Saturday, September 18, 2010

Mt. Helena Classic

Distance: 5.6 mi
http://vigilanterunning.org/mthelena/home.shtml
This race up Mt. Helena has been around since 1975 so it is definately a classic. I enjoyed it, but it is TOUGH. The race starts downtown, winds through a few neighborhoods to the Mt. Helena trailhead, then up the Prairie Trail, Backside Trail, and Hogback Trail to the summit of Mt. Helena. Then down the 1906 Trail to Mt. Helena trailhead, retrace your steps through the neighborhoods back to downtown. You will see some technical footing on the Backside and Hogback Trails and at the top of the 1906 Trail. The main challenge of this race is in the 1300 foot climb, but coming down the hard-packed 1906 Trail can also be a bit tough on the ol' knees. In 2008, the sponsorship of the local outdoor store was a nice addition.

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