Overview
Are you looking to run your first trail race? Are you a seasoned trail runner looking for an event that gives back to the local community? Does it sound dreamy to actually RUN for an entire trail race and just, you know, let ‘er rip? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, the Rim Ripper is the event for you!
The Rim Ripper offers three distances - half marathon, 11K, and 7K – and is the perfect race for trail veterans looking to set a new PR and for newcomers who want to dip their toes into the trail running scene.
This event is hosted by Run Oregon, a Weston company whose mission is to promote opportunities in the communities around the base of the Blue Mountains to maintain an active lifestyle through organized running and walking events.
What’s Different From the 2023 Rim Ripper?
A LOT. First, the event has been transferred from Valley Velocity Racing to Run Oregon! Secondly, we’ve adjusted the distances: there is no 50K this year, the 25K event has transitioned to a half marathon, and we added 11K (6.8 mi.) and 7K (4.5 mi.) distances! With these adjustments, we’ve created a trail race that works for all ages and levels of experience, so bring the whole family!
The Course
The Rim Ripper course consists of almost all flowy Umatilla Rim Trail single track with only a short section of forest service access road. When not darting through a luscious forest, you’ll enjoy stunning vistas of the North Fork Umatilla Wilderness with plenty of selfie photo opportunities along the way.
Each course – half marathon (13.1 miles), 11K (6.8 miles), and 7K (4.5 miles) – will be marked with unique, colored flagging tape at all major trail intersections and will include occasional confidence markers. Runners are, however, responsible for navigating the course and staying on the trail. It is recommended that you study the course map prior to the race.
The course will not be closed to the public. There may be other trail users, including mountain bikers or horses. There is also a short section of paved forest development road on which motor vehicles may be present. Runners are expected to yield to other trail users and exercise caution when on the roadway.
Start Times:
• Half Marathon Start: 8:00 am
• 11K Start: 8:30 am
• 7K Start: 8:45 am
Half marathon (13.1 mile) route: Most of this race is on single track trail along the Umatilla Rim. The later portion of the route is on forest access roads (combination of pavement and gravel) that bring you into the finish line. The half marathon has a total of 1,512 ft of elevation gain along the course.
11K (6.8 mile) route: A portion of this “Long 10K” route is single track trail along the Umatilla Rim, finishing on gravel forest service access roads that bring you to the finish line.
7K (4.5 mile) route: Longer than a 5K but not quite a 10K, this distance is perfect for trail newbies. The 7K race starts on single track trail along the Umatilla Rim then finishes on forest service gravel roads that bring you to the finish line. The 7K has a total of 423 ft. of elevation gain along the course.
Spectators and crew are welcome at the Start/Finish line and any aid station, but we ask that spectators stay off the course as much as possible.
Pacers and pets are not allowed on the course.
Aid Stations
Half marathon: Two aid stations on the course with water and electrolytes.
11K: One aid station on the course with water and electrolytes.
7K: One aid station on the course with water and electrolytes.
All Distances: There will also be an aid station at the start/finish line for runners in all distances to quench your thirst and fuel up following your run. Note: This is a cup-less course! Runners will be expected to carry a drinking vessel. We highly recommend you take at least 12 oz. of water with you out onto the trail. For runners who forget a bottle, there will be handful of reusable bottles available for purchase at the start line (cash only).
Start/Finish Line
The Start/Finish line is located at Horseshoe Prairie, just off Oregon Highway 204. There will be portable toilets and finish line snacks.
Parking is available across the highway in the Andes Prairie Snopark. There will be a place to stage your bags at the Start/Finish while you run your course distance, but we will not have a formal check-in/check-out process for bags, and they will not be secured during the event.
Bib Pickup
Race check-in and bib pickup will occur the morning of the event, starting at 7:00 am.
Course Cutoff
There will be a noon cutoff for the event.
When Do I Need to Register?
The UltraSignup system will accept registrations until the Wednesday prior to the event. We will also accept race day registrations for all distances. To ensure we have enough swag, we encourage entrants to register online. For event day of registration, there will be an additional $10 added to the entry fee per entrant.
Lodging
Lodging is available in the nearest towns of Walla Walla, WA (45 miles), La Grande, OR (35 miles), and Pendleton, OR (49 miles). Each of these neighboring towns offer their own unique vibe. Stay in Walla Walla to pair your run with amazing wine tasting, stay in La Grande or in Pendleton to pair your run with a tour of cowboy country. If you prefer not to stay in a hotel, there are also multiple campgrounds in the area.
Awards/Swag
All finishers will receive sweet event swag for competing. The top male and female finisher for each distance will also receive a custom award to commemorate their accomplishment. Run Oregon swag will also be available for purchase at the event. There is minimal cell service at the Start/Finish area, so bring cash with you for the finish line.
Local Beneficiary
Run Oregon gives back to local communities through event fundraisers. The Rim Ripper event beneficiary is the Athena-Weston School District Cross Country and Track & Field programs. A portion of the proceeds from this race will be donated to these programs that offer opportunities for students to develop healthy routines and lifestyles. If you would like to include an additional monetary donation with your registration, you can do so in the “Store” tab or during check out within this UltraSignup race site.
Cancellation Policy
There are no transfers to other runners, no exceptions. We understand there are many reasons why someone may need to cancel their race registration; however, due to the long-term nature of planning for events and the many pre-sunk costs upfront for the race organization, refunds will not be offered for any reason.
This event is a USATF sanctioned event.
** The Umatilla Rim Ripper is a permitted event administered by the Walla Walla Ranger District, Umatilla National Forest.
Event's current local time: 6:56 AM PT
