As we all enjoy the end of Fall, sometimes it seems like November is ages away. However, Alpine Running has some epic runs up ahead, so I hope you’ve been training.
The Run the Rock events are back on November 7-8th to offer more spectacular trail running at Smith Rock in Central Oregon. The events will be split over the weekend, with the 50K and 25K on Saturday and theHalf Marathon on Sunday (anyone keen for a double feature?).
50K | Saturday, November 7th, 2026| Start time: 7:00 AM | Price: $175 SOLD OUT
The 50K has the privilege of doing a short loop up Misery Ridge to begin, passing the flanks of Monkey Face. The runners will head out into the Crooked River Grasslands where views of the surrounding area and high Cascade peaks await. This course has about 5,500 feet of gain and loss with ~85% on singletrack with 4 aid stations.
There are two cut-off times: aid station 2 at 11am and aid station 4 at 3 PM. Sorry, no drop bags or pacers for this distance!
25K | Saturday, November 7th, 2026 | Start time: 9:00 AM | Price: $145 SOLD OUT
The 25K is new this year. As someone who has dreams of one day being able to crank out 50k’s on a whem – but is not ready quite yet – this 25 course offers something a little shorter but with a great course that gets a lot of the great locations along the way – such as the highlights of Smith Rock and Gray Butte.
Runners will climb Burma Road all the way to the Gray Butte aid station before pushing to the summit. From there, it’s a fast, fun return to the park with the course reversing – allowing that downhill speed on Burma and a charge to the finish line. There is 3300ft of elevation gain packed into 15 miles! There are 2 aid stations – with a cut off at AS1.
Half Marathon | Sunday, November 8th, 2026 | Start time: 8:30 AM | Price: $135
The half may be the shortest of the weekend, but it is no slouch. You are getting nearly 90% on singletrack and roughly 2,500 feet of elevation gain. Check out views of the Cascades and Monkey Face! Runners will have 1 aid stations for this course and stop to enjoy the views – there is no cutoff (though you should plan to be back by 5pm obviously)!
**Please note that Alpine Running is cupless, so be prepared at the aid stations to have your own cup / bottle / bladder / etc. Also, sorry but no dogs are allowed on the course due to permit conditions!**
There will be a burrito bar at the finish line for refueling and the beneficiary of this event is the Ridgeview High School cross country team!
