Peterson Ridge Rumble

Distances: 20 mile, 40 mile
http://www.petersonridgerumble.com/
As with the Homestake Pass 5-miler, a modest cash prize brings out all the competition, which in Oregon is substantial. The fact that it's also fairly flat means times are fast. The course is on a combination of single track and dirt roads. Sisters packs an extensive trail network into a small space so there are more intersecting trails and roads than can be adequately staffed by volunteers, and there are usually minor course changes from year to year. So, although the course was well flagged, it is really easy for an attention lapse to result in some bonus mileage. After racing the 40 mi in 2012, the one improvement I would recommend is to add a few signs indicating mileages. Maybe even just at the aid stations? All in all it was a well-organized race with well stocked aid stations, a scenic course, and a great supportive atmosphere for racers and supporters. The post-race burrito bar provided tasty options for all sorts of diets. Dogs are allowed in the 20 mile, which is an unusual addition for a longer race.

Hagg Lake Mud Run

Distances: 50k, 25k

http://www.haggmud.com/

This race is all about the mud, so times can vary greatly from year to year. I've done it twice now, 2011 and 2012, both were, I think, considered 'fast' years but that mostly meant that conditions tended more toward the slick than the boggy. I'd recommend screw shoes for maximum traction if it weren't for the 1/2 mi of pavement as you cross the dam. The 25k is a short out-and-back followed by one lap on the single track around Hagg Lake. The 50k is a slightly longer out-and-back and 2 laps around Hagg Lake. The terrain is mostly rolling with the longest hill of at the start of the race on the out-and-back. This is a fantastic course for spectators because the trail comes up to the road 4-5 times on each lap. The 50k is run on Saturday with the 25k on Sunday. Post race burgers and grilled cheese were provided but even if it's sunny, Feb is cold for hanging out and nobody finishes dry, so most runners disperse an hour or 2 after they finish. There are a series of training runs in the months leading up the the event and the RD tries to give small benefits, like better parking spots, to the folks who attend them. The training events start very punctually, sometimes even a little early, so make sure you arrive on time! (I know one person who had to play catch up because he was in the porta-potty for the start of the 2012 race.)

Monument Peak 15k

Distance: 15k

http://www.runwildadventures.com/index.php?p=1_22_Monument-Peak-15K-Trail-Run

The course was on some fantastic trails east of Salem that seemed to be little used by runners, but are probably well-known to horsemen in the area. The race was staged out of a campground that hasn't yet opened for the year so racers had the place to themselves. It was mostly single track with some short stretches of dirt road. Theoretically, I think a spectator could drive around to see runners on one of the dirt roads, but the roads may still be closed for the season and I never saw anyone cheering. Hills on this course were different in that the climbs and descents weren't terribly consistent; for example, the 4 miles of climb in the middle of the race didn't have a very consistent grade but instead was a mix of flat, gentle runnable climbs, and steeper switchbacks. In general you're faced with a mile or so of downhill, a flat-ish mile, 4 miles of climbing, and then downhill mostly to the finish. There's one aid station slightly before the top of the climb, but I was surprised not to top out on a summit, or even a ridge, rather the grade levels off more and more until you realize you've been headed downhill for a while now. Race directors opted for cheaper entry and no t-shirts, which appealed to me as a veteran racer with a few to many t-shirts. I also liked that winners got small prizes (pizza & coffee gift certs.) while the big prizes (free shoes) were given away in a random drawing. I do think, however, the race director should tone down the Max King love fest. (Max King kicks ass, it was great to see him at a little race like this, but winning this was hardly a challenge for him.) It would make this a much more competitive race by changing the '$100 to Max King if he wins, or anyone who beats him' to a more standard '$50 each to men's and women's winners.'

Portland Marathon

Distances: marathon, half-marathon

http://www.portlandmarathon.org/

I did the marathon in 2010. The course was fairly flat with the exception the climb onto the bridge around mi 18. After the climb, I was looking forward to a downhill to get off the bridge on the other side, but there really wasn't one. The number of fans cheering at the start at 6 AM was impressive. There were also drummers playing near the start and I found it really hard to stay slow and on pace when I heard them. They don't provide water in the starting area, so I'd recommend bringing your own in a disposable bottle. I was kind of surprised they gave us a participant shirt and medal, as well as a finisher's shirt and medal. I wouldn't mind just finishers shirts/medals. (What am I supposed to do with a participant medal?) It was well organized with one glaring exception- the drop bag pick up. I waited nearly an hour in the rain to get my warm clothes. At the start there were several trucks for drop bags, but it seemed like everyone dumped their bag in the 1st one- making finding any specific bag nearly impossible. Unless they do a better job of controlling who drops off their bag where, choose the truck for the back-of-the-pack folks. If you want to do the half-marathon, it fills quickly, so register early.

Columbia River Power Marathon

Distances: marathon, half-marathon
http://www.columbiarivermarathon.com/
2008 was the 1st running of this race. The course crosses McNary Dam and runs a 5 mile loop in Washington, crosses back across the columbia via the I-82 bridge footpath and then the remainder is one big loop on the Oregon side. It is all paved except a five mile section on the Oregon side along the river. The unpaved part is old dirt road with small and large rocks and a lot of sand, which is sometimes hard to run on. Once back on pavement, heading back to town, you run on the right side of the road along mostly narrow shoulders (that is with oncoming traffic at your back). To increase safety, I suggested that they reverse the loop on the Oregon side, so runners can see the oncoming traffic. Great aid stations. Very well done for a first time event.
****reviewed by a guest reviewer****