Why you should run the McKenzie River Trail 50K
Photo by TRM/Longrun Pictures
At the start, runners stand in a loose herd, arms hanging, shoulders rolling, exchanging greetings in muted voices. Then, the start gun stirs them to action. In the dawn’s grey mist 200 runners explode down a winding forest trail. In a trailside stream, wild trout rise to feed on fall caddis and, above, a Northern spotted owl sinks long talons into the bark of ancient cedar.
This is the McKenzie River 50K Trail Run (MRTR), part of the seven-race Oregon Trail Series. The oldest continuously presented ultra in Oregon, MRTR is celebrating 25 straight years in 2012. The race boasts a predominately downhill course with single- and doubletrack that climbs, plunges and scratches through the Willamette National Forest near McKenzie Bridge, Oregon, following the curves of the federally designated Wild and Scenic McKenzie River.
Photo by TRM/Longrun Pictures
Keep Playing Outside
Federally designated as a Wild and Scenic River in 1988 to protect its exceptional scenic value, water clarity, critical habitat and recreational opportunities, the McKenzie River and surrounding areas offer opportunities for whitewater rafting (www.oregonwhitewater.com) and fly fishing (www.dfw.state.or.us).
Runners can access Three Sisters, Broken Top and Mount Washington via the historic McKenzie Highway. Maps and information are available at the McKenzie River Ranger Station (race finish).
For miles black lava rock protrudes from the trail like Grendel’s broken teeth. 2008 and 2009 finisher Melissa Norland, 37, of Corvallis, Oregon, says, “The lava rock is my favorite section. You have to pay attention and watch your footing or you’re going to be digging rocks out of your skin.”
After traversing lava fields, the course summits towering 50-foot cliff bands and plummets into an old-growth forest filled with western red cedar, Douglas fir, Oregon grape and wild huckleberry.
“The first half of the trail is covered in rocks and roots, but the second half is a rolling downhill that hugs the river,” says Scott Leonard, 43, also from Corvallis, Oregon. Leonard is an eight time MRTR runner and co-director of the McDonald Forest 50K, another race in the Oregon Trail Series.
“My best splits have always been in the last two sections, from the Deer Creek aid station on to the finish,” says Leonard. “It’s energizing to run beside the raging river.”
Craters, underground tunnels, fumaroles, submerged petrified forests and multi-tiered waterfalls pockmark the watershed, says Mark Humphreys, 51, of Eugene, Oregon, who ran the MRTR six times before taking over as one of the event’s three race directors in 2007.
At Clear Lake, where the McKenzie River originates, an ancient flooded forest stands petrified under crystal-clear water. Between Sahalie and Koosah falls, icy spray showers racers before the river disappears underground, remerging at mile 14 at the fabled Blue Pool, a basin of cool, cerulean water.
This year’s running of MRTR is scheduled for September 8, 2012. Registration opens April 1. With over 300 people vying for the coveted 200 spots, a lottery determines who races.
Conquer the Series
The Oregon Trail Series (www.oregontrailseries.org) is comprised of seven ultras. Aside from the McKenzie River Trail Run, the other six are:
> The Hagg Lake 25K and 50K | Mid-February
Run around Hagg Lake in the north Willamette Valley over rolling hills mixed with flat stretches. It’s notoriously slippery, sloppy and muddy. Runners in the 25K complete one loop; 50Kers take it on twice. www.haggmud.com.
> Peterson Ridge Rumble 20-Miler and 40-Miler | Early April
In Central Oregon, the course often features snow in the higher elevations. Only the 40-miler is part of the series, and dogs are welcome in the 20-mile race. www.gobroncobilly.com/rumble.
> McDonald Forest 50K | Early May
This one is mean, with 6700 feet of elevation gain. If you’re not climbing, you’re descending. www.oregontrailseries.org/mac.
> Siskiyou Out Back (SOB) 50 | Early July
Held near Mount Ashland in Southern Oregon, the SOB follows portions of the Pacific Crest Trail, allowing views of Mount Shasta, Mount McLaughlin and the Siskiyou and Cascade mountain ranges. www.siskiyououtback.com.
> Mount Hood PCT 50-Miler | Late July
An out-and-back on the Pacific Crest Trail in the Northern Oregon Cascades, this race is known for shade, soft footing and friendly volunteers.
www.mthood50.com.
> Waldo 100K | Mid-August
A sufferfest with more than 11,000 feet of elevation gain and three 2000-foot-plus climbs. This race demands previous 100K experience.
www.waldo100k.org.
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