Even though I didn't train for this race very well, I still had a great time running this mostly downhill trail. It had some stunning views and I was so … MORE
Even though I didn’t train for this race very well, I still had a great time running this mostly downhill trail. It had some stunning views and I was so impressed with how well-coordinated the whole race was. There was one section nearing the end that was more difficult, as it was in the sun and the trail was rockier, but overall this was a fun race that I’m excited to run next year!
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Beautiful and downhill course!
Even though I didn't train for this race very well, I still had a great time running this mostly downhill trail. It had some stunning views and I was so … MORE
Even though I didn’t train for this race very well, I still had a great time running this mostly downhill trail. It had some stunning views and I was so impressed with how well-coordinated the whole race was. There was one section nearing the end that was more difficult, as it was in the sun and the trail was rockier, but overall this was a fun race that I’m excited to run next year!
Quite a scenic run
Great starter race to test out a Half (was my first Half in a longer while). The trail mostly goes along a former railway corridor, with most of it in … MORE
Great starter race to test out a Half (was my first Half in a longer while).
The trail mostly goes along a former railway corridor, with most of it in forested sections until it goes into an “urban” section within North Bend itself.
Its a one way race and mostly downhill, though the elevation drop is so gentle as not being really that relevant. The participants are brought to the starting line, near a state park and there are a lot of participants apparently (>1000).
Worth doing again.
Beautiful and downhill but OH MY QUADS!
The race was great—very well organized, well spaced and stocked aid stations, and a great finish line. The finish line had food, hydration, massages, and REI, who made custom sunglasses … MORE
The race was great—very well organized, well spaced and stocked aid stations, and a great finish line. The finish line had food, hydration, massages, and REI, who made custom sunglasses for runners for FREE. The downhill accent is rough on the legs the next day so be prepared!
Beautiful downhill half!
Amazing scenery and first 9 miles all downhill. The last 4 get flat, hot, and dusty. Great shuttle system to the start and festival after! Loved the professional pictures and … MORE
Amazing scenery and first 9 miles all downhill. The last 4 get flat, hot, and dusty. Great shuttle system to the start and festival after! Loved the professional pictures and beer garden post race.
Scenic, flat & beautiful
Supportive volunteers, dope swag, and even cooler vendors! The views and shade made this a really smooth course. It gave all the PNW vibes. Crossing the finish line was by … MORE
Supportive volunteers, dope swag, and even cooler vendors! The views and shade made this a really smooth course. It gave all the PNW vibes.
Crossing the finish line was by far the best part of the event. Not because I managed to get to the end, but because of the overall vibe. Some finish lines feel lack luster. This finish line made you feel on top of the world.
10/10 would recommend
Flat/downhill course!
I ran this race for the first time, and every bit was perfect. 1. It is a flat/downhill course from start to finish, and in fact, the first half is … MORE
I ran this race for the first time, and every bit was perfect.
1. It is a flat/downhill course from start to finish, and in fact, the first half is noticeably downhill (but not too extreme). I definitely shaved some time in the beginning. If you want to set a PR, I highly recommend this race.
2. Very organized event: From the race email to the day-of, this event was very organized. Plenty of parking, frequent shuttles, aid stations, etc. It was very smooth.
3. Swags: I love that they mostly gave out food and nothing I’d have to throw away or donate. It was plenty yet minimal.
I’m definitely running this race again next year!
Gorgeous easy run
End of August running this course is an absolute dream. The last few miles are flat and indescript, but everything prior is easy sloped and simply stunning. MORE
End of August running this course is an absolute dream. The last few miles are flat and indescript, but everything prior is easy sloped and simply stunning.
Fun race for my first competitive half
The race is about 2/3rds downhill, not a steep grade, it’s pleasant most of the time. It’s a bit of a rocky trail, but no large rocks. The first sections … MORE
The race is about 2/3rds downhill, not a steep grade, it’s pleasant most of the time. It’s a bit of a rocky trail, but no large rocks. The first sections of the race through the woods are very pretty and it’s serene and relaxing. The starting waves are a bit disorderly so you might have to dodge and weave out of the gate if you’re a faster runner.
Overall this is a fun race and I recommend it, probably good for beginners too, like me.
Beautiful trail
Good for first timers. Well organized race out in the country away from the-hustle and bustle. Flat course starting off as a steady and gentle down hill gravel path. Beautiful … MORE
Good for first timers. Well organized race out in the country away from the-hustle and bustle. Flat course starting off as a steady and gentle down hill gravel path. Beautiful location winding through Cascade mountains, greenery, river, streams & bridges.
Beautiful Half Marathon!
I'm a Pacific Northwest Local, and I would have to say that I was really impressed with how professional this race company is. Orca Racing was so good, they actually … MORE
I’m a Pacific Northwest Local, and I would have to say that I was really impressed with how professional this race company is. Orca Racing was so good, they actually had police directing traffic, beautiful finisher medal and t-shirt, and the prettiest half marathon I had an opportunity to explore. I would definitely sign up for Orca Racing events in the future.
