An 8:00 start in August is way too late to start a race. To me, it was already warm. I’m used to running in the dark during summer so I … MORE
An 8:00 start in August is way too late to start a race. To me, it was already warm. I’m used to running in the dark during summer so I don’t have the heat of the sun burning me. My fault to run a race in the middle of summer but an earlier start would’ve helped tremendously. A lot of runners I spoke to after the race was irritated with the heat and late start. There was hardly any shade even after the race. No merchandise to purchase and you had to pay $3 for a beer. If you’re a faster runner, the heat wouldn’t be an issue but if you’re a slower runner who’s out there for a few hours, it’s rough. It is a beautiful course but very steep inclines which I was not prepared for and stairs between miles 2-3 which you do a loop so you have to come back down them and then more stairs at the finish while trying to dodge other runners who had finished in your way. Yes it was cool to run across the Bridge of the Gods but really that’s the only selling factor of this race. No swag and the medal is cheap looking. I was glad to check Oregon off my list. Definitely will not run again.
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Hot and hilly
An 8:00 start in August is way too late to start a race. To me, it was already warm. I’m used to running in the dark during summer so I … MORE
An 8:00 start in August is way too late to start a race. To me, it was already warm. I’m used to running in the dark during summer so I don’t have the heat of the sun burning me. My fault to run a race in the middle of summer but an earlier start would’ve helped tremendously. A lot of runners I spoke to after the race was irritated with the heat and late start. There was hardly any shade even after the race. No merchandise to purchase and you had to pay $3 for a beer. If you’re a faster runner, the heat wouldn’t be an issue but if you’re a slower runner who’s out there for a few hours, it’s rough. It is a beautiful course but very steep inclines which I was not prepared for and stairs between miles 2-3 which you do a loop so you have to come back down them and then more stairs at the finish while trying to dodge other runners who had finished in your way. Yes it was cool to run across the Bridge of the Gods but really that’s the only selling factor of this race. No swag and the medal is cheap looking. I was glad to check Oregon off my list. Definitely will not run again.
Stunning scenery and challenging hills
Communication from race directors was timely and organized. Volunteers were friendly, helpful and encouraging. The beautiful course was either views of the Columbia River or the shaded Old Highway, so … MORE
Communication from race directors was timely and organized. Volunteers were friendly, helpful and encouraging. The beautiful course was either views of the Columbia River or the shaded Old Highway, so that helps take your mind off the hills! There are also 2 sets of switchbacks and a set of stairs! (62 steps – yep I counted them!) Plentiful aid stations and lots of delicious food at finish.
Walker friendly. Shirt and medal were okay; both pretty plain.
Great race
Lots of hills and a beautiful view of the Columbia Gorge. Well organized. Needed more port a potties at the end.The coarse was Challenging but worth it! MORE
Lots of hills and a beautiful view of the Columbia Gorge. Well organized. Needed more port a potties at the end.The coarse was Challenging but worth it!
Beautiful area, well run, great food.
Pretty ordinary packet pickup, but nice race shirt. Race day parking and shuttles were well run. Course was paved trails, about 75% shaded, some steady inclines and declines made for … MORE
Pretty ordinary packet pickup, but nice race shirt. Race day parking and shuttles were well run. Course was paved trails, about 75% shaded, some steady inclines and declines made for a somewhat challenging race. Aid stations every 1.5 miles or so were well run. A little congestion mixing Half with slower 10K runners/walkers. Finishing medal was slightly disappointing, but post-race food was terrific. Overall great event. Glad I chose to do this race for my 50 state quest!
Gorgeous views
This race has beautiful views and lots of aid stations. Rolling hills throughout so be prepared. Out and back so you get to see the super fast runners on their … MORE
This race has beautiful views and lots of aid stations. Rolling hills throughout so be prepared. Out and back so you get to see the super fast runners on their way back. Very nice when weather is overcast. Food was super delicious. Medal was the same as last years except for changing the year.
Washington or Oregon
Starting on the WA side of the Bridge of the Gods and then crossing into Oregon is a hoot. Even cooler if you are trying to get your 50 states … MORE
Starting on the WA side of the Bridge of the Gods and then crossing into Oregon is a hoot. Even cooler if you are trying to get your 50 states – you decide which one to count. Just note there are a set of steps on this course….not crazy hard, just surprising.
The course support is great and the post race party is awesome.
Great course support
I’d heard good things about this race and I was not disappointed. Beautiful, mostly shady course with frequent water stops and snacks. The course was out and back with rolling … MORE
I’d heard good things about this race and I was not disappointed. Beautiful, mostly shady course with frequent water stops and snacks. The course was out and back with rolling hills and some frequent steady inclines. If I had one gripe it would be that you had to pay for beverages other than water. One beer or at least a soda would have gone a long way.
Must Run Course for 50 state challenge
This is mostly an out and back course that is super hilly, but I would still recommend this OR race! Cute little town, with gorgeous views over the Bridge of … MORE
This is mostly an out and back course that is super hilly, but I would still recommend this OR race! Cute little town, with gorgeous views over the Bridge of the Gods and through the paved trail course. Race logistics were great – shuttle, aid stations and esp the post-race lunch (with real food – carribean rice and chicken plus a vegetarian option). highly recommend it!
