Special Note for 2026:
Join us for year ten of Angry Owl Ultramarathons! We're excited to share this fun weekend with old friends and new. We moved home to Oregon in early 2017 after living in Santa Barbara, California for a few years and falling in love with trail and ultrarunning. Bush Park has been a hub for local runners for generations, but no ultras were being contested in Salem. We decided to take a chance and change that. A few timed events were happening in the Pacific Northwest, but they weren't as common then. Many folks gave us confused looks when we explained the format of our upcoming race and thought it was crazy. We went through with it anyway and hoped that somebody else would think that this is a cool idea.
Through the years of hosting Angry Owl we've put hats on heads of runners across the country, we've seen some incredible performances, and we've made great friends. This weekend is a focal point for our family's summer and we have no intent of stopping. Our kids don't know a life without an Angry Owl weekend in August. We still get that same confused look when people ask us about our event, but now we know that lots of really cool runners think that this is a cool idea. These people make the event what it is. Come hang out with us and meet some really cool runners.
Introduction
Returning Runners: Welcome back! A few things have changed this year. The route and start times are a bit different. Please read through.
First Timers: Welcome! Angry Owl is a fun little race that my wife and I dreamt up and brought to our hometown of Salem, Oregon. It's a low-key, no-frills timed run where we get to focus on getting to know runners and supporting them however we can a mile at a time. Some folks target our race to reach new distances, some use the event as a well-supported training run, and others just come for the party. Whatever your motivation, we encourage you to be prepared to run far, have fun, and leave the course with some new friends.
Most of the details are below. Our website has the complete info. You can always shoot me an email if you have any questions that you aren't finding answers to. Angryowlrunning@gmail.com
Description
WHEN: Saturday and Sunday, August 8-9 2026
Saturday:
Check-In 6:00-6:30AM - Check In for all runners starting at 7:00AM
6:45AM - 7ish minute briefing by the check in tent
7:00AM - 24-Hour Run begins, 12-Hour Run group 1* begins, 6-Hour Run group 1* begins (one mass start.)
4:00PM - 6 Hour Run group 2* begins
7:00PM - 12 Hour Run group 2* begins
7:00AM Sunday, August 9 - All events conclude
*Runners will select which group they wish to start in the week prior to the race. We understand that a lot can change between registration and race day.
WHERE: Bush's Pasture Park, Salem, Oregon.
We will be on the southeast end of the park by the Phillips Softball Field off of Leffelle St SE and Yew St SE.
This address will get you to the parking lot: 1050 Leffelle St SE, Salem, OR 97302.
COURSE: The City of Salem will no longer permit us to use the loop that we used from 2017-2025. We will still headquarter in the same corner of the park, and we have crafted a new loop that is pretty similar to the previous one. The new loop measures 1.05 miles and has a combination of hard packed dirt, well-maintained non-technical trail, packed gravel, and some asphalt. The new length means that runners now get a "free" mile every 20 loops. See the Strava map on the event page on our website.
Timed runners will be repeating this loop as many times as you're able to in your chosen amount of time.
TIMING: Race will be chipped timed by the expert timers at Race Northwest.
AID STATION: We will have a single aid station near the Start/Finish area stocked with water, electrolyte drink, fruits, salty snacks, sweet snacks, and some other goodies. You are welcome to leave some of your own foods near the finish line for easy access as you're running. Please bring your own bottle(s) and/or cup(s). They can be kept at the aid station if you'd like.
RUNNERS SETTING UP CAMP: Our start/finish location is right next to a small parking lot, so your vehicle will be accessible during the race. Runners are welcome to bring their camp chairs and coolers to the event and set them up near the start/finish area as long as they are not impeding the runners or other park-goers. Do be aware that this is public park, and that event organizers and volunteers will not be watching your belongings or be liable for anything that is lost, broken, or stolen. Runners and crew may not camp at the park on Friday night before the race.
SPECTATORS: The park is open to the public during our event, and spectators are more than welcome to come out and support. Family and friends may join runners for a lap or two throughout the event, but please do not plan on running all day with your spectator.
Swag
CAPS: Each participant will receive a cap designed and made by Josh and Emily.
MEDALS: None will be available.
AWARDS: We'll aim to have some sort of goodies from Salem businesses for our top finishers.
Event's current local time: 8:12 AM PT
