finish with some mud on your shoes and a smile on your face. So basically, it’s going to be a fun adventure in one of the gems of the northwest.”
The two race distances for this event (5K or 15K) may be on the shorter side for some trail runners, but the 1450 feet of elevation gain in the 15K is something that will bring on the heat no matter the temperature. The courses use a combination of single-track trails and logging roads near Oregon State University. Here’s a snippet from our 2022 review:
From the top, the views of the valley, the neighboring forest, and a bit of the Coast Range under the blue sky were stunning and worth the work. I also knew for all the up would come the best part: the descent. Swoopy, dreamy singletrack came first and it lit up the quads, followed by slightly less steep firelanes to really trash the legs (but claw back some time). We spilled back onto some singletrack and another stinker hill, rounded the little lake again to the finish line.
Check out our recap of the Mac Forest Trail Runs here!
Depending on the weather, there might be views of the Cascades, the Coastal Range, and Soap Valley. Or there might be just views of clouds in all the shades of gray. Check out the course map for where you could be running through on March 14th.
Proceeds from the event go toward Oregon Running Foundation: “a nonprofit organization that raises funds and distributes race proceeds in support of local high school cross-country athletes and teams, and seeks to put shoes on the feet of young runners facing social and economic challenges.”
All your time in the mud (or who knows – even some nice sunny skies may peek through) could mean helping future trail runners join in next year.
Mac Forest Trail Runs $35-$45
Summary
When: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Where: Peavy Arboretum in Oregon State University’s McDonald Forest