Beautiful course, very organized
Great scenery from start to finish since most of the race runs along the river or through pretty wooded areas. Quite a few hills and even a set of steps … MORE
Great scenery from start to finish since most of the race runs along the river or through pretty wooded areas. Quite a few hills and even a set of steps along the way, so be prepared for that! It was well organized, everyone was very nice and it ran quite smooth. There was a good line up of food at the end and they had beer to purchase. I would definitely recommend this race! The only part that was missing was any sort of expo, I would have loved to see some merchandise for sale either before or after the race.
Hilly and gorgeous scenery
This is a very hilly course, no doubt about that. Running over the Bridge of the Gods was very interesting. Don't look down if you are afraid of heights! It … MORE
This is a very hilly course, no doubt about that. Running over the Bridge of the Gods was very interesting. Don’t look down if you are afraid of heights! It is an open grill and you can see straight down to the water.
The production from start to finish went very smooth. There were lots of Port-o-Potties at the start of the race which was great. They offered “start prizes” if you got on the first couple of buses as you had to take the bus to the start line. They had a pancake breakfast ready at the bus stop too.
Easy to find race package pick up and they even had a volunteer waving a glow stick to show where the buses were.
Course support was awesome with water stations and 2 port-o-potties.
Scenery was gorgeous to take in. Perfect running weather, could not have asked for a better day!
The only really hard hiccup was that the medals got lost in transit. A posting and email went out 2 days before the race about the lost medals. The day before the race, there was a long write up on FB outlining what really happened and what they were doing to correct the situation. So, the organization very much stepped up to the plate and are trying their best to make it right. Very sincere in their apologies and I do believe that they will live up to their customer service pledge. They were able to get engraved, glass water bottles (for your chosen distance) to give all participants as they crossed the finish line until the medals show up or new ones made.
New Edit: January 2020
I did receive my medal in the mail in November, it is a nice medal to add to the collection, so it receives a final review of 3 shoes.
Nice views
Looks like the route has changed since 2018. It was a fun run and last minute. Had a friend who couldn’t run it so I took her spot. We didn’t … MORE
Looks like the route has changed since 2018. It was a fun run and last minute. Had a friend who couldn’t run it so I took her spot. We didn’t have any issues changing from her info to mine. I was already training for a full which made this race easier than my training which is my PR and almost made under 2 hours. So close!! I would practice hills since it seems more elevation gain than 2018.
Beautiful, Worth the Trip!
I ran this race in 2018 for my 21st birthday with my best friend. It was beautiful and unique. I would definitely recommend it to others who are considering participating. … MORE
I ran this race in 2018 for my 21st birthday with my best friend. It was beautiful and unique. I would definitely recommend it to others who are considering participating. A full meal and a beautiful medal at the finish line were a great feature of this lovely race! 🙂
Bucket list race!
Wonderful race with excellent course support, volunteers, after party, and scenery. I can't recommend this race enough. Quite hilly, so be prepared for that. The town of Cascade Locks was … MORE
Wonderful race with excellent course support, volunteers, after party, and scenery. I can’t recommend this race enough. Quite hilly, so be prepared for that. The town of Cascade Locks was welcoming and friendly. Book your hotel EARLY as they fill up incredibly quickly!
My Favorite Annual Race
I have done all 5 years of this run since its been around. It get better each year. Such a good deal for the price of run. You get a … MORE
I have done all 5 years of this run since its been around. It get better each year. Such a good deal for the price of run. You get a medal, free food, the best scenic course around & best race production. Such a great little town to visit after the run.
my overall race expeirence
The were a few sets of staircases on the course. I saw some beautiful views on the course. the one thing that would be a inprovement is for there to … MORE
The were a few sets of staircases on the course. I saw some beautiful views on the course. the one thing that would be a inprovement is for there to be more crowd support during the middle of the race. A supper cool medal.
beautiful course
This was a destination race for us. Cascade Locks is absolutely beautiful. Course runs through some gorgeous wooded areas. Shirt and medal were nice. Lunch was served at the finish … MORE
This was a destination race for us. Cascade Locks is absolutely beautiful. Course runs through some gorgeous wooded areas. Shirt and medal were nice. Lunch was served at the finish line. We booked a dinner cruise on the river. The scenery was amazing. On the way home we stopped and hiked at Multnomah Falls.
I highly recommend this race.
My Annual Race
This is my 4th year in a row running this race. It's my favorite race every year. The course is amazing with the bridge, trees, river & mountains. The production … MORE
This is my 4th year in a row running this race. It’s my favorite race every year. The course is amazing with the bridge, trees, river & mountains. The production is next to none with hats only $10, free food (real food, not snacks) & massages & a finisher medal. The course is tough with mostly down hill the 1st half & mostly uphill on the way back (be prepared). If you are every in the Portland Oregon area make sure to do this race!
Stunningly beautiful!
The race starts by crossing the bridge of the gods at Cascade Locks, OR. the bridge has an open grate deck, so you can see the Columbia River directly below … MORE
The race starts by crossing the bridge of the gods at Cascade Locks, OR. the bridge has an open grate deck, so you can see the Columbia River directly below you! after crossing, racers follow paved trails along the River and trees, till a turnaround at about Mile 7. I measured about 360 Meters of climb, so a challenge, but very runnable. There are plenty of aid stations along the route and even a few cheering groups were out.