Oregon Trail Runs continues to build one of the most compelling race calendars in the Mid-Willamette Valley. With cornerstone events like the Mary’s Peak Trail Run in June and the Cottage Grove Half Marathon back in rotation after its break during Row River Trail construction, the lineup feels as strong as ever.
But one of the most exciting additions to that calendar debuted last year—the Mudslinger Trail Run—and it returns April 18 ready to get dirty all over again.
Capped at just 100 runners, the Mudslinger offers an intentionally intimate, grassroots vibe. The race begins a few hours ahead of the 39th annual Mudslinger Cross Country Mountain Bike Race, creating a festival-like atmosphere in the woods.
For those who like to double down on endurance, there’s even the Ultimate Mudslinger Award—earned by tackling both the run and the bike race in the same day. It’s a challenge that’s equal parts grit and bragging rights.
As the name suggests, mud is part of the deal. The 13-mile course winds through forested terrain near Marys Peak with just under 1,000 feet of elevation gain and loss. Rather than relentless climbs, runners will find steady, gradual inclines mixed with rolling sections that keep the effort honest without becoming overwhelming. It’s tough enough to feel like an accomplishment, yet approachable enough for a wide range of trail runners.
In many ways, the Mudslinger acts as a punchier counterpart to the Marys Peak Trail Run. While Marys Peak is known for its extended climb to the summit, the Mudslinger keeps things moving through rolling hills and wooded singletrack. The result is a race that balances challenge with accessibility—equally appealing to seasoned trail veterans and runners looking to test themselves on dirt for the first time.
This year adds an extra twist. Falling on Easter Weekend, the event will feature a cash-egg Easter egg hunt scattered along the course—because if you’re already running through mud in April, why not make it festive?
All told, the Mudslinger Trail Run is shaping up to be one of the more unique and playful spring races on the Oregon trail calendar—gritty, community-driven, and just the right amount of wild.
