2023 Update

DATE CHANGE!!
Note the date change to the second Saturday in June!

By changing the date to June we are hoping to avoid the touch and go direct threat of wildfire and threat of unhealthy air quality due to wildfires in the area.

We are looking forward to hosting another spectacular run!

Description

The McKenzie River Trail run is 31 miles on one of the prettiest trails in America. It traces a route along the beautiful McKenzie River, with two spectacular waterfalls, a lake so pristine it is called Clear Lake, lava flows, old growth forest, numerous log bridges and the aquamarine colored Tamolitch Pool where the the river flows from an underground lava tube. The race offers runners a technically challenging course with only moderate elevation gains and the inspiration of some of Oregon's most breathtaking scenery.

The 2022 race will be the 35th annual running of the McKenzie River Trail Run, making it Oregon's oldest continuous ultramarathon. Net proceeds from the race are used to support the McKenzie Bridge area non-profits. Our intent is to support local businesses and products as much as possible. Keep an eye out for local logos. The event is operated by McKenzie River Trail Run under a special use permit from the Willamette National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.

Course

The run begins at Carmen Reservoir off Hwy 126, just down river from Koosah Falls and Icecap campground. After a short gravel section, the course heads upriver on the Waterfalls Trail, crosses Hwy 126 and then goes around Clear Lake to the Santiam Wagon Road and the first aid station. From there it goes through Clear Lake resort, crosses back over Hwy 126 and takes a bridge to the far side of the river. It then follows the McKenzie River Trail 21 miles in the downriver direction to the finish line across from the McKenzie River Ranger Station.

Unfortunately, a wildfire in 2021 severely damaged a portion of the trail near Deer Creek. We are hopeful the trail will be fully repaired and open for the 2022 run, however, if it is not, we will coordinate with the Forest Service to develop an alternative course.

Aid and Drop Bags

Aid Stations: We will update you on Aid Station protocol changes as race day approaches. As in the past, Aid Stations will be located every 4-6 miles and will offer water, electrolyte drink, gels and typical aid station food with local twists.
The race this year will again be CUPLESS! The aid stations and finish line will not have disposable cups for your use. Bring your own reusable cup/flask/bottle. If you forget your cup, we will have a limited quantity available for $5 at packet pick up.
Drop bags: Runners can deposit drop bags at the shuttle pick up at the McKenzie Community Track on race morning for delivery to Trail Bridge Reservoir at mile 16.7. Runners can drop warm ups at the start. Trail Bridge drop bags and the start line drop items will be delivered to the McKenzie Community Track after the last runner passes through at approximately 1:00 PM. There will be no finish line drop bags.

Cut Offs

Our intention is to have runners off the course by 3:00 PM. That allows 8 hours to finish the course (about 15:30 min/mile). Cutoffs will be enforced beginning at aid station #3 at mile 16.7. Exact cutoff times will be posted on the website.

Entry

Entry fee for the 2023 race will be $100, and now includes the shuttle to the start and from the finish. There will be no refunds this year. Registration opens at midnight on January 1st and closes at 11:59 pm on June 1st. We are not holding a lottery this year, but we are maintaining a wait list. If you would have qualified for an early registration, (you volunteered last year), you will receive an email with a link to register by the end of the day on December 14th. You will have until the end of the day December 31st to claim your spot, at which time we will open your spot to open registration. Registration is not transferable to another runner or another year.

Lodging

In addition to free tent camping space and RV/car camping space at the McKenzie Community Track on Friday before the race Saturday night after the race, here are additional places to look into:
*the shuttle to the start leaves from the McKenzie Community Track *
Lodging Information
Hotels & Lodges
Belknap Springs Lodge
http://www.belknaphotsprings.com
59296 N Belknap Springs Rd
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3512
Caddis Fly Resort
http://www.caddisflyresort.com
56404 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3556
Cedarwood Lodge
http://www.cedarwoodlodge.com
56535 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3351
Eagle Rock Lodge
http://www.eaglerocklodge.com
49198 McKenzie Hwy
Vida, Or 97488
(541) 822-3630
Holiday Farm
http://www.holidayfarmresort.com
54455 McKenzie River Drive
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3725
Horse Creek Lodge
https://www.horse-creek.com/
56228 Delta Drive
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3243
Inn at the Bridge
http://www.mckenzie-river-cabins.com/
56393 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-6006 or 1 (877) 822-6006
Log Cabin Resort
56483 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3432
McKenzie River Mountain Resort
http://RiverMountainResort.com
51668 Blue River Dr
Blue River, OR 97413
(541) 822-6272
Sleepy Hollow Motel
54791 McKenzie Hwy
McKenzie Bridge, OR 97413
(541) 822-3805
Camping Information
McKenzie Community Track, Blue River Oregon (Post-race event location)
free and available Friday & Saturday nights.
first come, first serve
Community style without official sites, no dogs and no fires.
Details in email updates to registered runners.
McKenzie Bridge Campground
1 mile west of McKenzie Bridge
17 sites
Paradise Campground
4 miles east of McKenzie Bridge (near the finish line)
64 sites
Ollallie Campground
11 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge
17 sites
Ice Cap Campground
17 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge
22 sites (very close to our starting line at Carmen Reservoir)
Coldwater Cove Campground
18 miles northeast of McKenzie Bridge
35 sites (situated on Clear Lake, 2 miles from the start)

More important stuff

Awards go to open male and female overall winner and top male and female in each age group. Age groups are 29 and under, 30-39,40-49, 50-59, and 60-69, and 70 and over. Open winners not eligible for age group awards; therefore there will not be an age group award for the age group that the open winner comes from.

The race start and finish are about 20 miles apart. The entry fee now includes the price of the shuttle from the McKenzie Community Track to the start as well as from the finish back to the Community Track. Watch our Facebook page. If an event out of our control forces the cancellation or alteration of the event, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Any questions please email: racedirector.mrtr@gmail.com

Event's current local time: 1:02 PM PT