Welcome!
This is Siskiyou Out Back
Join us on July 12 and 13, 2025 high above the Rogue Valley for the 26th annual Siskiyou Out Back Trail Running Festival (The SOB!). Explore the Pacific Crest Trail, The Siskiyou Mountains, spectacular views of Mt Shasta and the Cascades, and some of the trails that make Ashland a premier Pacific Northwest trail running destination. The SOB is a non profit race with a strong local community vibe that also welcomes runners from all over the world who want to experience our little trail running mecca.
This year we are excited to continue the two day festival format with everything Ashland, camping, food, music, and a mix of super approachable distances and courses along with the more difficult (and very beautiful) 100k course. We are also excited about some tweaks to the 100k and 50k courses that we hope show off the best of the Siskiyous and the Ashland watershed while keeping with the roots of the SOB.
So, pick a distance and join us for two days of running, food, friends and music in a mountain playground with a vibrant, friendly, and welcoming running community!
100K Course Description
Explore the Pacific Crest Trail, The Siskiyou Mountains, and many of the trails that make Ashland a trail running mecca in one 100k run. Starting near the top of the Siskiyous at Mt Ashland Lodge you loop around the mountain to a steep descent into the Ashland Creek Watershed (yup! In the opposite direction from past years). There you will tour many of Ashlands most popular trails before a long climb back into the high country and the ridge that connects Wagner Butte to the Siskiyou Crest. From there you will take the primitive and beautiful Split Rock trail to the PCT and run the last 25 miles of the 50K course - the classic ‘out and back’ along the Siskiyou Crest with its spectacular views of Mt Shasta and the Cascades. The race ends with a final climb to the top of Mt Ashland, almost 360 degree views, and a steep descent to the finish line back at the Lodge.
50K Course Description
Our original race, one that has started many runners on their journey running ultra marathons. Combining buttery trail, beautiful ridgetop views of 3+ mountain ranges and the tallest peaks in the area, world class aid stations, and a local community vibe, there is a reason the 50k has anchored SOB for over 20 years. Just like our name says, this is an out-and-back along the Pacific Crest Trail with a tiny bit of gravel road running thrown in to help separate runners and prevent most of the two way traffic. For 2025 we are adding even ‘more of the Siskiyous’ with more views and a little more climbing by finishing the race with a run to the top of Mt Ashland and a quick descent into the finish area. If you have been considering trying an ultra, this is the one!
15K Course Description
From the start at Mt. Ashland Ski parking lot the runners will be on Forest Service road for approximately a mile until reaching the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Once on the PCT you'll stay on it, running 2 miles until the first aid station at Grouse Gap. From Grouse Gap the trail becomes a bit steep, but you're only two miles to the turn around at Willamette Meridian. While water will be available at the turn around, the road beckons-- stay on it until you're back at Grouse Gap. From the Grouse Gap aid station, jump on the PCT and return the 3 miles you came to the finish. We'll be waiting for you!
8K Course Description
From the start at Mt. Ashland Ski parking lot the runners will head out on Forest Service Road 20 for a bit over a mile reaching the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) at Grouse Gap. At Grouse Gap a water station awaits, directing you to the PCT, where you will be heading back to Mt Ashland. Follow the signs directing you back, up a slight hill to the parking lot, We'll be waiting for you at the finish line!
Event's current local time: 3:42 AM PT
