Race loops will come with nearly 1,000 feet of vertical climb
By Lee Juillerat for Ashland.news
An alternative way to experience the rugged beauty of a section of the Siskiyou Mountains will be offered Sept. 13 at the annual Mt. Ashland Trail Run.
Sponsored by Ultra Excuses, for the first time the race will coincide with Mt. Ashland Ski Area’s planned Oktoberfest celebration, which sponsors say will create “a full weekend of mountain adventure, music, and fun.”
Runners will have their choice of three distances — 3.9, 7.8, or 11.7-miles — on what is regarded a challenging but scenic course that highlight’s Mt. Ashland’s alpine environment, with panoramic views stretching from Mt. Shasta to the Rogue Valley. Participants may choose to complete 1, 2, or 3 laps, which the race calls “summits.” Each lap is 3.9 miles long and includes 921 feet of vertical climb.
“The Mt. Ashland Trail Run is a long-standing tradition that brings together our outdoor community,” said race director Andrew Gast. “By moving it to September and pairing it with the ski area’s Oktoberfest, we’re creating an even bigger celebration of mountain culture.”
The trail race is for runners of all ages, as well as hikers who wish to complete the loop course. It will start and finish at the ski area parking lot, with participants following the Mt. Ashland Summit Trail during the first-mile ascent before descending back to the ski area on Forest Service Roads 300 and 20.
Gast said organizers are also working to add a new half marathon course on trails that would be unique to this race. Last year, this event attracted runners from multiple states, including some from as far away as Missouri.
Registration for the Mt. Ashland Trail Run is open and space is limited, so interested runners are encouraged to sign up early at https://ultrasignup.com/register.aspx?did=125834.
The entry fee before June 30 for the three summits is $45 (including taxes and fees), $39.68 for two summits, and $34.37 for one summit. Prices will increase after June 30. The packet pickup will go from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on race day at the Mt. Ashland Ski Area. A pre-race briefing will be held at 8:55 a.m. at the start line.
Every finisher will receive a “nice” commemorative item along with a finisher medal. Shirts and other items will also be available.
Following the run that begins at 9 a.m., the Oktoberfest Celebration will begin immediately. Details about the Oktoberfest will be announced later this summer.
Email freelance writer Lee Juillerat at 337lee337@charter.net.
