(3-10-08) From Press Release - The inaugural USATF La Sportiva Oregon Mountain Running Series will consist of four existing races around the state between May and October. USATF Oregon will be partnering with a La Sportiva to provide series scoring and additional prizes for USATF members in open, master, senior & veteran age groups. Modeled on the successful USATF New England Mountain Running Circuit, the Oregon series is designed to promote competition and increase awareness of the most scenic and challenging off-road running races the state has to offer. The races are:
June 7, 2008 - Granite Man Mountain Run, 10 miles, Jacksonville, OR
The Granite Man is an exciting off-road event held at beautiful Applegate Lake nestled at 2,000 feet in the Rogue River National Forest. This is an exceptional 10-mile up & down mountain run that features a steep one-mile section of course that climbs 1000' of in elevation gain.
August 2, 2008 - Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run, 13 miles, Ashland, OR
Now in its 31st year, the Mt. Ashland Hillclimb Run is the oldest continuously run mountain race in Oregon. Starting in downtown Ashland, this race climbs 5600' over 13 miles to finish on the summit of scenic Mt. Ashland. The course record at this race was set in 1986 by Los Angeles Marathon winner Ric Sayre (1:42). Dolores Bergman set the women's record in 2004 in a time of 2:13.39.
August 30, 2008 - Sunrise to Summit Race, 3 miles, Mt. Bachelor, OR
Organized by the Mt. Bachelor Ski Education Foundation, the Sunrise to Summit may be the shortest race in the series but it is also the steepest. This uphill only course climbs 2600' in about 3 miles under ski lifts, thru volcanic rock strewn slopes to finally finish on the barren summit of Mt. Bachelor. The course records are held by Max King (35:32) and Jennifer Sventek (43:45).
September 21, 2008 - NW Mountain Running Championships, 7 miles, Mt. Hood, OR
This will be a brand new race from experienced race director Kevin "x-dog" Foreman. The 7-mile course will run both up and down the slopes of Mt. Hood from historic Timberline Lodge.
For more information on this or any other mountain, ultra & trail races in Oregon, go to: www.usatf-oregon.org/MUT or contact USATF Oregon's MUT Coordinator Richard Bolt at richardabolt@gmail.com.
