Although the word “ultra” can be a scary one for some runners, it is the ultimate challenge for others. Pushing beyond 26.2 miles to 50K, 50 miles, or 100 miles means much more than just a few more miles. It usually means additional challenges in terrain, elevation, and support. Tillamook Burn Trail Run is a fantastic race to try if you are ready for the ultra challenge. This year the event is across 3 days…
If there was ever a race director who made all my trail running dreams come true, it’d be Alpine Running. Accomplished ultra runners themselves, these RDs know all the best trails (with all the best views), how to run a smooth event (with all the best snacks), and really just provide top-notch races here in Oregon. They have everything from halfs to hundos and they are truly some of my favorite events to both run…
Trail Racing is a huge culture in the Pacific Northwest, and why wouldn’t it be? There is no shortage of epic trails and majestic mountains surrounding us, and we are very fortunate to get to experience it. Go Beyond Racing gets that. This trail racing company is all about getting outside and finding beauty everywhere. Their races appear to be seamlessly organized consistently, so runners new to the trail race scene will be in good…
Ever since Laz put on the backyard ultra, several race organizers have jumped into the game. One such group is Go Beyond, who has successfully created an amazing event in Bend called Lastest Not Fastest. For those not familiar with backyard ultra events, often referred to as “last person standing” event, the goal is simple; don’t quit until everyone else does. Sounds easy right? For reference, last year’s winner (a good friend of mine) made…
All Terrain Adventures has taken over the reins for the Secret Beach 100k, 50m and 50k – a race formerly ran by Rainshadow Running. The ultra distances for this race will be both challenging and stunning, as routes will take runners on sandy beaches and bluffs hundreds of feet above the waves, as well as old growth forests and sand dunes covered in tree tunnels. Both of the longer routes will be out and back…
It’s summer, it’s ultra season, and the 2022 Oregon Cascades 100 will be back for it’s second year. This race, brought to us by the never disappointing Alpine Running, is a Western States 100 qualifier and it’s being held on the weekend of August 27th and 28th this year. This race is a gorgeous point-to-point course that begins in breathtaking Bend at Pacific Crest Middle School and takes runners into Sisters for some rugged terrain…
As a two-time participant, I can say that Tillamook Burn Trail Run is the hardest race I have ever done. And it is by far the most memorable. When the event starts with an incline that I expected would end in snow, you know an adventure is ahead. In 2022, “The Burn” includes two race distances on two separate weekends: a 50K staring at 8am on Saturday, April 23rd, and then a 100-miler at 6am…
As a child of the 80s, I would be failing all you lovely readers if I didn’t start this race preview with a little Full House humor: Joey: Hey, kids. How’d you like to hear a Mr. Woodchuck joke? Kids: Yay! Mr. Woodchuck: Knock Knock! Kids: Who’s there? Mr. Woodchuck: Isadore. Kids: Isadore who? Mr. Woodchuck: Isadore (Is a door) made of … wood? Okay, with that out of the way, we can get on…
Día de Los Muertos (DDLM) is a day in the year like no other. This deeply revered Mexican tradition provides a universal opportunity to celebrate our connection to loved ones passed on and the ancestors whose lives allowed ours to happen. As runners, we know that the miles we travel are about more than just physical effort. They are a mental, emotional, and sometimes spiritual experience that can connect us to something bigger than any…
This race has been nearly 2 years in the making and I have been (im)patiently waiting for race day to finally arrive. I was signed up to run it in 2020 at its debut but it was canceled, along with the rest of, well, everything. So, for 2021, Oregon has a new hundo and I’m excited to toe the start line. The Oregon Cascades 100 will be held on August 28-29, hosted by our friends…
