I’m not going to lie and say this was easy, nor am I going to tell you I ran the whole way with a smile on my face. To be fair, there were moments that found me smiling, especially as I crossed that finish line. But this race was all about determination and redemption, as are a lot of ultras for most of us. We kick, scratch, claw, bite at, and gnaw our way through…
There is something about these races at the Siskiyou Out Back Festival (SOB) that exemplifies the vibe of trail running. Maybe it is the views, the food, the multiple race distances, but this event aims (and succeeds) at feeling like a festival. Yes, we go for the run, but with so much extra going on over this weekend of races, the experience is so much more than the race itself. On Friday night, there is…
Lake views, waterfalls, volcanic lava fields, single track trails; if the description of the Lost Creek Trail Runs alone doesn’t excite you, then I don’t know what will. Taking place May 4, 2019, at the scenic and beautiful Joseph H. Stewart State Park, this non-profit event includes a 50k, 30k, 30k relay, and 5k. Proceeds will benefit local running charities. In 2017, the event raised $7,000, and in 2018, it raised another $6,000. The 30k course will make its…
In my 23 years of running I have had the pleasure of enjoying the hobby in about 10 states. By far my favorite area is definitely southern Oregon. The trails in that region are beautiful and the weather is nice for most of the year. The Tough as Nails Trail runs scheduled for May 12th at Prescott Park will likely be amazing. The event has two distances, a 5K and 10 miler. The longer race…
The weeks around Valentine’s Day can mean different things depending on what your relationship status during this time of year. If you are taken, grab your sweetheart for the Couple Shuffle 10K Relay, where couples will each run a 5K to complete a 10K course as a team. If you are the solo type, running the Love Stinks 5K allows you to showcase your independent spirit. The Couple Shuffle 10K Relay and the Love Stinks…
2019 is fast approaching, much like a runner going downhill with no way to stop. Soon, it will be here and it will bring New Years races galore!! One such race is the Frostbite 5K/10K in Talent, which is tucked right between Medford and Ashland, in Southern Oregon. The area is known for running and boasts the oldest and most active running club in Oregon, known as Southern Oregon Runners (SOR). The Frostbite Run got its start…
One hundred mile races are the primary pinnacle distance for ultra-marathon runners.There are obviously distances that one can run that are further, but the 100-miler is seen as the distance to shoot for when getting into ultra-marathons. Around the country, and even the world, are well-known races that often feature big name runners. The scenery is all that, the hype is through the roof and the experience is why people show up. Here in Oregon,…
Question: What do you get when you combine a challenging race, a hilly and scenic course on trails through the woods, an historic venue, and a novel format that has been going on for years? Answer: The Britt Woods Firehouse Run! This Southern Oregon classic takes place outside of Jacksonville, Oregon on July 14th. The hills, trails, and unique staggered start based on age and gender will thoroughly test your grit and determination, but the…
Part of the annual Blooms and Butterflies event in Elkton, Oregon, is the 5K Butterfly Run! The course starts at ECEC’s Native Plant Park, follows River Road through town with scenic views of the Umpqua River, crosses Elk Creek, and ends back at ECEC. In addition to Top Finishers awards, the most creatively clad butterfly runner will be crowned! There is a Free Kid’s Race for youth 10 and under before the race begins. Don’t…
The annual Granite Man held in the Rogue River National Forest at Applegate Lake is a full weekend of off road sports – triathlon (with a new SUP option instead of swimming if you prefer), duathlon, bike race, 10 mile running race, 28 mile ultra marathon race, a poker running race and kid’s options for the triathlon, duathlon and a scavenger hunt! So many events for all your outdoor activity needs for the whole family! Let’s take a…
