“The Mac” is one of the oldest ultrarunning races in Oregon. A true old school gem, it is run primarily in Oregon State University’s McDonald Forest with a short section run on Starker Forest’s “hobbit trails.” Come experience the smooth lovingly-maintained singletrack trails along with the “magic of the maze” …
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“The Mac” is one of the oldest ultrarunning races in Oregon. A true old school gem, it is run primarily in Oregon State University’s McDonald Forest with a short section run on Starker Forest’s “hobbit trails.” Come experience the smooth lovingly-maintained singletrack trails along with the “magic of the maze” where time passes but miles do not. The race boasts one of the sweetest finishes of any race, a pine needle cushioned downhill trail.
The Mac is a fundraiser for the Corvallis area high school cross-country running and ski teams. Single-track trails and logging roads in OSU’s McDonald Forest. Very challenging course with at least 6,800 feet of elevation gain and scenic views of the Cascades, coast range and Soap Creek Valley on a sunny day. Homemade vegan soup, a bluegrass band and a party at the finish.
The forest is in full bloom in early May; the dogwoods are glowing and the delicate calypso orchids dot the undergrowth.
Corvallis Area Trailrunners is the 501(c)(3) public charity that distributes all the race proceeds which support local middle and high school cross-country teams, the Corvallis Mountain Rescue Unit and the OSU Research Forest.
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A Gnarly and Grubby Trail Run
This race is held in the serene McDonald Forest which is located just north of Corvallis and is operated by Oregon State University College of Forestry. The trail was therefore … MORE
This race is held in the serene McDonald Forest which is located just north of Corvallis and is operated by Oregon State University College of Forestry. The trail was therefore well maintained. Not surprisingly, there were many student volunteers at this event.
Slow pokes like me had the option of a 7 am early start. The regular start time was 8 am. Because it was raining in Oregon leading up to race day, the course was quite muddy and slippery. This made the course, which has about 8,000 feet of elevation gain, even more challenging. The race directors were super nice and didn’t enforce the usual cutoff times, essentially giving all runners the extra time needed to complete the course.
And, free beers after the finish!