LOVE this race!!!
Overall production is amazing, scenery is great, medal is always beautiful! The race is a gradual downhill but the last couple miles is more flat, which is always a tough … MORE
Overall production is amazing, scenery is great, medal is always beautiful! The race is a gradual downhill but the last couple miles is more flat, which is always a tough adjustment on the legs. As tough as the last little bit is, I still really love this race. Highly recommend this race!
Great first-time experience!
This was my first Half-Marathon ever. A friend recommended me this gentle downhill in the forest run! Everything went smooth - parked at the finish, shuttles we're on schedule, a … MORE
This was my first Half-Marathon ever. A friend recommended me this gentle downhill in the forest run! Everything went smooth – parked at the finish, shuttles we’re on schedule, a lot of water stations and friendly stuff! Wide trail, smooth and steady surface, no hills! Just the best run I could imagine! 🙂
Loved it, and was frustrated
Race was gorgeous. People were lovely. As a first time 1/2 marathoner I was nervous and excited. The mile markers were all half a mile off according to my garmin. … MORE
Race was gorgeous. People were lovely.
As a first time 1/2 marathoner I was nervous and excited. The mile markers were all half a mile off according to my garmin. I thought maybe it was my watch, but at least 10 other people had similar results after talking with people. That was frustrating to run a little over half a mile more than 13.1 miles.
Great!
Good race. Make sure to tighten your shoes so you don’t beat up your toes on the way down! But love Orca and their races! Maybe one change would be … MORE
Good race. Make sure to tighten your shoes so you don’t beat up your toes on the way down! But love Orca and their races! Maybe one change would be start a bit higher if possible. The flats in the sun at the ends were a little hot/brutal. But great overall!
Awesome scenic downhill race!
It's a nice trail - packed dirt, 90% downhill at a gentle grade, with decent course support. Beautiful scenery! I can see why this is a fan-favorite, esp with PR … MORE
It’s a nice trail – packed dirt, 90% downhill at a gentle grade, with decent course support. Beautiful scenery! I can see why this is a fan-favorite, esp with PR potential! Free photos and a unique handmade medal!
Great Half Marathon to PR
Very beautiful course that is mostly downhill! A great course to PR on. The Orca Staff were incredible! I’ve never been to a more organized and smooth flowing race. They … MORE
Very beautiful course that is mostly downhill! A great course to PR on. The Orca Staff were incredible! I’ve never been to a more organized and smooth flowing race. They coordinated the start line drop off perfectly.
Awesome!
My first time running the course and I absolutely loved it! There is a slight decline for the first 10 miles and the last 3 miles flatten out so it … MORE
My first time running the course and I absolutely loved it! There is a slight decline for the first 10 miles and the last 3 miles flatten out so it makes for a fast course. Great scenery and a perfect trail for running, not too hard and not too soft but just right. My fastest Half Marathon time yet, great course! Great production, the race organizers did a wonderful job, I really have enjoyed all my Orca Running events this year they are the best! Awesome swag the IHH hand crafted wood “medal” is awesome but even better I also ran Craft Classic Half along with the Iron Horse Half to earn the coveted Golden Spike Medal! My favorite medal so far it’s awesome! Over all I feel like I’m improving as a runner from each event I run and I look forward to the next! Orca Running is the best and I look forward to running many more events they put together.
Fun and scenic race
This was a great race! Plenty of portable restrooms at the shuttle area and at the start. Shuttles were convenient and timely. The short uphill walk from shuttle drop off … MORE
This was a great race! Plenty of portable restrooms at the shuttle area and at the start. Shuttles were convenient and timely. The short uphill walk from shuttle drop off to the start was a good warm up for the legs. The trail is packed gravel, surrounded by trees, very scenic and peaceful. Gradual downhill until you reach the last 3 miles, where it flattens out. Lots of energy at the finish, great beer, pretty handmade wooden medal. The shirt is super soft and I like the design and fit, however, I was disappointed it only said “Iron Horse” and was missing the “half marathon” wording. Overall, a wonderful and well-organized race.
Great race.
Starts off downhill so you feel great! Finally the first mile wasn’t so bad. I appreciated that don’t use cups. No garbage all over tue place on this beautiful trail. … MORE
Starts off downhill so you feel great! Finally the first mile wasn’t so bad. I appreciated that don’t use cups. No garbage all over tue place on this beautiful trail.
Beautiful, downhill course
The course is beautiful and we lucked out with perfect PNW weather, cloudy, cool with threatening rain. The medal was beautiful, all hand made. The downhill course was so fun … MORE
The course is beautiful and we lucked out with perfect PNW weather, cloudy, cool with threatening rain. The medal was beautiful, all hand made. The downhill course was so fun to cruise down, though the course flattens out the last ~3 miles. Still flat but feels harder after 10 miles of downhill, so make sure you leave plenty of gas in the tank for the end. The shuttle was smooth, and pre/post race festivities were excellent.