Description
The McKenzie River Trail run is 31 miles on one of the prettiest trails in America. It traces a route along the beautiful McKenzie River, with two spectacular waterfalls, a lake so pristine it is called Clear Lake, lava flows, old growth forest, numerous log bridges and the aquamarine colored Tamolitch Pool where the the river flows from an underground lava tube. The race offers runners a technically challenging course with only moderate elevation gains and the inspiration of some of Oregon's most breathtaking scenery.
The 2025 race will be the 37th annual running of the McKenzie River Trail Run, making it Oregon's oldest continuous ultramarathon. Net proceeds from the race are used to support the McKenzie Bridge area non-profits. Our intent is to support local businesses and products as much as possible. Keep an eye out for local logos. The event is operated by McKenzie River Trail Run under a special use permit from the Willamette National Forest and is an equal opportunity provider.
Updates!
All race day details will be emailed to runners after registration closes.
Check our website (mrtr.org) for more details now and during the year. Additional updates will be posted to our website and Facebook during the year.
Swag
A hooded sweatshirt will be available at an additional cost (price TBD). Included in your registration (in addition to a catered and shuttled run along the McKenzie): Post-race lunch and drinks, pre-race coffee, bagels, and muffins, and a Finisher's prize bottle of specialty brewed, award winning, Alesong beer.
Course
The run begins at Carmen Reservoir off Hwy 126, just down river from Koosah Falls and Icecap campground. After a short gravel section, the course heads upriver on the Waterfalls Trail, crosses Hwy 126 and then goes around Clear Lake to the Santiam Wagon Road and the first aid station. From there it goes through Clear Lake resort, crosses back over Hwy 126 and takes a bridge to the far side of the river. It then follows the McKenzie River Trail 21 miles in the downriver direction to the finish line across from the McKenzie River Ranger Station.
We anticipate damage during the winter storms and we will work with the McKenzie River Ranger District to find a safe alternative course if necessary. The final course route will be announced as soon as possible in the week or two before the event.
Aid and Drop Bags
The race this year will again be CUPLESS! The aid stations and finish line will not have disposable cups for your use. Bring your own reusable cup/flask/bottle. If you forget your cup, we will have a limited quantity available for $2 cash at packet pick up and shuttle pick up.
Aid Stations: Aid Stations will be located every 4-6 miles and will offer water, electrolyte drink, gels and typical aid station food.
Drop bags: Runners can deposit drop bags at the shuttle pick up at the McKenzie Community Track on race morning for delivery to Aid 3 at mile 16.7.
Check our website for more details.
Cut Offs
Our intention is to have runners off the course by 3:00 PM. That allows 8 hours to finish the course (about 15:30 min/mile). Cutoffs will be enforced beginning at aid station #2 at approximately mile 11.5. Exact cutoff times and miles are posted on the website.
Entry
Entry fee for the 2025 race will be $100, and includes the shuttle to the start and from the finish. Registration opens at midnight on January 1st and closes at 11:59 pm on June 1st. Registration is first come first served, with a wait-list. Cancellations received before April 15th will receive a 50% refund. If you need to cancel due to a pregnancy or pregnancy related reason, please contact us at racedirector.mrtr@gmail.com.
If you would have qualified for an early registration, (you volunteered last year), you will receive an email with a link to register during the month of December. You will have until the end of the day (11:59 pm) December 31st to sign up, at which time we will open your spot to open registration. Registration is not transferable to another runner or another year.
More important stuff
Awards go to open male and female overall winner and top male and female in each age group. Age groups are 29 and under, 30-39,40-49, 50-59, and 60-69, and 70 and over. Open winners not eligible for age group awards; therefore there will not be an age group award for the age group that the open winner comes from.
The race start and finish are about 20 miles apart, and the finish is 15 miles from the McKenzie Community Track. The entry fee includes the shuttle from the McKenzie Community Track to the start as well as from the finish back to the Community Track. Watch our Facebook page and Website. If an event out of our control forces the cancellation or alteration of the event, we will notify you as soon as possible.
Any questions please email: racedirector.mrtr@gmail.com
Event's current local time: 8:34 PM PT
